External validation of nomograms including MRI features for the prediction of side-specific extraprostatic extension.

BACKGROUND: Prediction of side-specific extraprostatic extension (EPE) is crucial in selecting patients for nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (RP). Multiple nomograms, which include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) information, are available predict side-specific EPE. It is crucial that the accuracy of these nomograms is assessed with external validation to ensure they can be used in clinical practice to support medical decision-making. METHODS: Data of prostate cancer (PCa) patients that underwent robot-assisted RP (RARP) from 2017 to 2021 at four European tertiary referral centers were collected retrospectively. Four previously developed nomograms for the prediction of side-specific EPE were identified and externally validated. Discrimination (area under the curve [AUC]), calibration and net benefit of four nomograms were assessed. To assess the strongest predictor among the MRI features included in all nomograms, we evaluated their association with side-specific EPE using multivariate regression analysis and Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). RESULTS: This study involved 773 patients with a total of 1546 prostate lobes. EPE was found in 338 (22%) lobes. The AUCs of the models predicting EPE ranged from 72.2% (95% CI 69.1-72.3%) (Wibmer) to 75.5% (95% CI 72.5-78.5%) (Nyarangi-Dix). The nomogram with the highest AUC varied across the cohorts. The Soeterik, Nyarangi-Dix, and Martini nomograms demonstrated fair to good calibration for clinically most relevant thresholds between 5 and 30%. In contrast, the Wibmer nomogram showed substantial overestimation of EPE risk for thresholds above 25%. The Nyarangi-Dix nomogram demonstrated a higher net benefit for risk thresholds between 20 and 30% when compared to the other three nomograms. Of all MRI features, the European Society of Urogenital Radiology score and tumor capsule contact length showed the highest AUCs and lowest AIC. CONCLUSION: The Nyarangi-Dix, Martini and Soeterik nomograms resulted in accurate EPE prediction and are therefore suitable to support medical decision-making.

Early detection of prostate cancer relapse by biochemistry and diagnostic imaging.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignancy in men associated with an increase in the incidence rate. Radical prostatectomy (RP) or external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) represents the most employed treatments for the local control of disease. However, 10-50% of patients who experienced a recurrence of disease after primary treatments can benefit from salvage or palliative therapies. To date, prostate specific antigen (PSA) is usually used in clinical practice to monitor the status of disease and to early detect the recurrence of PCa. Nevertheless, PSA cannot discriminate the presence of local vs. distant metastatic disease. Circulating tumor cells are considered as a sign of disease widespread, but their correlation with metastatic PCa and local recurrence of disease is still indeterminate. Digital rectal exploration and transrectal ultrasonography are considered the first clinical and diagnostic approach to identify the local recurrence of PCa, but are associated with a low detection rate and low diagnostic accuracies. Conversely, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has gained a great importance in this setting of disease, being able to determine the presence of local recurrence with high sensitivity, also in the presence of low serum PSA levels. Lastly, the introduction of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) with radiolabeled choline agents let to improve the management of patients with early recurrence of disease, although its accuracy is linked to the PSA and PSA dynamic values. New radiopharmaceutical agents, like 68Ga-PSMA or 18F-FACBC and others could improve the diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT, but the data is still preliminary. In the present review we will discuss both clinical and diagnostic instrumentations, actually available in clinical practice, able to early identify the presence of recurrent PCa and to differentiate between local and distant relapse of tumor.

EAU guidelines on prostate cancer. part 1: screening, diagnosis, and local treatment with curative intent-update 2013.

CONTEXT: The most recent summary of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on prostate cancer (PCa) was published in 2011. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2013 version of the EAU guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and local treatment with curative intent of clinically organ-confined PCa. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A literature review of the new data emerging from 2011 to 2013 has been performed by the EAU PCa guideline group. The guidelines have been updated, and levels of evidence and grades of recommendation have been added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A full version of the guidelines is available at the EAU office or online (www.uroweb.org). Current evidence is insufficient to warrant widespread population-based screening by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for PCa. Systematic prostate biopsies under ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia are the preferred diagnostic method. Active surveillance represents a viable option in men with low-risk PCa and a long life expectancy. A biopsy progression indicates the need for active intervention, whereas the role of PSA doubling time is controversial. In men with locally advanced PCa for whom local therapy is not mandatory, watchful waiting (WW) is a treatment alternative to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT), with equivalent oncologic efficacy. Active treatment is recommended mostly for patients with localized disease and a long life expectancy, with radical prostatectomy (RP) shown to be superior to WW in prospective randomized trials. Nerve-sparing RP is the approach of choice in organ-confined disease, while neoadjuvant ADT provides no improvement in outcome variables. Radiation therapy should be performed with ≥ 74 Gy in low-risk PCa and 78 Gy in intermediate- or high-risk PCa. For locally advanced disease, adjuvant ADT for 3 yr results in superior rates for disease-specific and overall survival and is the treatment of choice. Follow-up after local therapy is largely based on PSA and a disease-specific history, with imaging indicated only when symptoms occur. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge in the field of PCa is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarize the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice. PATIENT SUMMARY: A summary is presented of the 2013 EAU guidelines on screening, diagnosis, and local treatment with curative intent of clinically organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). Screening continues to be done on an individual basis, in consultation with a physician. Diagnosis is by prostate biopsy. Active surveillance is an option in low-risk PCa and watchful waiting is an alternative to androgen-deprivation therapy in locally advanced PCa not requiring immediate local treatment. Radical prostatectomy is the only surgical option. Radiation therapy can be external or delivered by way of prostate implants. Treatment follow-up is based on the PSA level.

Specific learning curve for port placement and docking of da Vinci(®) Surgical System: one surgeon's experience in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.

Port placement and docking of the da Vinci(®) Surgical System is fundamental in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The aim of our study was to investigate learning curves for port placement and docking of robots (PPDR) in RALP. This manuscript is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data looking at PPDR in 526 patients who underwent RALP in our institute from April 2005 to May 2010. Data included patient-factor features such as body mass index (BMI), and pre-, intra- and post-operative data. Intra-operative information included operation time, subdivided into anesthesia, PPDR and console times. 526 patients underwent RALP, but only those in whom PPDR was performed by the same surgeon without laparoscopic and robotic experience (F.D.M.) were studied, totalling 257 cases. The PPDR phase revealed an evident learning curve, comparable with other robotic phases. Efficiency improved until approximately the 60th case (P < 0.001), due more to effective port placement than to docking of robotic arms. In our experience, conversion to open surgery is so rare that statistical evaluation is not significant. Conversion due to robotic device failure is also very rare. This study on da Vinci procedures in RALP revealed a learning curve during PPDR and throughout the robotic-assisted procedure, reaching a plateau after 60 cases.

Guía de la EAU sobre el cáncer de próstata. Parte II: tratamiento del cáncer de próstata avanzado, recidivante y resistente a la castración / EAU Guidelines on Prostate Cancer. Part II: Treatment of Advanced, Relapsing, and Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Objetivos: Nuestro objetivo es presentar un resumen de la guía de 2010 de la Asociación Europea de Urología (EAU) respecto al tratamiento del cáncer de próstata avanzado, recidivante y resistente a la castración (CPRC). Métodos: El grupo de trabajo hizo una revisión de la literatura en relación con los nuevos datos que habían surgido entre 2007 y 2010. Se actualizó la guía y se añadieron niveles de evidencia y/o grados de recomendación al texto, basándonos en una revisión sistemática de la literatura, lo que incluyó una búsqueda de bases de datos en línea y revisiones bibliográficas. Resultados: Los agonistas de la hormona liberadora de gonadotropina (LHRH) constituyen el tratamiento estándar en cáncer de próstata (CP) metastático. Aunque los agonistas de la LHRH reducen la testosterona sin que se den picos en la testosterona, sus ventajas clínicas aún están por determinar. El bloqueo androgénico total proporciona una pequeña ventaja en la supervivencia de aproximadamente el 5%. La privación intermitente de andrógenos produce una eficacia oncológica equivalente a la conseguida con la terapia de privación androgénica continua (TPA) en poblaciones bien seleccionadas. En el CP metastático y localmente avanzado, la TPA temprana no produce una ventaja significativa en términos de supervivencia en comparación con la TPA tardía. La recidiva tras la terapia local está definida por valores del antígeno prostático específico (APE) > 0,2 ng/ml tras la prostatectomía radical (PR) y > 2 ng/ml por encima del nadir tras la radioterapia (RT). La terapia para la recidiva del APE tras PR incluye RT de rescate a niveles de APE < 0,5 ng/ml y PR de rescate o ablación crioquirúrgica de la próstata en caso de fracaso de la radiación. La resonancia magnética endorrectal y la tomografía axial computarizada/tomografía de emisión de positrones con 11C-colina son de poca relevancia si el APE es < 2,5 ng/ml; se pueden omitir la gammagrafía ósea y la TAC, excepto cuando el APE es > 20 ng/ml. El seguimiento tras la TPA debe incluir el cribado del síndrome metabólico y un análisis de los niveles de APE y de testosterona. El tratamiento del cáncer de próstata resistente a la castración (CPRC) incluye tratamiento hormonal de segunda línea, nuevos fármacos y quimioterapia con 75mg/m2 de docetaxel cada tres semanas. Es posible que en el futuro se pueda emplear cabazitaxel como tratamiento de segunda línea para recidiva tras docetaxel. Pueden utilizarse ácido zoledrónico y denusomab en hombres con CPRC y metástasis óseas, a fin de prevenir complicaciones relacionadas con el esqueleto. Conclusión: Está cambiando rápidamente lo que se sabe en el ámbito del CPRC avanzado y metastático. Esta guía de la EAU sobre CP resume los resultados más recientes y los sitúa en la práctica clínica (AU)

Objectives: Our aim is to present a summary of the 2010 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on the treatment of advanced, relapsing, and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Methods: The working panel performed a literature review of the new data emerging from 2007 to 2010. The guidelines were updated, and the levels of evidence (LEs) and/or grades of recommendation (GR) were added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. Results: Luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists are the standard of care in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Although LHRH antagonists decrease testosterone without any testosterone surge, their clinical benefit remains to be determined. Complete androgen blockade has a small survival benefit of about 5%. Intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) results in equivalent oncologic efficacy when compared with continuous androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in well-selected populations. In locally advanced and metastatic PCa, early ADT does not result in a significant survival advantage when compared with delayed ADT. Relapse after local therapy is defined by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values > 0.2 ng/ml following radical prostatectomy (RP) and > 2 ng/ml above the nadir after radiation therapy (RT). Therapy for PSA relapse after RP includes salvage RT at PSA levels < 0.5 ng/ml and salvage RP or cryosurgical ablation of the prostate in radiation failures. Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) are of limited importance if the PSA is < 2.5 ng/ml; bone scans and CT can be omitted unless PSA is >20 ng/ml. Follow-up after ADT should include screening for the metabolic syndrome and an analysis of PSA and testosterone levels. Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) includes second-line hormonal therapy, novel agents, and chemotherapy with docetaxel at 75mg/m2 every 3 wk. Cabazitaxel as a second-line therapy for relapse after docetaxel might become a future option. Zoledronic acid and denusomab can be used in men with CRPC and osseous metastases to prevent skeletal-related complications. Conclusion: The knowledge in the field of advanced, metastatic, and CRPC is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarise the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice. A full version is available at the EAU office or online at www.uroweb.org (AU)

Guía de la EAU sobre el cáncer de próstata. Parte I: cribado, diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer clínicamente localizado / EAU Guidelines on Prostate Cancer. P5art I: Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Clinically Localised Disease

Objetivo: Nuestro objetivo era presentar un resumen de la versión de 2010 de la guía de la Asociación Europea de Urología (EAU) para el cribado, diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer de próstata (CP) clínicamente localizado. Métodos: El grupo de trabajo realizó una revisión de los nuevos datos aparecidos desde 2007 hasta 2010 en la literatura. Las guías se actualizaron y el nivel de evidencia y grado de recomendación se incorporaron al texto basándose en una revisión sistemática de la literatura, que incluía una búsqueda en las bases de datos en línea y revisiones bibliográficas. Resultados: Existe una versión completa disponible en las oficinas o el sitio web de la EAU (www.uroweb.org). Los indicios actuales son insuficientes para garantizar un cribado extendido del conjunto de la población mediante el antígeno prostático específico (APE) para el CP. El método diagnóstico de elección es la biopsia sistematizada de la próstata bajo control ecográfico con anestesia local. El seguimiento activo representa una opción viable en varones con CP de bajo riesgo y una larga esperanza de vida. Un tiempo de duplicación del APE < 3 años, o una progresión en la biopsia, indicaría la necesidad de intervención activa. En varones con CP localmente avanzado en los que la terapia local no sea obligatoria, la espera en observación (watchful waiting [WW]) es un tratamiento alternativo a la terapia de bloqueo hormonal o de privación androgénica (TPA), con una eficacia oncológica equivalente. El tratamiento activo se recomienda en la mayoría de los pacientes con enfermedad localizada y una larga esperanza de vida, siendo la prostatectomía radical (PR) superior a la WW en un ensayo aleatorio prospectivo. La PR con conservación nerviosa es la técnica de elección en la enfermedad limitada al órgano; el bloqueo hormonal neoadyuvante no ha demostrado una mejoría en las variables de resultados. La radioterapia debe realizarse con al menos 74Gy en el CP de bajo riesgo y con 78Gy en el que presenta un riesgo intermedio/alto. Para casos en los que la enfermedad esté localmente avanzada la TPA adyuvante durante tres años logra tasas de supervivencia superiores a nivel general y específico de la enfermedad, y supone el tratamiento preferido. El seguimiento tras terapia local se basa principalmente en los niveles de APE, estando la anamnesis específica de la enfermedad con diagnóstico por imagen sólo indicada cuando aparecen los síntomas. Conclusiones: Lo que se conoce acerca del campo del CP está cambiando rápidamente. Esta guía de la EAU para el CP resume los hallazgos más recientes y los aplica a la práctica clínica (AU)

Objective: Our aim was to present a summary of the 2010 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically localised cancer of the prostate (PCa). Methods: The working panel performed a literature review of the new data emerging from 2007 to 2010. The guidelines were updated, and level of evidence and grade of recommendation were added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. Results: A full version is available at the EAU office or Web site (www.uroweb.org). Current evidence is insufficient to warrant widespread population-based screening by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for PCa. A systematic prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia is the preferred diagnostic method. Active surveillance represents a viable option in men with low-risk PCa and a long life expectancy. PSA doubling time in < 3 yr or a biopsy progression indicates the need for active intervention. In men with locally advanced PCa in whom local therapy is not mandatory, watchful waiting (WW) is a treatment alternative to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) with equivalent oncologic efficacy. Active treatment is mostly recommended for patients with localised disease and a long life expectancy with radical prostatectomy (RP) shown to be superior to WW in a prospective randomised trial. Nerve-sparing RP represents the approach of choice in organ-confined disease; neoadjuvant androgen deprivation demonstrates no improvement of outcome variables. Radiation therapy should be performed with at least 74Gy and 78Gy in low-risk and intermediate/high-risk PCa, respectively. For locally advanced disease, adjuvant ADT for 3 yr results in superior disease-specific and overall survival rates and represents the treatment of choice. Follow-up after local therapy is largely based on PSA, and a disease-specific history with imaging is indicated only when symptoms occur. Conclusions: The knowledge in the field of PCa is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarise the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice (AU)

[EAU guidelines on prostate cancer. Part I: screening, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically localised disease]. / Guía de la EAU sobre el cáncer de próstata. Parte I: cribado, diagnóstico y tratamiento del cáncer clínicamente localizado.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to present a summary of the 2010 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of clinically localised cancer of the prostate (PCa). METHODS: The working panel performed a literature review of the new data emerging from 2007 to 2010. The guidelines were updated, and level of evidence and grade of recommendation were added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. RESULTS: A full version is available at the EAU office or Web site (www.uroweb.org). Current evidence is insufficient to warrant widespread population-based screening by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for PCa. A systematic prostate biopsy under ultrasound guidance and local anaesthesia is the preferred diagnostic method. Active surveillance represents a viable option in men with low-risk PCa and a long life expectancy. PSA doubling time in < 3 yr or a biopsy progression indicates the need for active intervention. In men with locally advanced PCa in whom local therapy is not mandatory, watchful waiting (WW) is a treatment alternative to androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) with equivalent oncologic efficacy. Active treatment is mostly recommended for patients with localised disease and a long life expectancy with radical prostatectomy (RP) shown to be superior to WW in a prospective randomised trial. Nerve-sparing RP represents the approach of choice in organ-confined disease; neoadjuvant androgen deprivation demonstrates no improvement of outcome variables. Radiation therapy should be performed with at least 74Gy and 78Gy in low-risk and intermediate/high-risk PCa, respectively. For locally advanced disease, adjuvant ADT for 3 yr results in superior disease-specific and overall survival rates and represents the treatment of choice. Follow-up after local therapy is largely based on PSA, and a disease-specific history with imaging is indicated only when symptoms occur. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge in the field of PCa is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarise the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice.

[EAU guidelines on prostate cancer. Part II: treatment of advanced, relapsing, and castration-resistant prostate cancer]. / Guía de la EAU sobre el cáncer de próstata. Parte II: tratamiento del cáncer de próstata avanzado, recidivante y resistente a la castración.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to present a summary of the 2010 version of the European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on the treatment of advanced, relapsing, and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). METHODS: The working panel performed a literature review of the new data emerging from 2007 to 2010. The guidelines were updated, and the levels of evidence (LEs) and/or grades of recommendation (GR) were added to the text based on a systematic review of the literature, which included a search of online databases and bibliographic reviews. RESULTS: Luteinising hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists are the standard of care in metastatic prostate cancer (PCa). Although LHRH antagonists decrease testosterone without any testosterone surge, their clinical benefit remains to be determined. Complete androgen blockade has a small survival benefit of about 5%. Intermittent androgen deprivation (IAD) results in equivalent oncologic efficacy when compared with continuous androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in well-selected populations. In locally advanced and metastatic PCa, early ADT does not result in a significant survival advantage when compared with delayed ADT. Relapse after local therapy is defined by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) values > 0.2 ng/ml following radical prostatectomy (RP) and > 2 ng/ml above the nadir after radiation therapy (RT). Therapy for PSA relapse after RP includes salvage RT at PSA levels < 0.5 ng/ml and salvage RP or cryosurgical ablation of the prostate in radiation failures. Endorectal magnetic resonance imaging and 11C-choline positron emission tomography/computed tomography (CT) are of limited importance if the PSA is < 2.5 ng/ml; bone scans and CT can be omitted unless PSA is >20 ng/ml. Follow-up after ADT should include screening for the metabolic syndrome and an analysis of PSA and testosterone levels. Treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) includes second-line hormonal therapy, novel agents, and chemotherapy with docetaxel at 75 mg/m(2) every 3 wk. Cabazitaxel as a second-line therapy for relapse after docetaxel might become a future option. Zoledronic acid and denusomab can be used in men with CRPC and osseous metastases to prevent skeletal-related complications. CONCLUSION: The knowledge in the field of advanced, metastatic, and CRPC is rapidly changing. These EAU guidelines on PCa summarise the most recent findings and put them into clinical practice. A full version is available at the EAU office or online at www.uroweb.org.

[Using computed tomography to predict in vivo stone chemical composition].

OBJECTIVES. Several authors hypothesized the usefulness of the non-contrast helical computed tomography (NCHCT) with the determination of stone Hounsfield Unit (HU) values in order to predict urinary stone compositions. Preoperative knowledge of stone composition might be interesting in pre-operative decision-making process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible correlation between stone chemical composition and correspondent stone HU value in an in-vivo experience. METHODS. Forty patients with urinary stones were preoperatively studied with abdominal NCHCT, where stone HU values were reported. Stone chemical composition was obtained in each patient, using the colorimetric method. The HU value of each stone was compared with the correspondent chemical analysis. Results. The median HU values of calcium oxalate (n=10), mixed calcium oxalate and phosphate (n=19), calcium phosphate (n=2), uric acid (n=6) and mixed uric acid and calcium oxalate (n=3) stones were 1060 HU [interquartile range (IQR) 743.75-1222.5]; 900 HU (IQR 588.5-1108.5); 774 HU (range 720-828); 371 HU (IQR 361.25-436.25) and 532 HU (range 476-626), respectively. CONCLUSIONS. Our results confirmed a statistically significant difference of the HU values between calcium and pure uric acid calculi, suggesting a correlation between stone chemical composition and CT-density. Hounsfield unit.

Bulking agents: anesthesia techniques.

Bulking therapy for the minimally invasive treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) may be offered to women with urodynamic SUI, wishing to avoid the complications associated with more invasive surgery, on the basis of low operative morbidity and low longterm success rates. These bulking agents may be injected by a retrograde or antegrade technique in the periurethral tissue around the bladder neck and proximal urethra. This therapy is strongly dependent on the anesthetic technique of choice; moreover its application as an outpatient procedure implies the potential for a cost-effective treatment for selected patients with SUI. In the present paper all factors affecting the choice of different types of anesthetic techniques are discussed.

Proposal of an improved prognostic classification for pT3 renal cell carcinoma.

PURPOSE: The prognostic accuracy of the current TNM 2002 staging system for locally advanced renal cell carcinoma has been questioned. To contribute to the development of a more accurate classification for this stage of disease we assessed the correlation between patterns of invasion in the pT3 category and outcomes in a large multi-institutional series. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pathological data and clinical followup on 513 pT3 renal cell carcinoma cases treated with radical nephrectomy between 1983 and 2005 at 3 Italian academic centers were retrospectively reviewed. Cause specific survival rates were calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: Estimated overall 5-year cause specific survival was 50.1% at a median followup of 61.5 months in survivors. The current TNM classification was not a significant outcome prognosticator. Patients with a tumor invading only the perirenal or sinus fat were at lowest risk for death from the disease. Patients at intermediate risk had tumors with invasion of the venous system alone. Simultaneous perirenal fat and sinus fat invasion or perirenal fat and vascular invasion as well as adrenal gland involvement characterized high risk tumors. Low risk tumors could be further divided into 2 groups with different outcomes based on a size cutoff of 7 cm. Our classification was a significant predictor of survival on multivariate analysis as well as M stage, N stage, Fuhrman grade and tumor size. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that the prognostic usefulness of the current 2002 TNM system for pT3 renal cell carcinoma is limited. We have identified 4 groups of tumors with distinct patterns of invasion and significantly different survival probabilities in this category. Large prospective series are needed to validate these findings.

[Anatomy and nerve supply of the pelvic floor].

In order to guarantee urinary and fecal continence as well as correct pelvic statics, the perfect neuroanatomical integrity of the pelvic floor muscles is mandatory. As Dickinson stated: "There is no considerable muscle in the body whose form and function are more difficult to understand than those of the levator ani, and about which such nebulous impressions prevail". Clinical implications of pelvic floor anatomy and nerve supply are evident: a denervation of this muscle group and the consequent muscle dysfunction could result in urinary and/or fecal incontinence, as well as pelvic organ prolapse.

[Synchronous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)].

BACKGROUND. The management of bilateral renal stones still represents a therapeutic challenge and synchronous bilateral percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) appears to be a well tolerated, safe and relatively rapid procedure with a favorable cost-benefit ratio. The purpose of the present study is to report our experience in the synchronous percutaneous treatment of bilateral renal stones. METHODS. We retrospectively evaluated clinical files from 4 consecutive patients (BS, BE, OCB, FL), who underwent a synchronous bilateral PCNL, performed by the same operator (ZF), for the management of renal persistent and/or recurrent stones after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, or other surgical maneuvers. From each patient's file we recorded a clinical history, any peri- and post-operative complication, any therapeutic resolution employed and the outcomes in terms of stones persistence/recurrence. RESULTS. Overall, 3 men (BS, BE, FL) and 1 woman (OCB), their age ranging from 31 up to 76 years, consecutively underwent synchronous bilateral PCNL. In 75% of cases a calcium- oxalate nephrolithiasis was found. We did not find any peri- or post-operative complication. All patients were stone-free after a mean follow-up of 12 months (range: 3-24 months). CONCLUSIONS. Synchronous bilateral PCNL is a relatively safe procedure; it may be performed in selected patients without increasing the morbidity of this surgical maneuver. The simultaneous treatment of the contra-lateral kidney may be taken into account only when the PCNL of the first side has been performed quickly and easily without any peri-operative complication.

Periorbital emphysema after laparoscopic nephrectomy: case report and literature review.

A 40-year-old lady presented with marked swelling and inability to open her left eye immediately after laparoscopic nephrectomy for a left pyelonephritic kidney. A diagnosis of periorbital emphysema was made and within 7 days the emphysema spontaneously disappeared. Periorbital emphysema is a rare benign condition that may complicate a laparoscopic nephrectomy.

[Ureterorenoscopy with a flexible instrument].

Flexible ureterorenoscopy should be routinely used at the Urological Centers that deal with urinary stones. Flexible instruments should be used for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, allowing a safe exploration of the whole upper urinary tract. Thanks to their flexibility and to the active and passive deflection of their distal part, these instruments allowed to successfully treat several difficult situations, such as renal caliceal calculi in the lower calices or even in some middle/upper calices or in horseshoe kidneys. The therapeutic potential of this approach is enhanced by the large availability of ancillary instrumentation, such as baskets, grasps, holmium laser fibers, etc, which is continuously growing. On the other side, a steep learning curve of the technique is usually required for the surgeon. Furthermore, the intrinsic fragility of the instrument components and a potentially lower quality, when compared to that of the rigid and semi-rigid ureteroscopes, should be considered.

A four-year experience with Holmium-YAG laser:parameters of use.

In the last years, laser has gained increasingly high popularity in Endourology. The newer generation Ho-YAG lasers represent the most updated laser used in Urology, being able to successfully treat both urinary stones and soft tissue lesions. The aim of this work was to report a multicentre 4-year experience using the Ho-YAG laser in the treatment of stones and soft tissue lesions, in order to offer parameters and modalities of use in several different situations. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Two urological Centers were asked between 2002 and 2005 to use Coherent Versa Pulse 20 Ho-YAG laser source in the treatment of urinary stones in 212 patients, and urinary soft tissue lesions (urethra, ureter or bladder neck strictures or urinary tract tumors) in 56 patients. According to the various situations (either stone fragmentation or treatment of soft tissue lesions), pulse frequency and energy per impulse were differently dosed and set. RESULTS. The following parameters were identified as the starting points for the correct use of the Ho-YAG laser: a) lithotripsy with rigid endoscope: 365 µm fiber, 0.8 - 1.2 Joule (J) energy and 6-8 Hz frequency; 365 µm fiber, 0.8-1.2 J energy and 10-12 Hz frequency; 550 µm fiber, 1.0-1.5 J energy and 10-12 Hz frequency. b) lithotripsy with flexible endoscope: 270 µm fiber, 0.6-1.0 J energy and 6-10 Hz frequency. c) soft tissue resection in case of: c1) ureteral stricture, 365 µm fiber, 0.6 J energy and 14-16 Hz frequency; c2) urethral stricture, 365 µm fiber, 0.7 J energy and 16-18 Hz frequency; c3) upper urinary tract tumors, 365 µm fiber, 0.7 J energy and 16 Hz frequency; c4) bladder tumors 365 µm fiber, 0.8 J energy and 16-20 Hz frequency; c5) bladder neck strictures, 365 µm fiber, 1.0 J energy and 16-18 Hz frequency. CONCLUSIONS. In the light of these parameters, Ho-YAG laser is a very handy instrument for the treatment of both urinary stones and soft tissue lesions, which allows to put aside the current tools used for the same purposes.