Comparative analysis of holmium: YAG laser internal urethrotomy versus Cold-Knife optical internal urethrotomy in the management of urethral stricture - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Urethral stricture management has posed enduring challenges in urology, demanding innovative and effective treatment modalities. This study addresses the persistent issues associated with urethral strictures, focusing on the comparative evaluation of two contemporary treatment modalities: Ho: YAG Laser Internal Urethrotomy (HIU) and Cold Knife Optical Internal Urethrotomy (CIU). METHODS: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ResearchGate was conducted to identify relevant studies up to November 2023. Inclusion criteria encompassed comparative studies evaluating HIU and CIU in patients with urethral stricture. Data extraction, quality assessment, and subgroup analyses were performed using standardized methods. Outcome measures included preoperative and postoperative mean the maximum urine flow rate (Qmax), mean surgical time, recurrence rates, and perioperative complications. RESULTS: Nine articles met the inclusion criteria, and their data were analyzed using RevMan 5.4.1. Forest plots were generated for preoperative and postoperative mean Qmax, mean surgical time, recurrence rates, and perioperative complications. While postoperative mean Qmax (MD -0.06; 95% CI: -0.28-0.16; P =0.60, I2 =75%) and mean surgical time (MD 2.16; 95% CI: -1.66-5.99; P =0.27, I2 =98%) showed no significant differences between HIU and CIU, a trend towards lower recurrence rates (RR 0.71; 95% CI: 0.48-1.06; P =0.09, I2 =46%) was observed with HIU but without statistical significance. Perioperative complications, particularly bleeding (RR 0.21; 95% CI: 0.08-0.53; P =0.001, I2 =0%), favored HIU over CIU. The subanalysis indicates that for the treatment of complex urethral strictures, the two surgical methods differ in terms of mean Qmax at 6 months postoperatively (MD -2.51; 95% CI: -4.10--0.91; P =0.002, I2 =59%) and 12 months postoperatively (MD 2.62; 95% CI: 0.93-4.30; P =0.002, I2 =0%). The HIU group shows a significant decrease in recurrence rate at 12 months postoperatively (RR 0.44; 95% CI: 0.21-0.92; P =0.03, I2 =0%). For short-segment urethral strictures with a length ≤1.5 cm, CIU had a shorter operative time compared to the HIU (MD 4.49; 95% CI: 3.87-5.10; P <0.00001, I2 =44%). CONCLUSION: Overall, both interventions demonstrated similar efficacy in improving postoperative mean Qmax, mean surgical time, and recurrence rates. However, subanalysis indicates that in the short-term, CIU is more effective than HIU in improving Qmax after complex urethral stricture surgery. In long-term Qmax follow-up after surgery, HIU is significantly higher than CIU, and HIU has a low recurrence rate. In addition, for short-segment urethral stricture (≤1.5 cm), CIU requires less time. In terms of complications, HIU has a lower risk of bleeding.

Research progress on the microbiota in bladder cancer tumors.

The microbiota, also referred to as the microbial community, is a crucial component of the human microenvironment. It is located predominantly in various organs, including the intestines, skin, oral cavity, respiratory tract, and reproductive tract. The microbiota maintains a symbiotic relationship with the human body, influencing physiological and pathological functions to a significant degree. There is increasing evidence linking the microbial flora to human cancers. In contrast to the traditional belief that the urethra and urine of normal individuals are sterile, recent advancements in high-throughput sequencing technology and bacterial cultivation methods have led to the discovery of specific microbial communities in the urethras of healthy individuals. Given the prevalence of bladder cancer (BCa) as a common malignancy of the urinary system, researchers have shifted their focus to exploring the connection between disease development and the unique microbial community within tumors. This shift has led to a deeper investigation into the role of microbiota in the onset, progression, metastasis, prognosis, and potential for early detection of BCa. This article reviews the existing research on the microbiota within BCa tumors and summarizes the findings regarding the roles of different microbes in various aspects of this disease.

Research advances in Peyronie's disease: a comprehensive review on genomics, pathways, phenotypic manifestation, and therapeutic targets.

INTRODUCTION: Penile induration disease, commonly known as Peyronie's disease (PD), is a connective tissue disorder that affects the penis, leading to the development of fibrous plaques, penile curvature, and erectile dysfunction. PD is a common male reproductive system disease with a complex etiology involving multiple genes, signaling pathways, and different phenotypes. OBJECTIVES: The etiology and pathogenesis of PD remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective treatment strategies. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of PD, we can pave the way for targeted therapies and improved patient outcomes. METHODS: We reviewed the epidemiology and pathophysiology of PD. We performed database searches on Google Scholar, PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science from inception to September 2023. The literature reviewed included priapism guidelines, review articles, current trial studies, and various literature related to PD. RESULTS: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the current research progress on the disease, focusing on its genetic factors, signaling pathways, cellular mechanisms, phenotypic manifestations, and therapeutic targets. It can help identify individuals at higher risk, aid in early detection and intervention, and provide insights into fibrosis and tissue remodeling. It can also reveal potential therapeutic targets, guide accurate diagnoses and treatment strategies, and address the impact of the disease on patients' quality of life. CONCLUSION: By integrating insights from genomics, molecular pathways, clinical phenotypes, and therapeutic potentials, our research aims to achieve a deeper and more comprehensive understanding of PD, propelling the field toward innovative strategies that enhance the lives of those affected by PD. The complex manifestations and pathogenesis of PD necessitate the use of multiple treatment methods for personalized care.

The systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of nefopam for catheter-related bladder discomfort based on randomized controlled trials.

Background: Catheter-related bladder discomfort (CRBD) is a frequent occurrence following urinary catheterization during surgical procedures, as well as a commonly experienced bladder pain syndrome after surgery. There have been various studies on drugs and interventions to manage CRBD, but their comparative efficacy and safety are still a topic of debate. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of nefopam for managing postoperative CRBD. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was conducted to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on using nefopam in postoperative CRBD. The study employed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Data analysis was performed using RevMan version 5.4.1. Results: Five RCTs with 405 patients were analyzed to evaluate the efficacy of nefopam on postoperative CRBD. Short-term and long-term periods were defined as within 6 h and longer than 12 h after surgery, respectively. The incidence and severity of CRBD were compared between the two groups during these time periods. The analysis proved that nefopam reduced the short-term incidence of postoperative CRBD (RR 0.36; 95% CI, 0.18-0.70; p = 0.003, I2 = 78%) and the long-term incidence (RR 0.49; 95% CI, 0.32-0.74; p = 0.0007, I2 = 0%) significantly. We compared the incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD between groups based on the scaling system (none, mild, moderate, and severe). This was used to assess the severity of postoperative CRBD. The results showed that patients in the nefopam group had a significantly lower incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD compared to those in the placebo group in the short-term (RR 0.19; 95% CI, 0.10-0.34; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0%). However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence of moderate-to-severe CRBD in the long-term (RR 0.61; 95% CI, 0.21-1.76; p = 0.36; I2 = 0%). There were no significant variations in the occurrence of adverse events between the nefopam and control groups, mainly including postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) (RR 1.14; 95% CI, 0.40-3.21; p = 0.81), and tachycardia (RR 0.25; 95% CI, 0.03-2.11, p = 0.20). Conclusion: The findings of this meta-analysis indicate that nefopam significantly reduced the incidence of short or long-term postoperative CRBD. Nefopam decreased the severity of postoperative CRBD, particularly significantly reducing the occurrence of moderate to severe CRBD in the short-term. Overall, patients have good tolerance and no apparent side effects. Systematic Review Registration: identifier PROSPERO (CRD42023475012).

Efficacy of mirabegron for ureteral stones: a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Background: Medical expulsive therapy demonstrates efficacy in managing ureteral stones in patients amenable to conservative interventions. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mirabegron in the treatment of ureteral stones. Methods: From conception to November 2023, we examined PubMed databases, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, Scopus, and trial registries for this systematic review and meta-analysis. We chose relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the efficacy of mirabegron as an expulsive treatment for ureteral stones. The Cochrane risk of bias method was used to assess the quality of the evidence. Outcome measures, which included the stone expulsion rate (SER), expulsion time, and pain episodes, were analyzed using RevMan 5.4 and Stata 17. Results: Seven RCTs (N = 701) had enough information and were ultimately included. In patients with ureteral stones, mirabegron-treated patients had a substantially higher SER [odds ratio (OR) = 2.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.41-4.68, p = 0.002] than placebo-treated patients. Subgroup analysis revealed that mirabegron was superior to placebo in patients with small ureteral stones (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.05-4.87, p = 0.04), with no heterogeneity between studies (p = 0.54; I2 = 0%). Mirabegron patients had a higher SER than the control group for distal ureteral stones (DUSs) (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.31-4.68, p = 0.005). However, there was no difference in stone ejection time or pain episodes between groups. Conclusion: Mirabegron considerably improves SER in patients with ureteral stones, and the effect appears to be more pronounced for small and DUSs. Nevertheless, mirabegron treatment was not associated with improved stone expulsion time or pain management.