The assessment of bladder cancer resectability with bimanual palpation: A prospective study in laparoscopy and open cystectomy patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the value of examination under anesthesia (EUA) in the assessment of bladder resectability during cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective study included consecutive patients undergoing cystectomy for bladder cancer at a single center between June 2017 and October 2020. EUA was conducted before cystectomy by two urologists who assessed the bladder for limited mobility. One examiner was blinded to the imaging results. Soft tissue surgical margin status in the pathological evaluation of a cystectomy specimen served as a measure of resectability. We used multivariable logistic regression models to assess whether EUA performed by blinded or non-blinded examiners is associated with soft tissue positive surgical margins (PSMs) and to calculate the fraction of new information added by such an examination in addition to selected clinical variables. RESULTS: Among the 134 patients analyzed, limited bladder mobility was indicated by the blinded and non-blinded examiners in 23 (17.2%) and 21 (15.7%) cases, respectively. PSMs were identified in 22 (16.4%) patients, more often in patients with limited bladder mobility as assessed by the blinded (odds ratio [OR] 6.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-24.2) and non-blinded examiners (OR 12.9; 95% CI, 2.9-57.5). The fraction of new information added by the blinded and non-blinded examiners was 48.6% and 57.7%, respectively. The enrichment of patients who underwent pure laparoscopic cystectomy (n = 102; 76%) and the inclusion of patients for emergent surgery may limit the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of limited bladder mobility during preoperative EUA yielded prognostic information on surgical margin status. Our findings suggest that EUA has the potential to provide valuable insights in the assessment of bladder resectability. However, further research in a larger cohort of patients is warranted to validate and expand on these findings.

Diagnostic accuracy of bimanual palpation in bladder cancer patients undergoing cystectomy: A prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: To prospectively assess the concordance of examination under anesthesia (EUA)-based clinical T stage with pathological T stage and diagnostic accuracy of EUA in patients with bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy. METHODS: Consecutive patients with bladder cancer undergoing cystectomy between June 2017 and October 2020 in a single academic center were included in a prospective study. Two urologists performed EUA (one blinded to imaging) before patients underwent cystectomy. We assessed the concordance between clinical T stage in bimanual palpation (index test) and pathological T stage in cystectomy specimens (reference test). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to detect or exclude locally advanced bladder cancer (pT3b-T4b) in EUA. RESULTS: The data of 134 patients were analyzed. Given that stage pT3a cannot be palpated, for the nonblinded examiner, T staging in EUA was concordant with pT in 107 (79.9%) patients, 20 (14.9%) cases being understaged in EUA and 7 (5.2%) overstaged. For the blinded examiner, staging was correct in 106 (79.1%) patients, 20 (14.9%) cases being understaged and 8 (6%) overstaged. For the nonblinded examiner, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of EUA were 55.9% (95% CI 39.2%-72.6%), 93% (88%-98%), 73.1% (56%-90.1%), and 86.1% (79.6%-92.6%), respectively; for the blinded examiner, they were 52.9% (36.2%-69.7%), 93% (88%-98%), 72% (54.4%-89.6%) and 85.3% (78.7%-92%), respectively. Awareness of imaging results did not have a major impact on EUA results. CONCLUSION: Bimanual palpation should still be used for clinical staging, given its specificity, NPV, and that it could correctly determine bladder cancer T stage in 80% of cases.

Artificial urinary sphincter implantation with periprostatic cuff placement for urinary incontinence in men.

Introduction: Artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation is the treatment of choice for male urinary incontinence (UI). The aim of the present study was to evaluate treatment outcomes of UI in men using an AUS with a cuff placed around the prostatic urethra. Material and methods: Forty-three men with preserved prostatic urethra were selected for AUS implantation due to UI. Twenty patients had the cuff implanted around the prostate using the retropubic approach (Group 1), and 23 had the cuff placed around the bulbous urethra (Group 2). Both groups were compared in terms of continence quality as well as intra- and postoperative complications. Results: The groups were comparable with respect to age and duration of follow-up. Median time to complications was 90.3 and 10.7 months in Group 1 and Group 2, respectively (p = 0.007). The complication rate was 40% and 58.3% in Group 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.001). Complete continence was obtained in 80% of patients from Group 1 and 33.3% of men from Group 2A (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The analysis indicates that cuff placement around the prostatic urethra results in better continence and is characterised by fewer complications. This method is dedicated for patients who have not had the prostate gland removed. Due to the retrospective nature of this analysis and small groups of patients, it is not possible to formulate ultimate recommendations.

Changing patterns of urologic emergency visits and admissions during the COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective, multicenter, nationwide study.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to examine the change in the number and severity of visits to the emergency departments (EDs) and subsequent admissions for urgent urologic conditions in the early stage of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Poland. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We evaluated data from 13 urologic centers in Poland and compared the number of visits to the EDs and subsequent admissions before and after the advent of COVID-19 in 2020, and before and after the escalating national restrictions. Furthermore, data on types of urologic complaints, crucial laboratory parameters, and post-admission procedures were analyzed. RESULTS: In total 1,696 and 2,187 urologic visits (22.45% decrease) and 387 and 439 urologic urgent admissions (11.85% decrease) were reported in given periods in 2020 and 2019, respectively. The year-over-year difference in daily mean visits was clear (36.1 vs. 46.5; p < 0.001). Declines were seen in all complaints but device malfunction. In 2020 daily mean visits and admissions decreased from 40.9 and 9.6 before lockdowns to 30.9 (p < 0.001) and 6.9 (p = 0.001) after severe restrictions, respectively. There was a trend towards more negative laboratory parameter profiles in 2020, with patients who visited the EDs after severe restrictions having twice as high median levels of C-reactive protein (15.39 vs. 7.84, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The observed declines in ED visits and admissions were apparent with the significant effect of national lockdowns. Our results indicate that some of the patients requiring urgent medical help did not appear at the ED or came later than they would have done before the pandemic, presenting with more severe complaints.

Investigation of Chromosome 1 Aberrations in the Lymphocytes of Prostate Cancer and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Patients by Fluorescence in situ Hybridization.

PURPOSE: Radiotherapy is one of the most common treatments for prostate cancer. Finding a useful predictor of the therapeutic outcome is crucial as it increases the efficacy of treatment planning. This study investigated the individual susceptibility to radiation based on chromosome 1 aberration frequency measured by the FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) method. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Whole blood samples were collected from 27 prostate cancer (PCa) patients and 32 subjects with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), who were considered as a control group. Samples were irradiated with 2 Gy of x-rays, cultured, harvested, and used in the FISH procedure. RESULTS: After irradiation, significantly higher levels of all studied chromosome 1 aberrations (except for deletions) in the group of PCa patients were revealed. Furthermore, in the lymphocytes of cancer patients, nearly five-fold higher frequencies of acentric fragments were observed compared to the BPH group. The highest individual radiosensitivities for all estimated biomarkers were seen in PCa patient cells who reported cancer incidence in the immediate family (CIF+). CONCLUSION: The differences in chromosome 1 aberrations between PCa and BPH demonstrate that lymphocytes taken from patients with prostate cancer have higher radiosensitivity which might be related to hereditary or familiar inclinations. Therefore, this technique may find future application in searching biomarkers of the cellular radiotherapy response in prostate cancer patients.

Immune cells lacking Y chromosome show dysregulation of autosomal gene expression.

Epidemiological investigations show that mosaic loss of chromosome Y (LOY) in leukocytes is associated with earlier mortality and morbidity from many diseases in men. LOY is the most common acquired mutation and is associated with aberrant clonal expansion of cells, yet it remains unclear whether this mosaicism exerts a direct physiological effect. We studied DNA and RNA from leukocytes in sorted- and single-cells in vivo and in vitro. DNA analyses of sorted cells showed that men diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease was primarily affected with LOY in NK cells whereas prostate cancer patients more frequently displayed LOY in CD4 + T cells and granulocytes. Moreover, bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing in leukocytes allowed scoring of LOY from mRNA data and confirmed considerable variation in the rate of LOY across individuals and cell types. LOY-associated transcriptional effect (LATE) was observed in ~ 500 autosomal genes showing dysregulation in leukocytes with LOY. The fraction of LATE genes within specific cell types was substantially larger than the fraction of LATE genes shared between different subsets of leukocytes, suggesting that LOY might have pleiotropic effects. LATE genes are involved in immune functions but also encode proteins with roles in other diverse biological processes. Our findings highlight a surprisingly broad role for chromosome Y, challenging the view of it as a "genetic wasteland", and support the hypothesis that altered immune function in leukocytes could be a mechanism linking LOY to increased risk for disease.

How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted Polish urologists? Results from a national survey.

INTRODUCTION: Poland was initially less affected by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, however, severe restrictions, and health care restructuration have impacted all areas of medicine, including urology. Therefore, we aimed, via an online survey, to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Polish urologists and urology residents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between May 15 and June 6, 2020, 229 (28.63% response rate) urologists and urology residents responded to a 28-question online survey. The questionnaire analyzed basic demographic and professional characteristics, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physicians' everyday work, mental status as well as private life. We further compared the differences between the selected subgroups. RESULTS: Nearly all (96.5%) responders claimed that the pandemic had a moderate to high impact on their everyday clinical practice with the majority of the residents (62.0%) believing that the COVID-19 pandemic will harm their training. Most responders (86.9%) reported over 25% declines in outpatient clinic consultations and 55.9% claimed that their income dropped over 25%. Only 38.9% wanted telemedicine to permanently replace some of the consultations after the pandemic, with residents being significantly more positive about this modality (51.4% vs. 33.1%; p = 0.01). Interestingly, 79.9% noticed the negative psychological effect of the pandemic on their colleagues, and 57.6% felt increased anxiety, sadness, or stress. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the complaints and needs of Polish urologists and urology residents after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was a significantly negative impact on their work, mental health, and private life.

Prognostic value of T1 substaging on oncological outcomes in patients with non-muscle-invasive bladder urothelial carcinoma: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the prognostic value of substaging on oncological outcomes in patients with T (or pT1) urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. METHODS: A literature search using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library was conducted on March 2019 to identify relevant studies according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. The pooled disease recurrence (DR) and disease progression (DP) rate in T1(or pT1) patients were calculated using a fixed or random effects model. RESULTS: Overall 36 studies published between 1994 and 2018 including a total of 6781 bladder cancer patients with T1(or pT1) stage were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Twenty-nine studies reported significant association between tumor infiltration depth or muscularis mucosa (MM) invasion and oncological outcomes. Totally 12 studies were included in the meta-analysis. MM invasion (T1a/b/c [or pT1a/b/c] or T1a/b [or pT1a/b] substaging system) was associated with DR (pooled HR: 1.23, 95%CI: 1.01-1.49) and DP (pooled HR: 2.61, 95%CI: 1.61-4.23). Tumor infiltration depth (T1 m/e [or pT1 m/e] substaging system) was also associated with DR (pooled HR: 1.49, 95%CI: 1.11-2.00) and DP (pooled HR: 3.29, 95%CI: 2.39-4.51). CONCLUSIONS: T1(or pT1) substaging in patients with bladder cancer is of prognostic value as it is associated with oncologic outcomes. Inclusion of this factors into the clinical decision-making process of this heterogeneous tumor may improve outcomes, while avoiding over- and under-treatment for T1(or pT1) bladder cancer.

Robot-assisted vs open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in adults.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that, in comparison with open radical cystectomy (ORC), robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) results in less blood loss, shorter convalescence and fewer complications, with equivalent short-term oncological and functional outcomes; however, uncertainty remains as to the magnitude of these benefits. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of RARC vs ORC in adults with bladder cancer. SEARCH METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive search, with no restrictions on language of publication or publication status, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared RARC with ORC. The date of the last search was 1 July 2018. Databases searched included the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1999 to July 2018), PubMed Embase (1999 to July 2018), Web of Science (1999 to July 2018), Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org/), and the Institute of Cancer Research (www.icr.ac.uk/). We also searched the following trial registers: ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov/); BioMed Central International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry (www.isrctn.com); and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. The review was based on a published protocol. Primary outcomes of the review were recurrence-free survival and major postoperative complications (Clavien grade III to V). Secondary outcomes were minor postoperative complications (Clavien grades I and II), transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay (days), quality of life, and positive surgical margins (%). Three review authors independently assessed relevant titles and abstracts of records identified by the literature search to determine which studies should be assessed further. Two review authors assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and rated the quality of evidence according to GRADE. We used Review Manager 5 to analyse the data. RESULTS: We included in the review five RCTs comprising a total of 541 participants. Total numbers of participants included in the ORC and RARC cohorts were 270 and 271, respectively. We found that RARC and ORC may result in a similar time to recurrence (hazard ratio 1.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.77 to 1.43; two trials, low-certainty evidence). In absolute terms at 5 years of follow-up, this corresponds to 16 more recurrences per 1000 participants (95% CI 79 fewer to 123 more) with 431 recurrences per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and imprecision. RARC and ORC may result in similar rates of major complications (risk ratio [RR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.48; five trials, low-certainty evidence). This corresponds to 11 more major complications per 1000 participants (95% CI 44 fewer to 89 more). We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and imprecision. We were very uncertain whether RARC reduces minor complications (very-low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and very serious imprecision. RARC probably results in substantially fewer transfusions than ORC (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.80; two trials, moderate-certainty evidence). This corresponds to 193 fewer transfusions per 1000 participants (95% CI 262 fewer to 92 fewer) based on 460 transfusion per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations. RARC may result in a slightly shorter hospital stay than ORC (mean difference -0.67, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.12; five trials, low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and imprecision. RARC and ORC may result in a similar quality of life (standardized mean difference 0.08, 95% CI 0.32 lower to 0.16 higher; three trials, low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and imprecision. RARC and ORC may result in similar positive surgical margin rates (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.56 to 2.40; five trials, low-certainty evidence). This corresponds to eight more (95% CI 21 fewer to 67 more) positive surgical margins per 1000 participants, based on 48 positive surgical margins per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence because of study limitations and imprecision. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that RARC and ORC may have similar outcomes with regard to time to recurrence, rates of major complications, quality of life, and positive surgical margin rates (all low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain whether the robotic approach reduces rates of minor complications (very-low-certainty evidence), although it probably reduces the risk of blood transfusions substantially (moderate-certainty evidence) and may reduce hospital stay slightly (low-certainty evidence). We were unable to conduct any of the preplanned subgroup analyses to assess the impact of patient age, pathological stage, body habitus, or surgeon expertise on outcomes. This review did not address issues of cost-effectiveness.

Neurotic personality and lower urinary tract symptoms in day hospital patients diagnosed at pretreatment between 2004 and 2014. / Osobowosc nerwicowa a objawy z dolnego odcinka ukladu moczowego u pacjentów kwalifikowanych do leczenia psychoterapia na oddziale dziennym w latach 2004­2014.

OBJECTIVES: Evaluation of the association between the occurrence of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients qualified for psychotherapy and the severity and profile of their neurotic personality disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis of questionnaires included in the medical records of 2,450 patients qualified for psychotherapy in 2004-2014 in terms of correlations between the symptoms of pollakiuria and unconscious urinary incontinence, and the global severity of neurotic symptoms (OWK), global severity of neurotic personality disorders (XKON) and abnormal values of 24 scales of the KON-2006 questionnaire. Correlations in the form of OR coefficients with 95% confidence intervals were estimated using logistic regression analyzes. RESULTS: Lower urinary tract symptoms are associated with a significantly greater severity of neuroticism, both described by the global severity of symptoms (OWK) as well as by the global neurotic personality disorder index (XKON) and abnormal values of the KON-2006 questionnaire scales. The occurrence of both symptoms was associated with the following scales: 'Negative self-esteem' and 'Envy', the occurrence of pollakiuria - with the scales 'Feeling of being dependent on others', 'Demobilization', 'Conviction of life helplessness' and 'Feeling of lack of influence', the occurrence of unconscious urinary incontinence - with the scales 'Feeling of being alienated' and 'Exaltation' for both genders, and only in men 'Risk avoidance' (low 'Risk tendencies'), 'Conviction of life helplessness', 'Difficulties in interpersonal relations'. Extreme severity of pollakiuria was more strongly associated with many of the mentioned scales, and also slightly differently with other scales, e.g., in men - with the 'Sense of overload' and 'Imagination, fantasizing'. CONCLUSIONS: Neurotic personality traits described by abnormal values of the KON-2006 questionnaire scales are associated with the presence (and also to some extent with the severity) of psychogenic lower urinary tract symptoms. Connections may be bi-directional - in some cases experiencing and self-description of personality traits may be secondary to suffering associated with pollakiuria and incontinence.

Identification of potential prognostic factors for absence of residual disease in the second resection of T1 bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this single centre retrospective study was to analyse the results of second resection (repeat transurethral resection of bladder tumour - reTURBT) after a macroscopically complete resection of T1 urothelial bladder tumour and to identify prognostic factors for absence of residual disease (T0) in the second resection of T1 bladder cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with T1 bladder cancer diagnosed in a macroscopically complete initial resection who underwent second resection within 12 weeks were included into the retrospective analysis. Based on the presence or absence of residual disease, patients were grouped for further analysis. Univariate and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to identify potential prognostic factors. RESULTS: Among the 139 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 96 (69.1%) had no residual disease (T0) and 43 (30.9%) had residual disease in the second resection (including muscle invasive bladder cancer in 2.2%). Adjusted odds ratios (OR) of T0 status obtained from the final model were as follows: detrusor muscle presence in the first resection (OR 3.05; 95% CI 1.12-8.35, p = 0.03), immediate post-operative intravesical mitomycin C administration after the first TURBT (OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.12-5.68; p = 0.03) and primary bladder cancer setting (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.10-5.47; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results add evidence regarding the importance of detrusor muscle presence in the first TURBT. Identification of predictors of T0 status at second resection could help design prospective studies assessing the possibility to avoid re-resection in selected patients with T1 bladder cancer without compromising oncological outcomes.

Preliminary outcomes of the European multicentre experience with the ZSI 375 artificial urinary sphincter for treatment of stress urinary incontinence in men.

INTRODUCTION: The ZSI 375 is a new artificial urinary sphincter utilised in men suffering from stress urinary incontinence (SUI). We present the first European multicentre study on the effectiveness of ZSI 375. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted in a retrospective, non-randomized format in centres across Europe. Between May 2009 and December 2014, ZSI 375 was fitted in 109 SUI patients following radical prostatectomy, transurethral resection of prostate (TURP), rectal surgery and high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Patients with history of pelvic radiotherapy or previous surgical treatment for incontinence or stricture were excluded from the series. Follow-up was completed by December 2016. The key outcome measures included overall improvement and complication rates. RESULTS: A total of 109 patients in 10 European centres were recruited and had the ZSI 375 device implanted. The average patient age was 72 years old. The indication for the majority of patients was incontinence following radical prostatectomy (100/109 patients, 91.74%). On average, patients were incontinent for 48.6 months prior to treatment. All patients used ≥4 pads daily at baseline and thus were classified as suffering from 'severe incontinence'. The average follow-up until the final visit was 43 months. The pad usage decreased to 0.84 on average by the last visit. There were no reported cases of device infection. A total of 9 patients had urethral cuff erosion (8.25%),which was the most common complication in this series. A further 3 men (2.75%) experienced mechanical failure requiring subsequent device reimplantation. The implantation of the ZSI 375 device was considered successful in 92.66% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The ZSI 375 is an effective surgical treatment option in men with severe stress urinary incontinence.

The Prognostic Value of Tumor Regression Grades Combined With TNM Classification in Patients With Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Who Underwent Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Followed by Radical Cystectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Tumor regression grades (TRGs) quantify the pathologic response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC). The aim of the study was to investigate the prognostic value of TRGs in combination with the TNM classification in an independent cohort of patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) treated with NAC followed by radical cystectomy (RC) in a retrospective setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients treated with a complete course of NAC followed by RC for MIBC between December 2012 and December 2017 were enrolled in the study. TRGs were determined in RC specimens. Data were collected preoperatively, and the follow-up was continued up to August 2018. Kaplan-Meier curves and the Cox proportional hazards model were used to compare survival probabilities between major responders (no MIBC, < ypT2 and ypN0), partial responders (≥ ypT2 or ypN+ and TRG2), and non-responders (≥ ypT2 or ypN+ and TRG3). RESULTS: A group of 70 patients with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range, 58-67 years) was analyzed. There were 36 major responders, 21 partial responders, and 13 non-responders. In comparison with a major response, a partial response was associated with a hazard ratio of 9.44 (95% confidence interval, 1.10-80.89; P = .04) and non- responders showed a hazard ratio of 17.85 (95% confidence interval, 2.18-145.85; P = .007) for death. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the prognostic value of the pathologic response to NAC. Determination of TRGs is straightforward, provides valuable information, and could be easily included in the standard pathologic examination of RC surgical specimen. Prospective studies are needed to establish the role of TRG in routine clinical practice.

Robotic versus open radical cystectomy for bladder cancer in adults.

BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that in comparison with open radical cystectomy, robotic-assisted radical cystectomy results in less blood loss, shorter convalescence, and fewer complications with equivalent short-term oncological and functional outcomes; however, uncertainty remains as to the magnitude of these benefits. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of robotic-assisted radical cystectomy versus open radical cystectomy in adults with bladder cancer. SEARCH METHODS: Review authors conducted a comprehensive search with no restrictions on language of publication or publication status for studies comparing open radical cystectomy and robotic-assisted radical cystectomy. The date of the last search was 1 July 2018 for the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (1999 to July 2018), PubMed Embase (1999 to July 2018), Web of Science (1999 to July 2018), Cancer Research UK (www.cancerresearchuk.org/), and the Institute of Cancer Research (www.icr.ac.uk/). We searched the following trials registers: ClinicalTrials.gov (clinicaltrials.gov/), BioMed Central International Standard Randomized Controlled Trials Number (ISRCTN) Registry (www.isrctn.com), and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. SELECTION CRITERIA: We searched for randomised controlled trials that compared robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) with open radical cystectomy (ORC). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: This study was based on a published protocol. Primary outcomes of the review were recurrence-free survival and major postoperative complications (class III to V). Secondary outcomes were minor postoperative complications (class I and II), transfusion requirement, length of hospital stay (days), quality of life, and positive margins (%). Three review authors independently assessed relevant titles and abstracts of records identified by the literature search to determine which studies should be assessed further. Two review authors assessed risk of bias using the Cochrane risk of bias tool and rated the quality of evidence according to GRADE. We used Review Manager 5 to analyse the data. MAIN RESULTS: We included in the review five randomised controlled trials comprising a total of 541 participants. Total numbers of participants included in the ORC and RARC cohorts were 270 and 271, respectively.Primary outomesTime-to-recurrence: Robotic cystectomy and open cystectomy may result in a similar time to recurrence (hazard ratio (HR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.77 to 1.43); 2 trials; low-certainty evidence). In absolute terms at 5 years of follow-up, this corresponds to 16 more recurrences per 1000 participants (95% CI 79 fewer to 123 more) with 431 recurrences per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Major complications (Clavien grades 3 to 5): Robotic cystectomy and open cystectomy may result in similar rates of major complications (risk ratio (RR) 1.06, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.48); 5 trials; low-certainty evidence). This corresponds to 11 more major complications per 1000 participants (95% CI 44 fewer to 89 more). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Secondary outcomesMinor complications (Clavien grades 1 and 2): We are very uncertain whether robotic cystectomy may reduce minor complications (very low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and for very serious imprecision.Transfusion rate: Robotic cystectomy probably results in substantially fewer transfusions than open cystectomy (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.80; 2 trials; moderate-certainty evidence). This corresponds to 193 fewer transfusions per 1000 participants (95% CI 262 fewer to 92 fewer) based on 460 transfusion per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations.Hospital stay: Robotic cystectomy may result in a slightly shorter hospital stay than open cystectomy (mean difference (MD) -0.67, 95% CI -1.22 to -0.12); 5 trials; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Quality of life: Robotic cystectomy and open cystectomy may result in a similar quality of life (standard mean difference (SMD) 0.08, 95% CI 0.32 lower to 0.16 higher; 3 trials; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and imprecision.Positive margin rates: Robotic cystectomy and open cystectomy may result in similar positive margin rates (RR 1.16, 95% CI 0.56 to 2.40; 5 trials; low-certainty evidence). This corresponds to 8 more (95% CI 21 fewer to 67 more) positive margins per 1000 participants based on 48 positive margins per 1000 participants for ORC. We downgraded the certainty of evidence for study limitations and imprecision. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Robotic cystectomy and open cystectomy may have similar outcomes with regard to time to recurrence, rates of major complications, quality of life, and positive margin rates (all low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain whether the robotic approach reduces rates of minor complications (very low-certainty evidence), although it probably reduces the risk of blood transfusions substantially (moderate-certainty evidence) and may reduce hospital stay slightly (low-certainty evidence). We were unable to conduct any of the preplanned subgroup analyses to assess the impact of patient age, pathological stage, body habitus, or surgeon expertise on outcomes. This review did not address issues of cost-effectiveness.

Four-year follow-up on a Zephyr Surgical Implants 375 artificial urinary sphincter for male urinary incontinence from one urological centre in Poland.

INTRODUCTION: The treatment of choice for patients who have iatrogenic urinary incontinence is the implantation of an artificial urinary sphincter. We performed a prospective study on the outcomes of men undergoing artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) implantation (ZSI 375; Zephyr Surgical Implants, Geneva, Switzerland). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with moderate-to-severe stress incontinence urinary were included. The ZSI 375 device is a one-piece device with a cuff and a pump unit. Patients underwent a perineal incision for cuff insertion and an inguinal incision for the pump unit to be placed in the scrotum. Complications and number of pads used to manage incontinence were recorded. Perioperative complications were categorized according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Pain connected with implantation of AUS was assessed with the visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: Between July 2013 and June 2017, 50 patients underwent ZSI 375 device insertion in the Department of Urology and Urological Oncology in Pulawy, Poland. The follow-up stopped at the end of September 2017. The median (range) follow-up was 21.04 (1-50) months. No patient experienced bladder hyperactivity. Complications leading to a revision or permanent device removal arose in 12 patients (erosion = 9, infection = 0, mechanical failure = 3). Social continence (0 or 1 pad/day) was achieved in 29/50 patients (58%). An improvement (50% less pads/day) was achieved in 15/50 patients (30%). A failure was seen in 6/50 patients (12%). Perioperatively, all patients were classified as grade I in the Clavien-Dindo classification. Mean value of pain intensity in VAS was 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: The ZSI 375 device is safe, effective and the follow-up period was long enough to identify all potential complications.

Assessment of knowledge concerning urology among medical students in Poland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Urological diseases represent a significant health issue worldwide. Presented study aimed at assessing current urological knowledge and confidence in performing urological diagnostic and therapeutic procedures among medical students at Jagiellonian University Medical College in Poland and compare it on different stages of the undergraduate medical education. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We designed an anonymous survey distributed among Polish students from 1st to 6th year of medical studies, before and after clinical urology course. Questions concerned general urological knowledge, prostate diseases, erectile dysfunction, and self-reported practical urological skills. RESULTS: Overall, 437 respondents participated in the survey. Mean total test score in our study group was 50.08%, mean general urological knowledge score was 53.44%, mean prostate diseases knowledge score was 55.43%, mean erectile dysfunction score was 36% and mean practical skills score was 45.83%. Mean total test score increased with consecutive years of studies (R = 0.58; p <0.001). The risk of an above average total test score was significantly influenced by the urology course (OR = 7.95, 95%CI = 1.81-34.84, p = 0.006) and the year of medical studies (4th-6th vs. 1st-3rd) (OR = 5.16, 95%CI = 3.41-7.81, p <0.001). Practical skills score above average was significantly more frequent in the group after the urology course (OR = 6.75, 95%CI = 1.54-29.58, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study reveal low mean scores obtained by students, even after completing the urology course, which implies that curriculum requires further development. Urological knowledge and self-assessed practical skills increased with years of medical education. The urology course improved the score obtained in our survey, both in terms of total test score and practical skills.

Retrospective Cost Analysis of a Single-Center Reusable Flexible Ureterorenoscopy Program: A Comparative Cost Simulation of Disposable fURS as an Alternative.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing number of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) procedures, the fragility of devices, and their growing maintenance and repair costs represent a substantial burden for urologic departments. Disposable single-use fURS devices offer many advantages over reusable fURS. Among them, the LithoVue™ model shows the best clinical utility. In our study, we assessed the economic aspects of reusable fURS application compared with the potential costs and benefits of single-use fURS (LithoVue™). Indications for single-use fURS were proposed based on potential risk factors of reusable fURS damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective analysis compared the actual cost of reusable fURS procedures with the potential costs of LithoVue™ based on the price offered by the manufacturer. Consecutive case analysis of damaged fURS was performed to determine potential risk factors associated with fURS damage. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 423 reusable fURS procedures conducted between January 2013 and December 2016. During this period, 102 (24.11%) diagnostic fURS and 321 (75.89%) fURS for kidney stone therapy were performed. In 32 of 423 (7.57%) fURS cases, devices were postoperatively deemed defective, 9 of which were used for diagnostic procedures (9/102; 8.82%), 7 for stone removal (7/148; 4.73%), and 16 for stone removal and laser (Ho:YAG) application (16/173; 9.25%). The average cost per reusable fURS procedure was found to be €503.26. CONCLUSIONS: Disposable fURS is a more expensive option for high-volume centers. Based on our case analysis, laser disintegration treatment of multiple, large stones in the lower kidney pole of recurrent stone formers, as well as a steep infundibulopelvic angle (IPA ≤50°), seems to be the main risk factor for fURS damage. For these cases, disposable fURS may be a cost-effective alternative; however, a prospective comparison of economic outcomes between disposable and reusable fURS, together with confirmation of the proposed damage risk factors, is needed.

Diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations for patients with nocturia.

INTRODUCTION: Nocturia is defined as the urge to urinate at night when the micturition was directly preceded and followed by sleep. Due to its negative impact on the quality of life of patients, an effective treatment for this disease has become a significant therapeutic challenge. The aim of this article was to explain the main risk factors for the occurrence of nocturia and to present diagnostic and therapeutic schemes in the case of nocturnal polyuria (idiopathic night time polyuria). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A review of the literature was carried out and the available guidelines of international science societies, which provided the basis for the above recommendations, were analyzed. RESULTS: Detailed medical history should include information concerning: lower urinary tract symptoms (including nocturia), underlying illnesses, urogenital disorders, previous surgeries and medications administered. Keeping a bladder diary is recommended. The physical examination, depending on the patient's gender, should include gynecological examination with pelvic organ prolapse assessment or prostate evaluation. In laboratory tests, a urinalysis may be used, in particular cases a cytological analysis of urine sediment may be carried out. In addition, a possible ultrasound and/or cystoscopy may be conducted. Nocturia therapy should begin with modifying dietary habits, including compliance with the fluid regimen, avoiding alcohol, coffee and tea. Moderate physical exercise is also recommended. The pharmacological treatment of nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria is based on the use of desmopressin at a daily single dose of 25 µg for women and 50 µg for men. The use of desmopressin allows for the reduction in the number of nocturia episodes, as well as improves the overall quality of life and sleep. Treatment with desmopressin can also be considered as a form of therapy added in people with an overactive bladder or benign prostatic hyperplasia, in which nocturia is a significant clinical problem. CONCLUSIONS: Desmopressin is an effective and safe first-line treatment option in pharmacological therapy of nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria.