Overcoming Understaging and Undergrading in Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Comment on Ghoreifi et al. Modern Kidney-Sparing Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancers 2023, 15, 4495.

Kidney-sparing management for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has become more common but is still most limited by inaccurate histopathologic diagnosis [...].

Role of PSA Density and MRI in PSA Interpretation. Comment on Lumbreras et al. Variables Associated with False-Positive PSA Results: A Cohort Study with Real-World Data. Cancers 2023, 15, 261.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been utilized as a prostate cancer screening test for its high sensitivity for prostate cancer but is often criticized for its low specificity [...].

Safety and efficacy of Rezum™ in erectile dysfunction patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis[[es]]Seguridad y eficacia del sistema Rezum® en pacientes con disfunción eréctil con y sin prótesis de pene inflable.

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Rezum™ in erectile dysfunction (ED) patients with and without an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective review of ED patients who underwent Rezum™ by a single surgeon over 12 months. Patient age, presence of IPP, number of benign prostatic hyperplasia medications, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), IPSS Quality of Life Index (QOL), uroflowmetry maximum flow rate (Qmax), and uroflowmetry average flow rate (Qavg) before and after Rezum™ were obtained. Independent two-sample T-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Linear regression was performed to identify factors associated with postoperative Qmax or Qavg. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients with ED who underwent Rezum™ were identified, including 11 patients with an IPP. The median follow-up after Rezum™ was 65 days. There were no significant differences in baseline demographics and clinical characteristics between patients with and without an IPP. Postoperative Qmax (10.9 mL/s vs 9.8 mL/s, p = 0.04) and Qavg (7.5 mL/s vs 6.0 mL/s, p = 0.03) were significantly higher in patients with an IPP compared to patients without an IPP. There were no factors associated with postoperative Qmax or Qavg on linear regression. Two patients without an IPP went into urinary retention, while no complications occurred in IPP patients. CONCLUSION: Rezum™ is a safe and effective procedure to perform in ED patients, particularly those with an IPP. IPP patients may experience greater increase in uroflowmetry rate compared to ED patients without an IPP.

Upper Tract Tumor En Bloc Enucleation: A Novel Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: To describe and demonstrate our novel en bloc enucleation technique for the endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of upper tract tumors. METHODS: We detail the instruments required for this procedure, as well as the surgical technique to perform an en bloc enucleation and specimen removal. Endoscopic video of a 2 cm renal pelvis tumor demonstrates all aspects of the technique, and histopathologic slides illustrate the diagnostic information obtained. RESULTS: A ureteral access sheath is inserted distal to the upper tract tumor, and a flexible ureteroscope is used to visualize the extent of upper tract disease and tumor characteristics. A 200 µm thulium fiber laser partially ablates the tumor surface to create an edge for tissue biopsy and post-ablation urine cytology. The tumor base is identified and the sub epithelial connective tissue is carefully entered with low ablation laser settings. The correct tissue plane is extended by maintaining the ureteroscope in the subepithelial connective tissue and continuing the dissection along the entire width of the tumor base. Once the tumor is enucleated, a Nitinol stone retrieval basket is used to remove the specimen(s) and a ureteral stent is placed. CONCLUSIONS: En bloc enucleation may provide extensive histopathologic information in upper tract urothelial carcinoma. In cases where complete enucleation is not feasible, this procedure may afford a mechanism for large caliber biopsies.

Repair of penile prosthesis-induced impending erosion using xenograft during simultaneous inflatable penile prosthesis replacement.

BACKGROUND: Penile prosthesis (PP)-induced impending erosion is a rare complication that has not been well characterized. AIM: This study evaluates the role of prosthesis sizing and of the safety of xenograft windsock repair (AlloDerm, Tutoplast, ArthroFLEX) of impending erosion. METHODS: This was a retrospective review of xenograft use during inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) replacement. Patient demographics, prior PP characteristics, and xenograft-augmented IPP characteristics were obtained. Paired-samples t tests were used to compare the PP cylinder size, rear tip extender size, and calculated PP length between the most recent prior PP and the xenograft-augmented IPP. Complications and follow-up data were obtained. OUTCOMES: The primary outcome was comparing the corporal body and device measurements between the PP presenting with impending erosion and the implanted xenograft-augmented IPP. The secondary outcome was evaluating the incidence of subsequent explantation. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients underwent xenograft repair with simultaneous IPP replacement from 2012 to 2022. The median number of prior PP was 1 (interquartile range, 1-2.75). The median time between the most recent prior PP and xenograft-augmented IPP placement was 21 (interquartile range, 14-79) months. The prior PP was significantly longer at the time of explantation compared with the measured corporal body length in both the left (21.4 cm vs 20.1 cm; P < .01) and right (21.4 cm vs 20.1 cm; P < .01) sides. However, there was no significant difference in length between the xenograft-augmented IPP length at the time of implantation and measured corporal body length in both the left (20.1 cm vs 20.0 cm; P = .67) and right (20.2 cm vs 20.1 cm; P = .56) sides. A total of 16 (66.7%) cases required bilateral xenograft corporal body use. Only 1 (4.2%) patient had an IPP infection requiring explantation within 90 days of xenograft-augmented IPP placement. A total of 2 (8.3%) patients had device malfunction and 1 (4.2%) patient had impending erosion recurrence requiring removal/replacement of their initial xenograft-augmented IPP in a median time of 56 months from placement. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: PP oversizing may increase risk of PP-induced impending erosion, which is a delayed process. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This is the largest retrospective study of xenograft use during IPP replacement for impending erosion but does not have a control cohort. This study is limited by its retrospective nature, limited follow-up, and absence of a treatment comparison. CONCLUSION: PP-induced impending erosion may be due to PP oversizing but can be successfully repaired with xenograft windsock during simultaneous IPP replacement.

Novel Automated Three-Dimensional Surgical Planning Tool and Magnetic Resonance Imaging/Ultrasound Fusion Technology to Perform Nanoparticle Ablation and Cryoablation of the Prostate for Focal Therapy.

Purpose: Although MRI/ultrasound fusion has been primarily used to assist in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, this technology can also be used to focally treat localized prostate cancer. We present one case of nanoparticle-directed ablation and two cases of cryoablation to focally treat prostate tumors. Patients and Methods: Three patients underwent MRI/ultrasound fusion transperineal prostate biopsies to confirm low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The MRI lesions correlated with the biopsy-proven disease. Pelvic MRI segmentation was performed with DynaCAD 5.0 workstation. The MRI lesion including a 6 to 10 mm margin, prostate, bladder, urethra, urethral sphincter, rectum, and pubic bone were segmented. MRI/ultrasound fusion was performed with the novel Philips UroNav 4.0 system. Lesions were treated with focal nanoparticle ablation or focal cryoablation. Results: A 69-year-old man with a right posterior medial peripheral zone lesion positive for Gleason grade group (GG)3 cancer was treated with focal nanoparticle ablation. The UroNav 4.0 system reported 100% ablation of the segmented tumor and 94% of the 6 to 10 mm margin at the end of the case. A 68-year-old man with a left anterior fibromuscular stroma lesion positive for Gleason GG2 cancer and a 71-year-old man with a right peripheral zone posterior lateral lesion positive for Gleason GG1 cancer were treated with focal cryoablation. The UroNav 4.0 system reported 100% ablation of the segmented tumor and 82% of the 6 to 10 mm margin at the end of the case. Conclusion: Observation of the prostate tumor(s), surrounding critical structures, and pelvis in three dimensions (3D), along with the anticipated ablation zone, is one of the challenges of pelvic surgery and percutaneous ablation. The DynaCAD 5.0 Urology system can create an auto-segmented 3D rendering of critical structures and the tumor(s), as well as observation and quantification of the anticipated ablation coverage, to facilitate preoperative planning of needle placement. ClinicalTrials.gov nos.: NCT02680535 and NCT04656678.

Systematic review of robotic radical cystectomy functional and quality of life outcomes.

This systematic review summarizes the urinary continence, male sexual function, and female sexual function outcomes after robotic-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC). Greater intracorporeal diversion use, longer followup, and clearly stated urinary continence definitions have revealed RARC urinary continence rates for orthotopic ileal neobladders that are similar to those after open radical cystectomy (ORC) when using the strictest continence definitions. Nerve-sparing technique appears to be well-used in most studies, with short-term and long-term RARC potency rates similar those after ORC when using the strictest potency definitions. Level 1 evidence using validated questionnaires suggests that quality of life outcomes are also similar.

[Renal allograft transplant: Anatomic description.] / Bases anatómicas del trasplante renal.

Renal transplantation remains the best treatment option of renal replacement for end-stagechronic kidney disease. Surgical advances in graft quality and implantation techniques have improved transplantation during the last two decades. This has reduced both urologic and vascular complications after implantation. A detailed understanding of renal graft and transplantation anatomy is important to reduce transplantation morbidity. The aim of this article is to provide a detailed anatomic description of the kidney and regions usually involved in human renal transplantation (iliac fossa and left lumbar fossa), to provide basic instructions for thenovice transplant surgeon, and to improve the anatomic knowledge of the experienced transplant surgeon.

El trasplante renal continua representando la mejor de las opciones de tratamiento sustitutivo para la enfermedad renal crónica terminal. Desde un punto de vista quirúrgico los avances producidos en la últimas dos décadas descansan sobre las potenciales mejoras en la calidad del injerto y las técnicas de implante. Éstas últimas se han centrado fundamentalmente en la disminución de las complicaciones, tanto urológicas como vasculares, que pueden aparecer tras el mismo. Un conocimiento preciso de la anatomía del injerto renal y de las regiones implicadas en el trasplante resulta de crucial importancia de cara a disminuir la morbilidad. El objetivo de éste trabajo es realizar una descripción detallada de la anatomía renal y de las regiones anatómicas habitualmente involucradas en el trasplante renal del humano (fosa iliaca y fosa lumbar izquierda), para facilitar el aprendizaje del cirujano de trasplante novel y mejorar el grado de conocimiento anatómico del cirujano de trasplante experimentado.

Bases anatómicas del trasplante renal / Anatomical bases of the renal transplant

El trasplante renal continua representandola mejor de las opciones de tratamiento sustitutivo parala enfermedad renal crónica terminal. Desde un puntode vista quirúrgico los avances producidos en la últimasdos décadas descansan sobre las potenciales mejorasen la calidad del injerto y las técnicas de implante. Éstas últimas se han centrado fundamentalmente en la disminución de las complicaciones, tanto urológicas comovasculares, que pueden aparecer tras el mismo.Un conocimiento preciso de la anatomía del injerto renal y de las regiones implicadas en el trasplante resultade crucial importancia de cara a disminuir la morbilidad. El objetivo de éste trabajo es realizar una descripción detallada de la anatomía renal y de las regiones.(AU)

Renal transplantation remains the besttreatment option of renal replacement for end-stagechronic kidney disease. Surgical advances in graft quality and implantation techniques have improved transplantation during the last two decades. This has reducedboth urologic and vascular complications after implantation.A detailed understanding of renal graft and transplantation anatomy is important to reduce transplantationmorbidity. The aim of this article is to provide a detailedanatomic description of the kidney and regions usuallyinvolved in human renal transplantation (iliac fossa andleft lumbar fossa), to provide basic instructions for thenovice transplant surgeon, and to improve the anatomicknowledge of the experienced transplant surgeon.(AU)

MRI Fusion Transperineal Prostate Biopsy Instructions and Troubleshooting.

MRI fusion transperineal prostate biopsy is becoming more utilized because of its increased detection of clinically significant prostate cancer and decreased risk of sepsis. We present a video guide to properly perform this prostate biopsy technique using the Philips UroNav MRI fusion software. The MRI fusion transperineal prostate biopsy requires an ultrasound machine and transrectal ultrasound probe, MRI fusion machine, and a complete compliment of operating room supplies and staff. Local anesthesia is injected in the perineal subcutaneous tissue, prostate capsule apex, and prostate base near the seminal vesicles. Biopsy is performed through the grid plate and specimens are directly placed in formalin jars. The multitude of equipment and interfaces required by this procedure results in common problems in the setup, segmentation, and biopsy technique, which are addressed in the troubleshooting section.

Adjunctive Coil Embolization of the Prostatic Arteries After Particle Embolization for Prostatic Artery Embolization.

PURPOSE: To describe the feasibility, safety and short-term results of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) performed with adjunctive coil embolization of the main prostatic arteries (PA) following particle embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 95 patients who underwent PAE with adjunctive bilateral coil embolization of the PAs following particle embolization between September 2018 and May 2021 were included. The patients had a mean prostate size of 115 ± 64 ml, 18/95 with hematuria symptoms, and 16/95 with indwelling urinary catheters. Coil embolization was performed in the main PAs prior to the bifurcation into the anteromedial and posterolateral branches using detachable microcoils. International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL), maximum flow rate (Qmax) and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: IPSS were improved by - 11.2 ± 7.9 (n = 49, P < 0.001) and QOL by - 2.4 ± 1.8 (n = 49, P < 0.001) over a mean follow-up of 10.7 ± 7.9 weeks. Qmax did not demonstrate statistical significance. Twelve patients with hematuria (67%) showed improvement or resolution and twelve patients with indwelling or intermittent catheters (75%) were no longer catheter dependent. Two patients underwent a repeat PAE. There were no adverse events which were attributable to coil embolization. CONCLUSION: Adjunctive coil embolization of the main PAs following particle embolization is a technically feasible technique with similar short-term clinical outcomes compared to prior studies. This novel technique warrants further prospective investigation with controls.

Value of MRI to Improve Deep Learning Model That Identifies High-Grade Prostate Cancer. Comment on Gentile et al. Optimized Identification of High-Grade Prostate Cancer by Combining Different PSA Molecular Forms and PSA Density in a Deep Learning Model. Diagnostics 2021, 11, 335.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) has been criticized for its low specificity for prostate cancer, which has led to the increased adoption of additional biomarkers, PSA density (PSAD), and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to increase the localization, risk stratification, and diagnosis of prostate cancer [...].

Neoadjuvant versus adjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a propensity matched analysis.

BACKGROUND: We compared survival outcomes among patients who received either NAC or AC and RC. METHODS: We identified patients in the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) diagnosed with clinical T2-T4, N0, M0 urothelial carcinoma who underwent RC. Patients who received NAC were propensity matched by age, race, ethnicity, sex, insurance type, academic/research program, comorbidity, and clinical stage to patients receiving AC within 90 days of RC. Median survival was calculated using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated from multivariable Cox regression models to compare overall survival (OS), downstaging to non-MIBC (NMIBC), and N upstaging. RESULTS: A total of 417 patients treated with NAC and 272 patients treated with AC were identified from 2004-2013. Patients who received NAC had better 5-year OS (46.2%, 95% CI: 39.2-53.0%) compared to patients who received AC (37.6%, 95% CI: 31.5-43.7%). NAC was a significant predictor of decreased mortality, decreased progression to node positivity, and downstaging to NMIBC (0.76, 0.60-0.96, P=0.023; 0.19, 0.13-0.28, P<0.001; 23.96, 8.91-64.42, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of NAC+RC was associated with improved OS compared to RC+AC for patients diagnosed with T2-T4, N0, M0 bladder cancer. The increased survival benefit associated with NAC compared to AC among patients undergoing RC may be due to decreased progression to node positivity and pathological downstaging.

Androgen Suppression Therapy Is Associated with Lower Recurrence of Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: The challenge of managing non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is its high recurrence rate. Clinical investigations have begun to explore the role of androgen suppression as an adjunct to bladder cancer (BC) treatment. OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of androgen suppression therapy (AST) on recurrence and progression rate of risk-stratified NMIBC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Male patients with NMIBC were identified retrospectively from a US institutional database between 2001 and 2017. AST included 5α-reductase inhibitor, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist, and antiandrogen. Patients who were exposed to AST prior to documented recurrence/progression were included in the treatment arm. BC was risk stratified to investigate the differential response to AST. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Hazard ratios (HRs) for NMIBC recurrence and progression were estimated using Cox proportional hazards multivariate regression models with stepwise method. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were compared between groups with and without AST. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: We identified a total of 274 males with a median follow-up period of 3.1 yr (interquartile range [IQR] 1.5-5.2). Thirty-six patients were exposed to AST with a median duration of 1.7 yr (IQR 0.7-2.6). AST was associated with a lower risk of recurrence (HR 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.30-0.88) as well as improved RFS (p = 0.014). However, no significant reduction of progression or improvement of PFS (p = 0.23) was found with AST. After risk stratification, all five patients who progressed in the AST cohort had high-risk disease on initial transurethral resection (TUR), whereas no patients with low/intermediate-risk disease progressed on AST. Limitations of the study include nonstandardized initiation of AST in relation to initial TUR, lack of androgen level quantification, and small sample size in the treatment arm. CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective, single-institution study, AST was associated with a lower risk of recurrence in NMIBC. No significant association between AST and progression was found. Further investigation is warranted to define the role of AST as an adjunctive therapy for NMIBC. PATIENT SUMMARY: Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is a highly recurrent disease that often requires patients to undergo repeated surgical treatments. This single-institution report suggests that medical suppression of androgen may be a potential preventive therapy to reduce recurrence in certain patients.