Ten-year functional and oncological outcomes of a prospective randomized controlled trial comparing laparoscopic versus robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND: Among prostate cancer (PCa) treatment options, mini-invasive surgical approaches have gained a wide diffusion in the last decades. The aim of this study was to present oncological, functional, and quality of life data after 10 years of follow-up of a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) (ISRCTN11552140) comparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of PCa. METHODS: Patients with localized PCa were randomized to undergo LRP or RARP between January 2010 and January 2011. Functional (continence and potency) and oncological (prostate-specific antigen, biochemical recurrence [BCR] and BCR-free survival [BCRFS]) variables were evaluated. BCRFS curves were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Machine learning partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) was used to identify the variables characterizing more the patients who underwent RARP or LRP. RESULTS: Seventy-five of the originally enrolled 120 patients remained on follow-up for 10 years; 40 (53%) underwent RARP and 35 (47%) LRP. Continence and potency recovery rates did not show significant differences (p = 0.068 and p = 0.56, respectively), despite a Δ12% for continence and Δ8% for potency in favor of the robotic approach. However, the quality of continence (in terms of International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form [ICIQ-SF] score) and erection (in terms of International Index of Erectile Function-5 [IIEF-5] score) was significantly better after 10 years in the robotic group (p = 0.02 and p < 0.001). PLS-DA revealed that LRP was characterized by the worst functional-related outcomes analyzing the entire follow-up period. Four (10%) and six (17%) patients experienced BCR in RARP and LRP groups, respectively (p = 0.36), with an overall 10-year BCR-free survival of 88% and 78% (p = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS: Comparable continence and potency rates were observed between RARP and LRP after a 10-year follow-up. However, the RARP group exhibited superior totally dry rate and erection quality. No difference in terms of oncological outcomes was found.

Assessing Functional Outcomes of Partial Versus Radical Nephrectomy for T1b-T2 Renal Masses: Results from a Multi-institutional Collaboration.

BACKGROUND: Deterioration of renal function is associated with increased all-cause mortality. In renal masses larger than 4 cm, whether partial versus radical nephrectomy (PN vs. RN) might affect long-term functional outcomes is unknown. This study tested the association between PN versus RN and postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), recovery of at least 90% of the preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 1 year, upstaging of chronic kidney disease (CKD) one stage or more at 1 year, and eGFR decline of 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 or less at 1 year. METHODS: Data from 23 high-volume institutions were used. The study included only surgically treated patients with single, unilateral, localized, clinical T1b-2 renal masses. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Overall, 968 PN patients and 325 RN patients were identified. The rate of AKI was lower in the PN versus the RN patients (17% vs. 58%; p < 0.001). At 1 year after surgery, for the PN versus the RN patients, the rate for recovery of at least 90% of baseline eGFR was 51% versus 16%, the rate of CKD progression of ≥ 1 stage was 38% versus 65%, and the rate of eGFR decline of 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 or less was 10% versus 23% (all p < 0.001). Radical nephrectomy independently predicted AKI (odds ratio [OR], 7.61), 1-year ≥ 90% eGFR recovery (OR, 0.30), 1-year CKD upstaging (OR, 1.78), and 1-year eGFR decline of 45 ml/min/1.73 m2 or less (OR, 2.36) (all p ≤ 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: For cT1b-2 masses, RN portends worse immediate and 1-year functional outcomes. When technically feasible and oncologically safe, efforts should be made to spare the kidney in case of large renal masses to avoid the hazard of glomerular function loss-related mortality.

The prognostic role of next-generation imaging-driven upstaging in newly diagnosed prostate cancer patients.

PURPOSE: Phase III evidence showed that next-generation imaging (NGI), such as prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT), provides higher diagnostic accuracy than bone scan and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (conventional imaging, CI) in the primary staging of intermediate-to-high-risk prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, due to the lack of outcome data, the introduction of NGI in routine clinical practice is still debated. Analysing the oncological outcome of patients upstaged by NGI (though managed according to CI) might shed light on this issue, supporting the design of randomised trials comparing the effects of treatments delivered based on NGI vs. CI. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 100 biopsy-proven intermediate-to-high-risk PCa patients staged with CI and PSMA PET/CT (though managed according to the CI stage), to assess the frequency of the stage migration phenomenon. Stage migration was then assessed as biochemical recurrence-free survival (bRFS) predictor. RESULTS: Three patients were lost at follow-up after imaging. PSMA PET/CT upstaged 26.8% of patients compared to CI, while it downstaged 6.1% of patients. Notably, 50% of patients excluded from surgery due to the presence of bone metastases at CI would have been treated with radical-intent approaches if PSMA PET/CT had guided the treatment choice. After a median follow-up of 6 months of surgically treated patients, 22/83 (26.5%) had biochemical recurrence (BCR). PSMA PET/CT-driven upstaging determined a significant risk increase for BCR (HR:3.41, 95%CI:1.21-9.56, p = 0.019). Including stage migration in a univariable and multivariable model identified PSMA PET/CT-upstaging as an independent predictor of bRFS. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, implementing NGI for staging purposes improves the prediction of bRFS. Although phase III evidence is still needed, this advancement suggests that NGI may better identify patients who would benefit from local treatments than those who may achieve better oncological outcomes through systemic treatment.

Visual extended reality tools in image-guided surgery in urology: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this systematic review is to assess the clinical implications of employing various Extended Reality (XR) tools for image guidance in urological surgery. METHODS: In June 2023, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted using the Medline database (via PubMed), Embase (via Ovid), Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy was designed based on the PICO (Patients, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) criteria. Study protocol was registered on PROSPERO (registry number CRD42023449025). We incorporated retrospective and prospective comparative studies, along with single-arm studies, which provided information on the use of XR, Mixed Reality (MR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality (VR) in urological surgical procedures. Studies that were not written in English, non-original investigations, and those involving experimental research on animals or cadavers were excluded from our analysis. The quality assessment of comparative and cohort studies was conducted utilizing the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, whilst for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), the Jadad scale was adopted. The level of evidence for each study was determined based on the guidelines provided by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS: The initial electronic search yielded 1,803 papers after removing duplicates. Among these, 58 publications underwent a comprehensive review, leading to the inclusion of 40 studies that met the specified criteria for analysis. 11, 20 and 9 studies tested XR on prostate cancer, kidney cancer and miscellaneous, including bladder cancer and lithiasis surgeries, respectively. Focusing on the different technologies 20, 15 and 5 explored the potential of VR, AR and MR. The majority of the included studies (i.e., 22) were prospective non-randomized, whilst 7 and 11 were RCT and retrospective studies respectively. The included studies that revealed how these new tools can be useful both in preoperative and intraoperative setting for a tailored surgical approach. CONCLUSIONS: AR, VR and MR techniques have emerged as highly effective new tools for image-guided surgery, especially for urologic oncology. Nevertheless, the complete clinical advantages of these innovations are still in the process of evaluation.

Unilateral Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Prostate Cancer Patients Diagnosed in the Era of Magnetic Resonance Imaging-targeted Biopsy: A Study That Challenges the Dogma.

PURPOSE: Bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection at the time of radical prostatectomy is the current standard of care if pelvic lymph node dissection is indicated; often, however, pelvic lymph node dissection is performed in pN0 disease. With the more accurate staging achieved with magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsies for prostate cancer diagnosis, the indication for bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection may be revised. We aimed to assess the feasibility of unilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection in the era of modern prostate cancer imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed a multi-institutional data set of men with cN0 disease diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging-targeted biopsy who underwent prostatectomy and bilateral extended pelvic lymph node dissection. The outcome of the study was lymph node invasion contralateral to the prostatic lobe with worse disease features, ie, dominant lobe. Logistic regression to predict lymph node invasion contralateral to the dominant lobe was generated and internally validated. RESULTS: Overall, data from 2,253 patients were considered. Lymph node invasion was documented in 302 (13%) patients; 83 (4%) patients had lymph node invasion contralateral to the dominant prostatic lobe. A model including prostate-specific antigen, maximum diameter of the index lesion, seminal vesicle invasion on magnetic resonance imaging, International Society of Urological Pathology grade in the nondominant side, and percentage of positive cores in the nondominant side achieved an area under the curve of 84% after internal validation. With a cutoff of contralateral lymph node invasion of 1%, 602 (27%) contralateral pelvic lymph node dissections would be omitted with only 1 (1.2%) lymph node invasion missed. CONCLUSIONS: Pelvic lymph node dissection could be omitted contralateral to the prostate lobe with worse disease features in selected patients. We propose a model that can help avoid contralateral pelvic lymph node dissection in almost one-third of cases.

Three-dimensional virtual models assistance predicts higher rates of "successful" minimally invasive partial nephrectomy: an Institutional analysis across the available trifecta definitions.

PURPOSE: 3D virtual models (3DVMs) are nowadays under scrutiny to improve partial nephrectomy (PN) outcomes. Five different Trifecta definitions have been proposed to optimize the framing of "success" in the PN field. Our aim is to analyze if the use of 3DVMs could impact the success rate of minimally invasive PN (mi-PN), according to the currently available definitions of Trifecta. MATERIALS AND METHODS: At our Institution 250 cT1-2N0M0 renal masses patients treated with mi-PN were prospectively enrolled. Inclusion criteria were the availability of contrast-enhanced CT, baseline and postoperative serum creatinine, and eGFR. These patients were then compared with a control group of 710 patients who underwent mi-PN with the same renal function assessments, but without 3DVMs. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) models were used to predict the trifecta achievement according to the different trifecta definitions. RESULTS: Among the definitions, Trifecta rates ranged between 70.8% to 97.4% in the 3DVM group vs. 56.8% to 92.8% in the control group (all p values < 0.05). 3DVMs showed better postoperative outcomes in terms of ΔeGFR, ( - 16.6% vs. - 2.7%, p = 0.03), postoperative complications (15%, vs 22.9%, p = 0.002) and major complications (Clavien Dindo > 3, 2.8% vs 5.6%, p = 0.03). At MLR 3DVMs assistance independently predicted higher rates of successful PN across all the available definitions of Trifecta (OR: 2.7 p < 0.001, OR:2.0 p = 0.0008, OR:2.8 p = 0.02, OR 2.0 p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The 3DVMs availability was found to be the constant predictive factor of successful PN, with a twofold higher probability of achieving Trifecta regardless of the different definitions available in Literature.

Screening programs for renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review by the EAU young academic urologists renal cancer working group.

PURPOSE: To systematically review studies focused on screening programs for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and provide an exhaustive overview on their clinical impact, potential benefits, and harms. METHODS: A systematic review of the recent English-language literature was conducted according to the European Association of Urology guidelines and the PRISMA statement recommendations (PROSPERO ID: CRD42021283136) using the MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases. Risk-of-bias assessment was performed according to the QUality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) tool. RESULTS: Overall, nine studies and one clinical trials were included. Eight studies reported results from RCC screening programs involving a total of 159 136 patients and four studies reported screening cost-analysis. The prevalence of RCC ranged between 0.02 and 0.22% and it was associated with the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects; selection of the target population decreased, overall, the screening cost per diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increasing interest in RCC screening programs from patients and clinicians there is a relative lack of studies reporting the efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and the optimal modality for RCC screening. Targeting high-risk individuals and/or combining detection of RCC with other health checks represent pragmatic options to improve the cost-effectiveness and reduce the potential harms of RCC screening.

The impact of a second MRI and re-biopsy in patients with initial negative mpMRI-targeted and systematic biopsy for PIRADS ≥ 3 lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the proportions of detected prostate cancer (PCa) and clinically significant PCa (csPCa), as well as identify clinical predictors of PCa, in patients with PI-RADS > = 3 lesion at mpMRI and initial negative targeted and systematic biopsy (initial biopsy) who underwent a second MRI and a re-biopsy. METHODS: A total of 290 patients from 10 tertiary referral centers were included. The primary outcome measures were the presence of PCa and csPCa at re-biopsy. Logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of PCa and csPCa, adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS: Forty-two percentage of patients exhibited the presence of a new lesion. Furthermore, at the second MRI, patients showed stable, upgrading, and downgrading PI-RADS lesions in 42%, 39%, and 19%, respectively. The interval from the initial to repeated mpMRI and from the initial to repeated biopsy was 16 mo (IQR 12-20) and 18 mo (IQR 12-21), respectively. One hundred and eight patients (37.2%) were diagnosed with PCa and 74 (25.5%) with csPCa at re-biopsy. The presence of ASAP on the initial biopsy strongly predicted the presence of PCa and csPCa at re-biopsy. Furthermore, PI-RADS scores at the first and second MRI and a higher number of systematic biopsy cores at first and second biopsy were independent predictors of the presence of PCa and csPCa. Selection bias cannot be ruled out. CONCLUSIONS: Persistent PI-RADS ≥ 3 at the second MRI is suggestive of the presence of a not negligible proportion of csPca. These findings contribute to the refinement of risk stratification for men with initial negative MRI-TBx.

Adrenocortical carcinoma with venous tumor invasion: is there a role for mini-invasive surgery?

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate early oncologic outcomes in patients with adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) with venous invasion (VI) treated using both open and mini-invasive approaches. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 4 international referral center databases, including all the patients undergoing adrenalectomy for ACC with VI from January 2007 to March 2020. According to CT scan or MRI, the tumor thrombus was classified into four levels: (1) adrenal vein invasion; (2) renal vein invasion; (3) infra-hepatic Inferior vena cava (IVC); and (4) retro-hepatic IVC. In addition, we divided our patients into patients who had undergone open surgery and mini-invasive surgery. RESULTS: We identified 20 patients with a median follow-up of 12 months. The median tumor size was 110mm. ENSAT stage was II in 4 patients, III in 13 patients, and IV in 3 patients. Tumor thrombus extended in the adrenal vein (n=5), renal vein (n=1), infra-hepatic IVC (n=9), or into the retro-hepatic IVC (n=5). Ten patients were treated with a mini-invasive approach. The patient treated with an open approach reported a more aggressive disease. The two groups did not differ in surgical margins, surgical time, blood losses, complications, and length of stay. The prognosis resulted worse in the patient undergoing open. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a difference in OS for the patients stratified by ENSAT stage (Log-rank p=0.011); we also reported a difference in DFS for patients stratified for thrombus extension (p=0.004) and ENSAT stage (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The DFS of patients with VI from ACC is influenced by the staging and the extension of the venous invasion; the staging influences the OS. The mini-invasive approach seems feasible in selected patients; however, further studies investigating the oncological outcomes are needed. A mini-invasive approach for adrenal tumors with venous invasion is an explorable option in very selected patients.

Treatment of Ureteral Stent-Related Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the main classes of drugs used at reducing morbidity related to ureteric stents. SUMMARY: After establishing a priori protocol, a systematic electronic literature search was conducted in July 2019. The randomized clinical trials (RCTs) selection proceeded in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered (PROSPERO ID 178130). The risk of bias and the quality assessment of the included RCTs were performed. Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life (QoL) were pooled for meta-analysis. Mean difference and risk difference were calculated as appropriate for each outcome to determine the cumulative effect size. Fourteen RCTs were included in the analysis accounting for 2,842 patients. Alpha antagonist, antimuscarinic, and phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitors significatively reduced all indexes of the USSQ, the IPSS and QoL scores relative to placebo. Conversely, combination therapy (alpha antagonist plus antimuscarinic) showed in all indexes of the USSQ, IPSS, and QoL over alpha antagonist or antimuscarinic alone. On comparison with alpha blockers, PDE inhibitors were found to be equally effective for urinary symptoms, general health, and body pain parameters, but sexual health parameters improved significantly with PDE inhibitors. Finally, antimuscarinic resulted in higher decrease in all indexes of the USSQ, the IPSS, and QoL relative to alpha antagonist. KEY MESSAGE: Relative to placebo, alpha antagonist alone, antimuscarinics alone, and PDE inhibitors alone have beneficial effect in reducing stent-related symptoms. Furthermore, there are significant advantages of combination therapy compared with monotherapy. Finally, PDE inhibitors are comparable to alpha antagonist, and antimuscarinic seems to be more effective than alpha antagonist alone.

Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES) and User-Experience Questionnaire (UEQ) for 3D Intraoperative Cognitive Navigation (ICON3DTM) System for Urological Procedures.

Backgound and objectives: In recent years, the adoption of 3D models for surgical planning and intraoperative guidance has gained a wide diffusion. The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgeons' perception and usability of ICON3DTM platform for robotic and laparoscopic urological surgical procedures. Materials and Methods: During the 10th edition of the Techno-Urology Meeting, surgeons and attendees had the opportunity to test the new ICON3DTM platform. The capability of the user to manipulate the model with hands/mouse, the software usability, the quality of the 3D model's reproduction, and the quality of its use during the surgery were evaluated with the Health Information Technology Usability Evaluation Scale (Health-ITUES) and the User-Experience Questionnaire (UEQ). Results: Fifty-three participants responded to the questionnaires. Based on the answers to the Health-ITUES questionnaire, ICON3DTM resulted to have a positive additional value in presurgical/surgical planning with 43.4% and 39.6% of responders that rated 4 (agree) and 5 (strongly agree), respectively. Regarding the UEQ questionnaire, both mouse and infrared hand-tracking system resulted to be easy to use for 99% of the responders, while the software resulted to be easy to use for 93.4% of the responders. Conclusions: In conclusion, ICON3DTM has been widely appreciated by urologists thanks to its various applications, from preoperative planning to its support for intraoperative decision-making in both robot-assisted and laparoscopic settings.

Patients' perceptions of quality of care delivery by urology residents: A nationwide study.

OBJECTIVE: To present the results of a nationwide survey among urological patients to evaluate their perception of the quality of care provided by residents. METHODS: An anonymous survey was distributed to patients who were referred to 22 Italian academic institutions. The survey aimed to investigate the professional figure of the urology resident as perceived by the patient. RESULTS: A total of 2587 patients were enrolled in this study. In all, 51.6% of patients were able to correctly identify a urology resident; however, almost 40% of respondents discriminated residents from fully trained urologists based exclusively on their young age. Overall, 98.2% patients rated the service provided by the resident as at least sufficient. Urology trainees were considered by more than 50% of the patients interviewed to have good communication skills, expertise and willingness. Overall, patients showed an excellent willingness to be managed by urology residents. The percentage of patients not available for this purpose showed an increasing trend that directly correlated with the difficulty of the procedure. Approximately 5-10% of patients were not willing to be managed by residents for simple procedures such as clinical visits, cystoscopy or sonography, and up to a third of patients were not prepared to undergo any surgical procedure performed by residents during steps in major surgery, even if the residents were adequately tutored. CONCLUSIONS: Our data showed that patients have a good willingness to be managed by residents during their training, especially for medium- to low-difficulty procedures. Furthermore, the majority of patients interviewed rated the residents' care delivery as sufficient. Urology trainees were considered to have good communication skills, expertise and willingness.

The impact of 3D models on positive surgical margins after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of 3D models on positive surgical margin rate (PSM) rate in patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to a no-3D control group. Secondarily, we evaluated the postoperative functional and oncological outcomes. METHODS: Prospective study enrolling patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa) undergoing RARP with mp-MRI-based 3D model reconstruction, displayed in a cognitive or augmented-reality fashion, at our Centre from 01/2016 to 01/2020. A control no-3D group was extracted from the last two years of our Institutional RARP database. PSMr between the two groups was evaluated and multivariable linear regression (MLR) models were applied. Finally, Kaplan-Meier estimator was used to calculate biochemical recurrence at 12 months after the intervention. RESULTS: 160 patients were enrolled in the 3D Group, while 640 were selected for the Control Group. A more conservative NS approach was registered in the 3D Group (full NS 20.6% vs 12.7%; intermediate NS 38.1% vs 38.0%; standard NS 41.2% vs 49.2%; p = 0.02). 3D Group patients had lower PSM rates (25 vs. 35.1%, p = 0.01). At MLR models, the availability of 3D technology (p = 0.005) and the absence of extracapsular extension (ECE, p = 0.004) at mp-MRI were independent predictors of lower PSMr. Moreover, 3D model represented a significant protective factor for PSM in patients with ECE or pT3 disease. CONCLUSION: The availability of 3D models during the intervention allows to modulate the NS approach, limiting the occurrence of PSM, especially in patients with ECE at mp-MRI or pT3 PCa.

Robotic partial nephrectomy in 3D virtual reconstructions era: is the paradigm changed?

CONTEXT: The development of a tailored, patient-specific medical and surgical approach is becoming object of intense research. In kidney oncologic surgery, where a clear understanding of case-specific surgical anatomy is considered a key point to optimize the perioperative outcomes, such philosophy gained increasing importance. Recently, important advances in 3D virtual modeling technologies have fueled the interest for their application in the field of robotic minimally invasive surgery for kidney tumors. OBJECTIVE: To provide a synthesis of current applications of 3D virtual models for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, PubMed, the Cochrane Database, and Embase were screened for Literature regarding the use of 3D virtual models for robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The use of 3D virtual models for RAPN has been tested in different settings, including surgical indication and planning, intraoperative guidance, and training. Currently, several studies are available on the application of this technology for surgical planning, demonstrating impact on clinical outcomes such as renal function recovery, whilst experiences concerning their intraoperative application for navigation are still experimental. One of the latest innovations in this field is represented by the development of dedicated softwares able to automatically overlap the 3D virtual models to the real anatomy, to perform augmented reality procedures. CONCLUSIONS: The available Literature suggests a potentially crucial role of 3D virtual reconstructions during RAPN. Encouraging results concerning surgical planning and indication, intraoperative navigation, and surgical training are available. In the future, artificial intelligence may represent the key to further improve the 3D virtual modeling technology during RAPN.

External validation of the Palacios' equation: a simple and accurate tool to estimate the new baseline renal function after renal cancer surgery.

PURPOSE: To externally validate the Palacios' equation estimating the new baseline glomerular filtration rate (NB-GFR) after partial or radical-nephrectomy (PN, RN) for Renal cancer carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our research group recently published two studies that investigated the association between renal function and cancer-specific survival in RCC. The first one included 3457 patients undergone RN or PN for a cT1-2 RCC coming from five high-volume centers; the second one considered 1767 patients undergone RN or PN for a cT1-4 RCC in a single high-volume center. From such datasets, available complete patients' data were used to calculate the predicted NB-GFR through the Palacios' equation: predicted NB-GFR = 35.03 + 0.65 ∙ preoperative GFR - 18.19 ∙ (if radical nephrectomy) - 0.25 ∙ age + 2.83 ∙ (if tumor size > 7 cm) - 2.09 ∙ (if diabetes). The observed NB-GFR was calculated by the CKD-EPI equation on serum creatinine at 3-12 months after surgery. Concordance between observed and predicted NB-GFR was evaluated by Lin's concordance correlation coefficient and Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: 2419 patients were included (1210, cohort #1; 1219, cohort #2). The median observed NB-GFR value in cohorts #1 and #2 was 73.0 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 56.1-90.1) and 64.2 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 49.6-83); the median predicted NB-GFR was 71.1 ml/min/1.73 m2 (IQR 58-81.5) and 62.6 ml/min/1.73m2 (IQR 47.9-75.9). The concordance line showed a slope of 0.80 and 0.86, and an intercept at 11.02 and 5.41 ml/min/1.73 m2 in the cohort#1 and #2, respectively. The Palacio's equation moderately over-estimated and under-estimated NB-GFR, for values below and above the cut-off of 50 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 35 ml/min/1.73m2 in cohort#1 and #2. The Lin's concordance correlation coefficient was 0.79 (95% CI 0.77-0.81) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.82-0.85). CONCLUSIONS: We confirm the predictive performances of Palacios' equation, supporting its utilization in clinical practice.

Changes in renal function after nephroureterectomy for upper urinary tract carcinoma: analysis of a large multicenter cohort (Radical Nephroureterectomy Outcomes (RaNeO) Research Consortium).

PURPOSE: To investigate prevalence and predictors of renal function variation in a multicenter cohort treated with radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHODS: Patients from 17 tertiary centers were included. Renal function variation was evaluated at postoperative day (POD)-1, 6 and 12 months. Timepoints differences were Δ1 = POD-1 eGFR - baseline eGFR; Δ2 = 6 months eGFR - POD-1 eGFR; Δ3 = 12 months eGFR - 6 months eGFR. We defined POD-1 acute kidney injury (AKI) as an increase in serum creatinine by ≥ 0.3 mg/dl or a 1.5 1.9-fold from baseline. Additionally, a cutoff of 60 ml/min in eGFR was considered to define renal function decline at 6 and 12 months. Logistic regression (LR) and linear mixed (LM) models were used to evaluate the association between clinical factors and eGFR decline and their interaction with follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 576 were included, of these 409(71.0%) and 403(70.0%) had an eGFR < 60 ml/min at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and 239(41.5%) developed POD-1 AKI. In multivariable LR analysis, age (Odds Ratio, OR 1.05, p < 0.001), male gender (OR 0.44, p = 0.003), POD-1 AKI (OR 2.88, p < 0.001) and preoperative eGFR < 60 ml/min (OR 7.58, p < 0.001) were predictors of renal function decline at 6 months. Age (OR 1.06, p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR 2.68, p = 0.007), POD-1 AKI (OR 1.83, p = 0.02), and preoperative eGFR < 60 ml/min (OR 7.80, p < 0.001) were predictors of renal function decline at 12 months. In LM models, age (p = 0.019), hydronephrosis (p < 0.001), POD-1 AKI (p < 0.001) and pT-stage (p = 0.001) influenced renal function variation (ß 9.2 ± 0.7, p < 0.001) during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Age, preoperative eGFR and POD-1 AKI are independent predictors of 6 and 12 months renal function decline after RNU for UTUC.

Anastomosis quality score during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a new simple tool to maximize postoperative management.

PURPOSE: The urethro-vesical anastomosis represents one of the most challenging steps of robotic prostatectomy (RARP). To maximize postoperative management, we specifically designed our anastomosis quality score (AQS), based on the intraoperative characteristics of the urethra and bladder neck. METHODS: This is a prospective study, conducted from April 2019 to March 2020. All the patients were classified into three different AQS categories (low, intermediate, high) based on the quality of the anastomosis. The postoperative management was modulated accordingly. RESULTS: We enrolled 333 patients. According to AQS, no differences were recorded in intraoperative complications (p = 0.9). Median hospital stay and catheterization time were longer in AQS 1 group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the occurrence of postoperative complication was higher in AQS 1 category (p = 0.002) but, when focusing on the complications related to the quality of the anastomosis, no differences were found neither for acute urinary retention (p = 0.12) nor urine leakage (p = 0.11). Finally, concerning the continence recovery, no significant differences were found among the three groups for each time point. The highest potency recovery rate at one month of follow-up was recorded in AQS 3 category (p = 0. 03). CONCLUSION: The AQS proposed revealed to be a valid too to intraoperatively categorize patients who underwent RARP on the basis of the urethral and bladder neck features. The modulated postoperative management for each specific score category allowed to limit the occurrence of complications and to maximize the functional outcomes.

Urinary and sexual function after treatment with temporary implantable nitinol device (iTind) in men with LUTS: 6-month interim results of the MT-06-study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional outcomes as they relate to the preservation of urinary continence and sexual function after treatment with the temporarily implanted nitinol device (iTind; Medi-Tate Ltd, Israel); a novel minimally invasive treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: Men with symptomatic BPH (IPSS ≥ 10, Qmax < 12 ml/s, and prostate volume (PV) < 120 ml) were invited to participate in this single-arm, prospective multicenter study (MT06). Patients were not washed out of BPH medications before the procedure. The iTind was implanted through a 22F rigid cystoscope under intravenous sedation and was removed 5-7 days later through a 22F Foley catheter under local anesthesia. Post-operative VAS and complications (Clavien Dindo-Grading System) were recorded. Preservation of urinary continence and erectile and ejaculatory function were assessed according to ISI, MSHQ-EjD and SHIM questionnaires. Post-operative IPSS, QoL, Qmax and PVR were also assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operatively. RESULTS: This interim report includes data out to 6 months on the first 70 patients enrolled in the study. The median age was 62.31 years, and the mean prostate volume was 37.68 ml (15-80 ml). Baseline and follow-up data are reported in Table 1. No intraoperative complications were observed, the average post-operative VAS score was 3.24 ± 2.56. On average patients returned to daily life after 4.3 days following the retrieval procedure. Sexual function and urinary continence were preserved in all subjects according to the ISI, SHIM and MSHQ-EjD questionnaires and significant improvements (p < 0.0001) from baseline levels were recorded in IPSS, QoL and peak flow. CONCLUSION: iTind is a well-tolerated, minimally invasive treatment for BPH-related LUTS which preserves sexual function and urinary continence, offers a rapid recovery and return to daily life, and a significant improvement of symptoms and urinary flow at 6-month follow-up.

Implementing telemedicine for the management of benign urologic conditions: a single centre experience in Italy.

PURPOSE: To assess the use of telemedicine with phone-call visits as a practical tool to follow-up with patients affected by urological benign diseases, whose clinic visits had been cancelled during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Patients were contacted via phone-call and a specific questionnaire was administered to evaluate the health status of these patients and to identify those who needed an "in-person" ambulatory visit due to the worsening of their condition. Secondarily, the patients' perception of a potential shift towards a "telemedicine" approach to the management of their condition and to indirectly evaluate their desire to return to "in-person" clinic visits. RESULTS: 607 were contacted by phone-call. 87.5% (531/607) of the cases showed stability of the symptoms so no clinic in-person or emergency visits were needed. 81.5% (495/607) of patients were more concerned about the risk of contagion than their urological condition. The median score for phone visit comprehensibility and ease of communication of exams was 5/5; whilst patients' perception of phone visits' usefulness was scored 4/5. 53% (322/607) of the interviewees didn't own the basic supports required to be able to perform a real telemedicine consult according to the required standards. CONCLUSION: Telemedicine approach limits the number of unnecessary accesses to medical facilities and represents an important tool for the limitation of the risk of transmission of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. However, infrastructures, health workers and patients should reach out to a computerization process to allow a wider diffusion of more advanced forms of telemedicine, such as televisit.

Retroperitoneal versus transepritoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for postero-lateral renal masses: an international multicenter analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of retroperitoneal robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (r-RAPN) in a large cohort of patients with postero-lateral renal masses comparing to those of transperitoneal RAPN (t-RAPN). METHODS: Patients with posterior (R.E.N.A.L. score grading P) or lateral (grading X) renal mass who underwent RAPN in six high-volume US and European centers were identified and stratified into two groups according to surgical approach: r-RAPN ("study group") and t-RAPN ("control group"). Baseline characteristics, intraoperative, and postoperative data were collected and compared. RESULTS: Overall, 447 patients were identified for the analysis. 231 (51.7%) and 216 (48.3%) patients underwent r-RAPN and t-RAPN, respectively. Baseline characteristics were not statistically significantly different between the groups. r-RAPN group reported lower median operative time (140 vs. 170 min, p < 0.001). No difference was found in ischemia time, estimated blood loss, and intraoperative complications. Overall, 47 and 54 postoperative complications were observed in r-RAPN and t-RAPN groups, respectively (20.3 vs. 25.1%, p = 0.9). 1 and 2 patients reported major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ III grade) in the retroperitoneal and transperitoneal groups (0.4 vs. 0.9%, p = 0.9). There was no difference in hospital re-admission rate, median length of stay, and PSM rate. Trifecta criteria were achieved in 90.3 and 89.2% of r-RAPN and t-RAPN, respectively (p = 0.7). CONCLUSION: r-RAPN and t-RAPN offer similar postoperative, functional, and oncological outcomes for patients with postero-lateral renal tumors. Our analysis suggests an advantage for r-RAPN in terms of shorter operative time, whereas it does not confirm a difference in terms of length of stay, as suggested by previous reports.