Diagnostic value of Xpert® BC Detection, Bladder Epicheck®, Urovysion® FISH and cytology in the detection of upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.

PURPOSE: Following the current guidelines, diagnosis and staging for upper urinary tract tumours (UTUC) can be performed with Computed Tomography, urography, ureterorenoscopy (URS) and selective cytology. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of the Xpert®-BC-Detection and the Bladder-Epicheck®-test in the detection of UTUC and compare it with cytology and the Urovysion®-FISH test using histology and URS as gold standard. METHODS: A total of 97 analyses were collected through selective catheterization of the ureter before URS to test for cytology, Xpert®-BC-Detection, Bladder-Epicheck® and Urovysion®-FISH. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values were calculated using histology results/URS as reference. RESULTS: Overall sensitivity was 100% for Xpert®-BC-Detection, 41.9% for cytology, 64.5% for Bladder-Epicheck® and 87.1% for Urovysion®-FISH. The sensitivity of Xpert®-BC-Detection was 100% in both, LG and HG tumours, sensitivity of cytology increased from 30.8% in LG to 100% in HG, for Bladder-Epicheck® from 57.7% in LG to 100% in HG and of Urovysion®-FISH from 84.6% in LG to 100% in HG tumours. Specificity was 4.5% for Xpert®-BC-Detection, 93.9% for cytology, 78.8% for Bladder-Epicheck® and 81.8% for Urovysion®-FISH. PPV was 33% for Xpert®-BC-Detection, 76.5% for cytology, 58.8% for Bladder-Epicheck® and 69.2% for Urovysion®FISH. NPV was 100% for Xpert®-BC-Detection, 77.5% for cytology, 82.5% for Bladder-Epicheck® and 93.1% for Urovysion®FISH. CONCLUSION: Bladder-Epicheck® and Urovysion®FISH along with cytology could be a helpful ancillary method in the diagnosis and follow-up of UTUC while due to its low specificity Xpert®-BC Detection seems to be of limited usefulness.

Transarterial Embolization in the Management of Intractable Haemorrhage.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and long-term results of selective transarterial iliac embolization (STIE) in patients with intractable bladder haemorrhage (IBH). METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 (range 65-94) years underwent STIE because of IBH between 2002 and 2020. The median follow-up time was 3 (mean 13.9) months. Patients were treated because of bleeding bladder or prostate cancer, radiation-induced haemorrhagic cystitis, and other conditions. Success was defined as technical success (feasibility to embolize bilateral hypogastric arteries or neoplastic arteries) and as clinical success (absence of further or additional therapy). RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with a median age of 84 years with a median hospital stay of 7 days were embolized at our institution. In total, 60% required additional therapy. Only 20% had minor complications, but no complication major was seen; 60% needed an additional therapy because of continuous bleeding. Our 30-day, 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month mortality rates were 28, 44, 64, and 76%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: STIE in IBH is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible procedure for palliating haematuria patients in poor general condition. Major complications are very rarely seen. However, patients often need additional therapy after STIE.

Efficacy and Safety of Two Fosfomycin Regimens as Antimicrobial Prophylaxis for Transrectal Prostate Biopsy: A Randomised Study.

PURPOSE: Prostate biopsy is the gold standard for prostate cancer diagnosis; unfortunately, this procedure is not free from complications. Recent studies have shown an increase in antibiotic resistance. The aim of our prospective randomized study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a prostate biopsy prophylaxis protocol using 2 vs. 3 fosfomycin doses. METHODS: Two hundred and ninety-seven patients undergoing transrectal systematic ultrasound (US)-guided (n = 277) or transrectal fusion prostate biopsy (n = 20) were prospectively evaluated and randomized by date of birth, to receive 2 (even years, group A) versus 3 doses of fosfomycin (odd years, group B), and prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-seven patients were randomized to group A (n = 162) or group B (n = 135). The 2 groups were comparable with respect to age, comorbidity, PSA value, prostate volume, operative time and urine culture results. Out of 297 patients, 44 (14.8%) developed complications after the procedure; 2.7% (8/297) of patients developed fever >38° requiring hospitalization (6 [3.7%] in group A and 2 [1.5%] in group B, p = 0.29). Patients who underwent fusion biopsy were more frequently readmitted in comparison with patients undergoing US-guided prostate biopsy (p = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The low fever and prostatitis rate suggest that fosfomycin prophylaxis is safe and efficient. There is no significant difference in clinical outcome between the 2 dosage regimens.

Malignant mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis: Report of a very rare case with review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is a extremely rare tumor and represents 0.3 to 0.5% of all malignant mesotheliomas. Exposure to asbestos often precedes illness. Because of its low incidence and nonspecific clinical presentation, it is mostly diagnosed accidentally during surgery for other reasons and the prognosis is usually poor. We present a case of a patient with a mesothelioma of tunica vaginalis testis, diagnosed secondarily during hydrocele surgery, with long-term survival after radical surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a 40 years old patient was admitted to our department for routine surgery of a left hydrocele. During the operation a frozen section analysis was requested because of the unusual nodular thickening of the tunica vaginalis: the examination revealed a diffuse malignant mesothelioma with epithelioid structure and tubular-papillary proliferation. Therefore a left hemi-scrotectomy with left inguinal lymph node dissection was performed. RESULTS: The definitive histology confirmed the previous report of diffuse malignant mesothelioma with angio-invasion but normal testicle findings and negative lymph nodes. No metastases were found on the CT-scan. For the first 2 years a CT was repeated every 4 months, for other 3 years every 6 months and then yearly. Six years after surgery the patient is classified as no evidence of disease. CONCLUSIONS: malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis is a rare entity, often initially thought to be a hydrocele or an epididymal cyst. An aggressive approach with hemiscrotectomy with or without inguinal and retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy can reduce the risk of recurrence.

90-Day Mortality after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Prognostic Factors in a Multicenter Case Series.

OBJECTIVES: To identify preoperative risk factors for 90-day mortality and to validate existing nomograms in a multicenter series of patients undergoing radical cystectomy (RC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated 90-day mortality in 475 patients following RC and urinary diversion at 2 Italian institutions and validated Aziz and Isbarn nomogram. Univariable logistic models assessed the predictive ability of operative volume, age at intervention, gender, body mass index, carcinoma in situ at transurethral resection of the bladder, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score, Charlson Comorbidity Index, clinical stage and pathological stage (TNM). RESULTS: Of the total number of patients, 387 of them (81%) were male. The median age at RC was 71.8. The most frequent ASA score was 2 (53%). Twenty-five deaths occurred within 90 days (5.3%), all among patients who had undergone RC and incontinent urinary diversion. Risk was higher in patients with advanced disease (OR 2.4); moreover, 90-day mortality odd in 70-79-year-old patients was 13 times higher than those of younger patients (<70). Predictive accuracy using Isbarn's and Aziz's nomogram were 67 and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our multicenter study confirmed the moderate predictive value of the Aziz nomogram. Larger studies are needed to improve on existing nomograms with the aim of enhancing preoperative counseling.

Comparison of complications from radical cystectomy between old-old versus oldest-old patients.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare complications after radical cystectomy in patients aged ≥75 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 251 patients aged 75-95 years (median 79) underwent radical cystectomy between 2000 and 2012 at four institutions. The patients were divided into two groups: ≥75-84 years of age (group 1) versus ≥85 years of age (group 2). Comorbidities, body mass index, and complications were obtained retrospectively, except at the Central Hospital of Bolzano and Weill Cornell Medical Center, which collected data prospectively. Cancer-specific survival, overall mortality, hospital stay, clinical outcome and complications were assessed. Complications were categorized using the Clavien-Dindo classification reporting system. The mean follow-up was 21 months. RESULTS: The median hospital stay was 17 (2-91) days. Perioperative Clavien-Dindo grade ≥III complications were seen in 24.1% (48/199) of group 1 patients and 19.2% (10/52) of group 2 patients (p = 0.045). 30- and 90-day mortality was 4.5 and 13.5% in group 1 and 6.5 and 32.3% in group 2, respectively. Only the 90-day mortality rate was statistically significant (p < 0.05) between the two groups. The 3-year overall survival was 40% in group 1 and 34% in group 2. The 3-year cancer-specific survival was 52% in group 1 and 50% in group 2. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated a large series of elderly (≥75 years) patients undergoing radical cystectomy at four institutions. Comparing patients aged ≥75-84 and ≥85 years revealed no significant difference in complications, 30-day mortality, overall and cancer-specific survival rates. Only 90-day mortality rates were significantly higher in the ≥85-year-old patients.

Perforation during TUR of bladder tumours influences the natural history of superficial bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVES: Bladder perforation is the second most common complication during transurethral resection of bladder tumours. It is unknown whether perforation affects the natural history of the tumour through cell seeding. The aim of this study was to study the impact of perforation on the oncologic outcomes of bladder carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2007, 926 consecutive patients underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumours at our institution; 327 cases were staged ≥ pT2 and were treated immediately with cystectomy and/or multimodal therapy and therefore excluded from the study. An additional 34 cases without urothelial carcinoma were excluded. Of the remaining 565 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, 457 (80.8 %) were male and 108 (19.2 %) were female with a mean age of 69.5 years in men and 67.3 years in women. Thirty-seven patients (6.5 %) experienced bladder perforation at the time of tumour resection. This group of patients (Group 1) was compared to the remaining 528 patients (Group 2) who did not experience a bladder perforation. RESULTS: Patients with bladder wall perforation experienced a shorter disease-free survival in both univariate (p = 0.003) and multivariate analyses (p = 0.006). In addition, subsequent recurrences revealed stage progression of recurrent disease (p = 0.05) and trended to a higher number of cystectomies in the perforated group of patients (p = 0.06). Nevertheless, perforation did not appear to influence overall survival (p = 0.127) or cancer-specific survival (p = 0.141). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that bladder perforation during resection of superficial bladder tumours is burdened by a shortened disease-free survival and T-stage progression.

Recurrence and progression in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer: prognostic models including multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization molecular grading.

OBJECTIVE: To test the prognostic value of multicolor fluorescence in situ hybridization analyses of tumor cells in urine for prediction of the recurrence and progression of tumor in patients with intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were included in the study. Fluorescence in situ hybridization was carried out on the bladder wash urine collected before resection. Tumors were classified as low molecular grading if they had a diploid chromosomal pattern or only a loss of p16 or ch3 aneuploidy, and as high molecular grading if they showed aneuploidy of ch7 or 17. Cox regression models assessed the added prognostic value of fluorescence in situ hybridization for primary tumor recurrence or progression, respectively. RESULTS: Median follow up was 67 months. A total of 57% of tumors were classified as low molecular grading. The 2- and 5-year recurrence-free survival was 68% and 49% for low molecular grading, and 47% and 30% for high molecular grading, respectively. The 2- and 5-year progression-free survival was 95% and 84% for low molecular grading, and 79% and 58% for high molecular grading tumor patients, respectively. Molecular grading (hazard ratio 1.60; P = 0.03) was associated with recurrence, when also accounting for histopathology and a patient's characteristics. Both cancer severity score (hazard ratio 1.51; P < 0.01) and molecular grading (hazard ratio 2.53; P < 0.01) independently and positively predicted progression in multivariable models. The C-index for predicting recurrence increased from 0.58 to 0.61 when molecular grading fluorescence in situ hybridization was included in the model, and from 0.68 to 0.72 when predicting progression. CONCLUSIONS: Fluorescence in situ hybridization-based molecular grading increases the accuracy of a prognostic model, predicting both recurrence and progression in patients with intermediate risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Prospective evaluation of the RT-PCR based urinary marker Bladder Epicheck® as a diagnostic tool in upper urinary tract tumor.

BACKGROUND: Upper-tract-urothelial-carcinoma (UTUC) represents 5-10% of all urothelial-neoplasms with increasing incidence in the last decades. Current standard tools for diagnosis of UTUC include cytology, computed tomography (CT) urography and ureterorenoscopy (URS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Bladder Epicheck® Test as diagnostic tool for UTUC diagnosis and recurrence. METHODS: Overall, 136 urine samples, selective collected from upper-urinary-tract before URS for suspicion of UTUC were analyzed with cytology and Bladder Epicheck® Test. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of both markers were calculated and compared to URS and/or histology as reference. RESULTS: UTUC was detected in 40 cases (33.3%), among them 30 were classified as low-grade (LG) and 10 as high-grade (HG). Overall sensitivity of Bladder Epicheck® for UTUC detection was 65% compared to 42.5% for cytology, increasing to 100% for Bladder Epicheck® and 90% for cytology if considering only HG tumors. Overall specificity of Bladder Epicheck® was 81.2% and of cytology 93.7%. PPV and NPV were 63.4% and 82.2% for Bladder Epicheck® and 77.2% and 76.5% for cytology. Considering an EpiScore cut-off >75, instead of 60, specificity of Bladder Epicheck® improves to 89% and PPV to 74.2%. Limitations include the use of a marker validated only for bladder-cancer and the relatively small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Due to its high sensitivity for HG tumors, the Bladder Epicheck® Test can be used in diagnosis and treatment decision-making of UTUC. Furthermore, it could be very useful in follow-up of UTUC, after endoscopic treatment to postpone or avoid unnecessary endoscopic exploration. Even if further studies are needed to validate these findings, Bladder Epicheck® could be a promising clinical tool for detection of UTUC.

A Prospective Randomized Multicenter Study on the Impact of [18F]F-Choline PET/CT Versus Conventional Imaging for Staging Intermediate- to High-Risk Prostate Cancer.

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of [18F]F-choline PET/CT with conventional imaging for staging and managing intermediate- to high-risk prostate cancer (PCa). The primary objective was to assess the ability of PET/CT with [18F]F-choline to identify lymph node and systemic involvement during initial staging. Secondary objectives included evaluating the impact of [18F]F-choline PET/CT on unnecessary local treatments and assessing the safety of [18F]F-choline agents. Additionally, the study aimed to analyze recurrence-free survival and overall survival 5 y after randomization. Methods: A prospective controlled, open, randomized multicenter phase III trial involving 7 Italian centers was conducted. Eligible patients with intermediate- to high-risk PCa were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. Two groups were formed: one undergoing conventional imaging (abdominopelvic contrast-enhanced CT and bone scanning) and the other receiving conventional imaging plus [18F]F-choline PET/CT. The study was terminated prematurely; however, all the endpoints were thoroughly analyzed and enriched. Results: Between February 2016 and December 2020, 256 patients were randomly assigned. In total, 236 patients (117 in the control arm and 119 in the experimental arm) were considered for the final assessment. In the experimental arm, the sensitivity for lymph node metastases, determined by final pathology and serial prostate-specific antigen evaluations, was higher than in the control arm (77.78% vs. 28.57% and 65.62% vs. 17.65%, respectively). The [18F]F-choline was tolerated well. The use of [18F]F-choline PET/CT resulted in an approximately 8% reduction in unnecessary extended lymphadenectomy compared with contrast-enhanced CT. Additionally, [18F]F-choline PET/CT had a marginal impact on 5-y overall survival, contributing to a 4% increase in survival rates. Conclusion: In the initial staging of PCa, [18F]F-choline PET/CT exhibited diagnostic performance superior to that of conventional imaging for detecting metastases. [18F]F-choline PET/CT reduced the rate of unnecessary extensive lymphadenectomy by up to 8%. These findings support the consideration of discontinuing conventional imaging for staging PCa.

Detection of Recurrence through microRNA-371a-3p Serum Levels in a Follow-up of Stage I Testicular Germ Cell Tumors in the DRKS-00019223 Study.

PURPOSE: Surveillance of clinical stage I (CSI) testicular germ cell tumors (GCT) is hampered by low sensitivity and specificity of current biomarkers for detecting relapses. This study evaluated if serum levels of microRNA371a-3p (M371 test) can: (i) Accurately detect relapses, (ii) detect relapses earlier than conventional technology, and (iii) if elevated postoperative M371 levels may predict relapse. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In a multicentric setting, 258 patients with testicular CSI GCT were prospectively followed by surveillance for a median time of 18 months with serial measurements of serum M371 levels, in addition to standard diagnostic techniques. Diagnostic characteristics of M371 for detecting relapses were calculated using ROC curve analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients recurred (15.1%), all with elevated M371 levels; eight without relapse had elevations, too. The test revealed the following characteristics: area under the ROC curve of 0.993, sensitivity 100%, specificity 96.3%, positive predictive value 83%, negative predictive value 100%. Earlier relapse detection with the test was found in 28%, with non-significant median time gain to diagnosis. Postoperative M371 levels did not predict future relapse. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity and specificity of the M371 test for detecting relapses in CSI GCTs are much superior to those of conventional diagnostics. However, post-orchiectomy M371 levels are not predictive of relapse, and there is no significant earlier relapse detection with the test. In all, there is clear evidence for the utility of the M371 test for relapse detection suggesting it may soon be ready for implementation into routine follow-up schedules for patients with testicular GCT.

Comparison of radical cystectomy with conservative treatment in geriatric (≥80) patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare overall survival in elderly patients (≥ 80 years) with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) undergoing either radical cystectomy (RC) or conservative treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, comparative analysis of overall- and cancer-specific survival in octagenarians with MIBC (≥ pT2) submitted to RC or conservative treatment. Uni- and multivariable Cox regression analysis were performed to assess predictors of overall survival. Cumulative hospital stay was also analyzed for all patients. RESULTS: The RC-group consisted of 33 patients with a mean age of 82.3 years (IQR 80.4-85.4 years) and the bladder preservation a cohort of 35 patients aged 83.8 years (IQR 81.8-88.2 years). No difference was detectable for overall survival (15.9 months versus 9.5 months; p = 0.18) and cancer-specific survival (23.5 months versus 19.5 months p = 0.71) or 90-day mortality (6.1% versus 14.3%; p = 0.43) between the two groups. Patients who received conservative treatment had a shorter cumulative length of hospital stay (p = 0.001). Age at the time of transurethral resection of the bladder (TUR-B) was an independent predictor of the overall survival (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In this retrospective study, no clear survival benefit was observed for patients ≥80 years submitted either to radical cystectomy or conservative treatment. There was however a trend favoring radical cystectomy but this did not approach statistical significance. Octagenarians that underwent RC however spent more of their remaining lifetime in the hospital than those treated conservatively.

[Sigmoid colon conduit volvulus: an extremely rare complication of a sigmoid colon conduit]. / Sigmakonduit Volvulus: eine extrem seltene Komplikation eines Sigmakonduit.

We report the case of an 84-year-old man with the rare diagnosis of a volvulus of an incontinent sigmoid colon urinary conduit after radical cystoprostatectomy due to urinary bladder cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case in literature of a volvulus of a sigmoid colon conduit.

[Evading the catastrophy]. / An der Katastrophe vorbei.

A 21-year-old athletic woman had been suffering from flank pain during fluid intake after sports for some time. Urological work-up revealed hydronephrosis with a "fishhook" shape and medial displacement of the ureter. This ureteral narrowing was studied ureterorenoscopically, bioptically and endoscopic-radiologically without the correct diagnosis of a retrocaval ureter being made. Therapeutically, a DJ stent was inserted several times, a balloon dilatation was performed under anaesthesia three times and finally a permanent DJ catheter was inserted. Due to the patient's dissatisfaction, an endoscopic endopyelotomy using Acucise was offered.

[From an enterovesical fistula to mammary carcinoma]. / Von einer enterovesikalen Fistel zum Mammakarzinom.

We report a case of a 83-year-old woman with the initial diagnosis of an occult invasive lobular breast carcinoma due to gastrointestinal metastasis with an entervesical fistula.

[Trust, but verify]. / Vertrauen ist gut ­ Kontrolle ist besser.

We report the case of a 39-year-old woman with a gastric diverticulum misdiagnosed as a left adrenal lesion on computed tomography imaging.

Evaluation of the M371-Test Under Real-life Conditions for Diagnosis and Follow Up of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The aim of the study was to establish the performance of the M371-Test on the Thermocycler Rotor-GeneQ (Qiagen) platform for diagnosis and follow-up of testicular tumors and to evaluate the test under real-life conditions in comparison to the classical markers alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (ß-HCG) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-four patients, of median age 29 years (range=24-84) were included in this prospective study at our institution between March 2021 and September 2022. Of the 44 patients, 23 had a suspicion of testicular cancer (TC) and 21 were under follow-up for TC. In total, 96 M371-Tests were performed and compared with AFP, ß-HCG, LDH using histological diagnosis and/or computer tomography (CT) scan as the gold standard. RESULTS: In the patients with suspicion of TC, the M371-Test showed a sensitivity of 73.7%, AFP of 21%, LDH of 31.6% and ß-HCG of 42.1%. In the patients under follow-up for TC, the M371-Test showed a sensitivity of 86.4%, AFP of 50%, LDH of 31.8% and ß-HCG of 63.6%. In germ cell tumours (GCT)/non-seminomas, M371-Test had a sensitivity of 83.3%, AFP of 77.8%, LDH of 38.9% and ß-HCG of 66.7%. In GCT/seminomas, M371-Test had a sensitivity of 85%, AFP of 5%, LDH of 30% and ß-HCG of 50%. CONCLUSION: Under real life conditions performed on the real-time Thermocycler Rotor-GeneQ (Qiagen) platform, the M371-Test shows an outstanding performance and is far beyond the sensitivity of the classical markers for detecting GCTs and in the follow-up of patients after GCT, especially in seminomas.

Treatment of long ureteric strictures with a free peritoneal graft: long-term results.

ZIEL DER STUDIE: Beschreibung einer neuen Technik zur Rekonstruktion von komplexen Ureterstrikturen unter Verwendung eines freien Peritoneallappens. MATERIAL UND METHODEN: Zwischen 2006 und 2021 behandelten wir 11 Patienten mit langen komplexen Harnleiterstrikturen, die in 9 Fällen den mittleren- und in 2 Fällen den proximalen Harnleiter betrafen. Die Länge der Strikturen variierte von 3 bis 12 cm (Mittelwert 7 cm). In drei Fällen handelte es sich um eine retroperitoneale Fibrose nach einem gefäßchirurgischen Eingriff, in zwei Fällen um einen Morbus Ormond, in vier Fällen um eine ausgedehnte Resektion großer Harnleitertumoren, in drei Fällen um wiederholte endoskopische Eingriffe bei Harnsteinen und in einem Fall um eine viermal fehlgeschlagene Pyeloplastik. Der Harnleiter wurde längs gespalten, ein freier Peritoneallappen aus dem nahe gelegenen gesunden Bauchfell entnommen und nach Positionierung eines Harnleiterkatheters als Onlay-Patch mit einer fortlaufenden Naht an der verbleibenden Harnleiterplatte fixiert. Der Ureter wurde zuletzt mit Omentum gedeckt. ERGEBNISSE: Die Nachbeobachtungszeit reichte von 12 bis 122 (Mittelwert 61,6) Monate. Sieben Patienten waren nach 12, 18, 60, 78, 98, 99 und 122 Monaten (Mittelwert 69,5 Monate) rezidivfrei, ohne Erweiterung des oberen Harntrakts und mit normaler Nierenfunktion. Bei vier Patienten kam es zu einem Rezidiv: Bei einem Patienten wurde das Rezidiv nach 60 Monaten ohne Symptome und mit leichter Hydronephrose festgestellt, ohne dass eine Operation erforderlich war. Bei einem Patienten mit Morbus Ormond trat das Rezidiv 6 Monate nach dem Eingriff symptomlos im distalen Teil des 10 cm langen Omlays auf. Es wurde eine Resektion des stenotischen Segments mit Psoas-Hitch durchgeführt. Bei den beiden anderen Patienten trat 3 und 6 Monate nach dem Eingriff eine Obstruktion unterhalb des rekonstruierten Segments mit Hydronephrose auf, ohne dass die Nierenfunktion beeinträchtigt war. Bei diesen Patienten wurde keine weitere Operation durchgeführt. Die Limitation dieser Studie besteht in der kleinen Studiengröße, die auf die strenge Indikationsstellung zurückzuführen ist. SCHLUSSFOLGERUNGEN: Die beschriebene Technik ermöglicht den Erhalt der verbleibenden Gefäßversorgung des Harnleiters und stellt eine praktikable und nützliche Alternative zu Nephrektomie, Ileum-Ureter, Uretero-Uretero-Stomie und Autotransplantation in hochselektierten Fällen dar.

[Life-threatening complication caused by a neurostimulator]. / Lebensbedrohliche Komplikation durch Neurostimulator.

We report on a 66-year-old neuro-urological female patient who, three years after implantation of a neurostimulator, experienced cecal necrosis due to strangulation caused by the cable of the device.

Xpert® bladder cancer detection as a diagnostic tool in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma: preliminary results.

Objectives: Upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) represents about 5-10% of all urothelial malignancies with an increasing incidence. The standard diagnostic tools for the detection of UTUC are cytology, computed tomography (CT) urography, and ureterorenoscopy (URS). No biomarker to be included in the daily clinical practice has yet been identified. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential role of Xpert® Bladder-Cancer (BC)-Detection in the diagnosis of UTUC. Methods: Eighty-two patients underwent 111 URS with Xpert® BC-Detection, cytology, or Urovysion® analysis of UT for suspicion of UTUC. Twenty-four cases were excluded from the analysis due to a non-diagnostic Xpert® BC-Detection, cytology, or Urovysion®. Samples were analyzed with upper tract (UT) urinary cytology, with Xpert® BC-Detection on UT urines, and with Urovysion® Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) test. After urine collection, the patients underwent retrograde pyelography and/or URS, and if positive a UT biopsy. The Xpert® BC-Detection was reported by the software as negative or positive [cut-off total Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) = 0.45]. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of cytology, Xpert® BC-Detection and Urovysion-FISH were calculated using URS and/or histology results as reference. Results: In all, 27 (31%) of 87 URS resulted positive, with 20 low-grade (LG) and 7 high-grade (HG) tumors. Overall sensitivity was 51.9% for cytology, 100% for Xpert® BC-Detection, and 92.6% for Urovysion. The sensitivity of cytology increased from 26% in LG to 100% in HG tumors. For Xpert® BC-Detection, sensitivity was 100% both in LG and in HG, and for Urovysion-FISH, it increased from 90% in LG to 100% in HG tumors. PPV was 82.4% for cytology, 35% for Xpert® BC-Detection, and 73.5% for Urovysion. NPV was 81.4% for cytology, 100% for Xpert® BC-Detection, and 96.2% for Urovysion. Conclusion: The excellent NPV of Xpert® BC-Detection allows to avoid unnecessary endoscopic exploration of the UT, reducing invasiveness and URS complications in the follow-up of UTUC.