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Introduction: The aim of this study was to compare laparoscopic and open partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal tumors of high surgical complexity (PADUA score ⩾10). Methods: We retrospectively evaluated 93 consecutive patients who underwent PN at our department from January 2015 to September 2019. 21 patients underwent open partial nephrectomy (OPN) (Group A) and 72 underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) (Group B). All OPNs were performed with a retroperitoneal approach, while all LPNs were performed with a transperitoneal approach by a single surgical team. Post-operative complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Results: The two groups showed no difference in terms of patients' demographics as well as tumor characteristics in all variables. Group A was found to be similar to group B in terms of operation time (p = 0.781), conversion to radical nephrectomy (p = 0.3485), and positive surgical margins (p = 0.338) while estimated blood loss (p = 0.0205), intra-operative (p = 0.0104), and post-operative (p = 0.0081) transfusion rates, drainage time (p = 0.0012), pain score at post-operative day 1 (<0.0001) were significantly lower in Group B. The rate of enucleation and enucleoresection/polar resection was similar (p = 0.1821) among the groups. Logistic regression analysis indicated that preoperative factors were not independently associated with the surgical approach. There was a statistically significant difference in complication rate (<0.0001) between the two groups even if no significant difference in terms of grade ⩾3 post-operative complications (p = 0.3382) was detected. Discussion: LPN represents a feasible and safe approach for high complex renal tumors if performed in highly experienced laparoscopic centers. This procedure offers good intraoperative outcomes and a low rate of post-operative complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Over the years, the robotic surgery is gaining increasing importance in the treatment of bladder cancer. Some doubts remain about the oncological safety of robotic approach and alerts have been raised about the occurrence of atypical recurrences, including peritoneal carcinomatosis and port-site metastasis. Case presentation: The patient referred to our Emergency Department because of acute confusional state probably due to severe anemia and sepsis. A left nephroureterectomy, left hemicolectomy with end colostomy and the surgical excision of the huge mass was performed through a xipho-pubic incision associated to another left peri-stomal incision. The histological specimen analysis showed a high-grade sarcoma, not otherwise specified (sarcoma, NOS-type), measuring 29 cm × 8 cm × 5 cm in diameters. The left kidney and ureter were not infiltrated by the neoplasm while serosa membranes and muscular layers of left colon were infiltrated by the mass. The patient died because of a cardiac arrest 4 days after surgery. Discussion: RARC is a safe and feasible alternative to open radical cystectomy (ORC) with satisfactory operative time, little blood loss, and low transfusion rates. Despite this, RARC is associated with a low, but not neglectable, risk of atypical metastases like peritoneal implants and port-site metastasis. Although a small amount (7%) of RARC were performed in non-urothelial variants of bladder cancer, the sarcomatoid one can be related to a greater risk of atypical recurrence and special precaution should be taken to reduce potential causes of tumor seeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of TAP block in improvement of anesthesiological management and perioperative surgical outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). Methods: We consecutive enrolled 93 patients with prostate cancer whose underwent RALP at our department from January 2019 to December 2019. Group A included 45 patients who received bilateral TAP block, and Group B included 48 patients who did not received TAP block. TAP blocks were always performed by a single anesthesia team. An elastomeric pump device was used in all patients for post-operative pain management. TAP block was performed according to Rafi's technique, with Ropivacaine 0.375% and dexamethasone 4 mg. Mean values with standard deviations (±SD) were computed and reported for all items. Statistical significance was achieved if p -value was ⩽0.05 (two-sides). Results: The two groups showed no difference in the most important demographics and baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). Group A showed a significant longer time of anaesthesia. Moreover, Ketorolac doses (started dose plus continuous post-operative infusion via elastomeric pump) used in Group A were significantly lower than Group B. Despite this, Group B showed statistical significant higher value of NRS PACU and at 12, 24, 48, 72 h than Group A but not at 96 h. Rescue analgesic medication use was significantly higher in the Group B than Group A. Moreover, patency of the intestinal tract and time to ambulation was significantly lower in the Group A. Discussion: The use of TAP block during a RALP is a safe procedure that can be applied more appropriately to achieve better pain control. A multimodal protocol that includes locoregional anesthesia, reduction of intra and postoperative use of strong opiates, correct placing of the patient and the use of low pneumoperitoneum pressures should be implemented in order to reach a faster and better post-operative full recovery of patients whose underwent RALP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyse the role of two alkaloid, Protopine and Nuciferine, in the prevention and the treatment of the low and mild grade adverse events related to the use of HIVEC® (Hyperthermic IntraVEsical Chemotherapy) instillations. Materials and methods: From September 2017 to September 2019, 100 patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: Group A = Protopine and Nuciferine syrup, 10 ml, once a day, for 8 weeks; Group B = placebo (flavoured coloured water), 10 ml, once a day, for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the evaluation of the efficacy of the therapy with Protopine and Nuciferine in controlling of the irritative symptoms. The secondary endpoint was the evaluation of the influences of the treatment on the uroflowmetric parameters. Results: The patients of Group A showed a better International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS) score, a better control of urgency symptoms (PPIUS) and tolerate well the pain (VAS score). The treatment doesn’t modify Uroflow-Qmax and seems to improve the Uroflow-Voided Volume (ml) without influencing the Uroflow-Post Void Residual volume (PVR). Moreover, the treatment with Protopine and Nuciferine has been proven to be effective in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Patients’ evaluation of the two different treatments assessed with Patient Global Impression of Improvement questionnaire (PGI-I), demonstrated improvements in the Group A, while the Group B showed a lower satisfaction. Conclusions: Protopine and Nuciferine can be interesting nutraceutical compounds useful to control irritative and pain related symptoms of intravesical chemo/immunotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Spontaneous rupture of kidney may involve collecting system or parenchyma. Parenchymal rupture usually occurs in patients with renal cell carcinoma, angiomyolipoma, renal cysts, arteriovenous malformation or vascular diseases such as periarteritis nodosa. Collecting system rupture is usually a rare complication of obstructive urolithiasis. We describe the unusual cases of spontaneous kidney rupture in patients with acute urinary obstruction. Case presentation: The case report describes the left parenchymal kidney explosion related to ipsilateral ureteral obstruction caused by a single ureteral stone. The patient reached our emergency department with acute left flank pain and massive haematuria. At the moment of admission, the patient was in stage III hypovolemic shock and had a lower haematocrit (haemoglobin = 4.9 g/dL). Despite blood transfusions, emergency surgical exploration, extrafascial nephrectomy and intensive support care, the patient died twelve hours after surgery. Conclusions: Parenchymal renal rupture can be a life-threatening emergency. Despite its rarity, in the differential diagnosis of acute abdomen, parenchymal renal rupture should always be considered in patients with abdominal pain and an anamnesis or history of urinary stones, pointing out the need of early diagnosis also in benign urological conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To evaluate the efficacy of Bifiprost® + Serenoa Repens 320 mg versus Serenoa Repens 320 mg alone for the prevention of chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) due to enterobacteriaceae. Methods: Between September 2016 and September 2018, 120 patients with CBP at the National Institutes of Health (NIH type II) with recurrent infections due to enterobacteriaceae (Escherichia Coli and Enterococcus faecalis) were enrolled and randomized into 2 groups each to receive Bifiprost® + Serenoa Repens 320 mg (Group A) or Serenoa Repens 320 mg alone (Group B) daily for 24 weeks (after receiving a proper antibiotic treatment with subsequent culture negativization). The primary endpoint was the reduction in the episodes of prostatitis. The secondary endpoint evaluated was the score of the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI). Evaluation was performed at baseline and at 12, 24, and 36 weeks. Results: The patients of the Group A experienced a significantly larger reduction in the prostatitis episodes than the Group B at 24 and 36 weeks, but they did not experience a significantly larger reduction at 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean NIH-CPSI score was reduced in both groups compared with baselines, but no significant differences were seen between the Group A and Group B. On the contrary, we observed a significant difference in the mean NIH-CPSI score between the 2 groups at 24 and 36 weeks. Conclusion: The association of Bifiprost® and Serenoa Repens 320 mg improves the prevention of the episodes of CBP due to enterobacteriaceae and ameliorates prostatitis-related symptoms after 6 months of therapy. The long-term impact on the entero-urinary route was also seen 3 months after the end of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumours of smooth muscle origin. They are the most common uterine masses in women of reproductive age group and may be related to the hormonal status. Urethral leiomyomas are very rare. According to the literature, the mean diameter of the urethral leiomyomas is 3.7 cm. Case report: We report a case of a very large leiomyoma of the urethra. A 40-year-old women woman was admitted to our department for a giant vaginal mass. She complained of haematuria, dysuria, recurrent urinary tract infections and dyspareunia. The physical evaluation demonstrated a 6 × 5.5 cm neoformation involving the distal tract of the urethra. The patient underwent an ultrasonography and then a magnetic resonance that suggested the diagnosis of leiomyoma. The neoformation was excised through a suburethral incision. Conclusions: The patient was discharged after 3 days and no intraoperative and postoperative complications occurred. The Foley catheter was removed after a week. The patient was continent to urine, and at 6 months follow-up, the patient was symptom free and no recurrences occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In recent times there has been a trend in mininvasive renal tumour surgery. Very limited evidence can be found in literature of the outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) for highly complex renal tumours. The aim of the present study was to assess the feasibility and safety of LPN for renal tumours of high surgical complexity in our single-institutional experience, comparing perioperative and functional data between clampless and clamped procedures. Materials and methods: We enrolled 68 patient who underwent a clampless LPN (Group A) and 41 patients who underwent a clamped LPN (Group B) for a renal tumour with a R.E.N.A.L. NS ≥ 10. Intraoperative and post-operative complications have been classified and reported according to international criteria. Kidney function was evaluated by measuring serum creatinine concentration and eGFR. Results: Group A was found to be similar to Group B in all variables measured except for WIT ( P = 0) and blood loss ( P = 0.0188). In group A the mean creatinine levels were not significantly increased at the third post-operative ( P = 0.0555) day and at the 6-month follow-up ( P = 0.3047). Otherwise, in the group B the creatinine levels were significantly increased after surgery ( P = 0.0263), but decreased over time, showing no significant differences at 6 month follow-up ( P = 0.7985) compared to preoperative values. The same trend was seen for eGFR. Optimal Trifecta outcomes were achieved in both groups. Conclusions: Clampless LPN represents a feasible and safe procedure, even for tumours with high surgical complexity, in highly experienced laparoscopic centers. When compared to clamped LPN, it results in better preservation of immediate post-operative renal function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe and analyze a single surgical team's experience with intraoperative and postoperative complications arising from the Anderson-Hynes transperitoneal laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP) procedure in the treatment of patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO). Patients and Methods: There were 236 consecutive patients who underwent transperitoneal LP over a period of 8 years (2004-2012). These patients' records were retrospectively analyzed for intraoperative and postoperative complications. Of the 236 patients, 111 (47.0%) were males and 125 (53%) were females. In 226 patients, surgical indication was primary UPJO, and in 10 patients, recurrent obstruction. Two hundred and eleven patients (89.4%) were symptomatic. Results: Mean operative time was 96.5 minutes (range 45-360 min). The mean blood loss was 20 mL (range 5-500 mL), and no blood transfusions were necessary. The overall success rate was 97% (229 patients) with a mean follow-up of 38 months (range 6-84 mos). In 86 of the 94 patients who presented with a crossing vessel (91.5%), the anomalous crossing vessel was transposed to the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) dorsally because of evident obstruction. The mean postoperative hospital stay was 4.2 days (range 3-14 days). All 211 preoperative symptomatic patients reported a complete resolution of symptoms after the procedure. Intraoperative incidents occurred in nine (3.8%) patients, while postoperative complications occurred in 32 (13.5%) patients. Conclusions: Our retrospective analysis confirms that LP is an efficacious and safe procedure resulting in a reported success rate of 97% and a concomitant low level of intraoperative (3.8%) and postoperative complications (13.6%). Major complications necessitating active management occur in a low percentage of cases (5.9% of patients). The most frequent and severe intraoperative complications are related to the Double-J stent insertion. The most common postoperative complication is urine leakage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Common complications related to transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostatic needle biopsy are hematuria, hematospermia, and hematochezia. To the best of our knowledge, we report the second case of a very large hematoma extending from the pelvis into the retroperitoneal space in literature. A 66-year-old man with a serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 5.4 ng/ml was admitted to our department for a TRUS-guided prostatic needle biopsy. Laboratory values on the day before biopsy, including coagulation studies, were all normal. The patients did not take any anticoagulant drugs. No immediate complications were encountered. Nevertheless, 7 hours after the biopsy, the patient reached our emergency department with severe diffuse abdominal pain, hypotension, tachycardia, and confusional state. He underwent an ultrasonography and then a computed tomography (CT) scan that showed "a blood collection in the pelvis that extending to the lower pole of left kidney associated with a focus of active contrast extravasation, indicating active ongoing prostate bleeding." Consequently, he underwent a diagnostic angiography that showed no more contrast extravasation, without the need of embolization. Management of hematoma has been conservative and hematoma was completely reabsorbed 4 months later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign tumour of the kidney and is composed of smooth muscle cells, blood vessels and fat elements. AMLs are usually casually discovered when the kidneys are imaged for other reasons. Their first presentation is often a spontaneous retroperitoneal haemorrhage or bleeding into the urinary collection system, which can be life-threatening. The bleeding tendency is related to the irregular, aneurysmal, tortuous blood vessels that compose the tumor. The greatest risks for bleeding are tumour size and grade of the vascular component of the tumour. Moreover, the risk of bleeding is proportional to the size of the lesion (it is higher in AMLs with a diameter more than 4 cm). Shock due to a grave haemorrhage from AML rupture is called Wunderlich syndrome that is clinically characterized by the Lenk's triad: acute flank pain, a flank mass and hypovolemic shock. Other symptoms and signs may be present: haematuria, palpable mass, flank pain, urinary tract infections, renal failure or hypertension. Small AMLs usually require no therapy, although follow-up is recommended in order to follow its growth. Larger or symptomatic lesions can be electively embolized and/or resected with a partial nephrectomy. AMLs that present with retroperitoneal haemorrhage frequently require emergency embolization. We describe a case of an actively bleeding small renal AML, with a rapid growth, without any evidence for big aneurysmal vessels, who underwent an emergency embolization at our hospital. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spondylodiscitis is an inflammation of the intervertebral disc and the adjacent vertebral bodies. The spondylodiscitis can not only be a complication of medical interventions such as an operation near spinal column but also urogenital and vascular interventions and intravenous catheter use. A 71-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department with fever and severe abdominal pain. Antibiotic therapy had been performed with intravenous administration of 2 g of ceftriaxone and the patient underwent the placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy according to Seldinger technique. After 1 week, the patient experienced a severe pain at the lumbar tract of the vertebral column associated with a moderate abdominal pain and septic fever. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lumbar spine showed widespread impregnation of the upper portion of L3 and the lower portion of L2 compressing the spinal roots as well as the ileopsoas muscle such as a spondylodiscitis. Liquor culture showed an increase of liquor immunoglobulin G, total liquor protein and was positive for Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) - producing Escherichia coli. After the antibiotic therapy, the spondylodiscitis resolves without important sequelae. In the present case report, we describe a very rare complication of percutaneous nephrostomy tube placement, despite of the prophylactic antibiotic therapy according to the most recent guidelines. Predisposing factors to spondylodiscitis include the very young and elderly, the immunosuppressed, diabetic individuals and a general debilitating disease such as renal failure. This case suggests the importance of remembering spondylodiscitis when septic fever and back pain occurs following the placement of a percutaneous nephrostomy in a septic patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Distal extrusion of cylinders is a potential complication of the penile prosthesis implantation. Several methods have been proposed for repairing a distal penile erosion. We present our preliminary experience in "Distal corporoplasty" technique. Methods: We enrolled 18 consecutive patients whose underwent a distal corporoplasty with simultaneous reimplantation of an "AMS 700 inflatable penile prosthesis (LGX)" from January 2013 to November 2015 at our hospital. All procedures were performed by a single surgical team. Intraoperative and postoperative complications have been classified and reported according to Satava6 and Clavien-Dindo (CD) system.7 Mean values with standard deviations (±SD) were computed and reported for all items. Results: Mean age of the patients was 53.61 (±11.90) years. Mean body max index (BMI) was 24.22 (±2.51). Mean operative time was 85.2 (±13.1) minutes. Blood losses were minimal. No intraoperative complications are reported according to Satava classification. Four out of 18 patients (22.22%) experienced postoperative complications according to CD system. All patients had sexual intercourse for the first time postsurgery after a mean of 59.11 ± 2.08 days. Mean follow-up was 22.11 (±9.95). Discussions: Distal extrusion of cylinders is a potential complication of the penile prosthesis implantation. Distal corporoplasty was first described by Mulcahy. He reported a series of 14 patients with a follow-up of about 2 years with optimal functional outcomes. Moreover, distal corporoplasty resulted in shorter operative time, better function, less pain, and fewer recurrences than Gortex windsock repair.10 In our experience, distal corporoplasty is a simple and safe procedure in the treatment of distal cylinders extrusion when the prosthetic material is not exposed to the exterior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]