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Introduction and Objective: ExactVuTM is a real-time micro-ultrasound system which provides, according to the Prostate Risk Identification Using Micro-Ultrasound protocol (PRI-MUS), a 300% higher resolution compared to conventional transrectal ultrasound. To evaluate the performance of ExactVuTM in the detection of Clinically significant Prostate Cancer (CsPCa). Materials and methods: Patients with Prostate Cancer diagnosed at fusion biopsy were imaged with ExactVuTM. CsPCa was defined as any Gleason Score ≥ 3+4. ExactVuTM examination was considered as positive when PRI-MUS score was ≥ 3. PRI-MUS scoring system was considered as correct when the fusion biopsy was positive for CsPCa. A transrectal fusion biopsy- proven CsPCa was considered as a gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) were calculated. Results: 57 patients out of 68 (84%) had a csPCa. PRI-MUS score was correctly assessed in 68% of cases. Regarding the detection of CsPCa, ExactVuTM ’s sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV was 68%, 73%, 93%, and 31%, respectively and the AUC was 0.7 (95% CI 0.5-0-8). For detecting CsPCa in the transition/ anterior zone the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV was 45%, 66%, 83% and 25% respectively ant the AUC was 0.5 (95% CI 0.2-0.9). Accounting only the CsPCa located in the peripheral zone, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV raised up to 74%, 75%, 94%, 33%, respectively with AUC 0.75 (95% CI 0.5-0-9). Conclusions: ExactVuTM provides high resolution of the prostatic peripheral zone and could represent a step forward in the detection of CsPCa as a triage tool. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the role of [18F]Fluciclovine PET/CT in the characterization of intra-prostatic lesions in high-risk primary PCa patients eligible for radical prostatectomy, in comparison with conventional [11C]Choline PET/CT and validated by prostatectomy pathologic examination. Secondary aims were to determine the performance of PET semi-quantitative parameters (SUVmax, target-to-background ratios [TBRs], using abdominal aorta, bone marrow and liver as backgrounds) for malignant lesion detection (and best cut-off values) and to search predictive factors of malignancy. A six sextants prostate template was created and used by PET readers and pathologists for data comparison and validation. PET visual and semi-quantitative analyses were performed: for instance, patient-based, blinded to histopathology, subsequently lesion-based, un-blinded, according to the pathology reference template. Among 19 patients included (mean age 63 years, 89% high and 11% very-high-risk, mean PSA 9.15 ng/mL), 45 malignant and 31 benign lesions were found and 19 healthy areas were selected (n = 95). For both tracers, the location of the “blinded” prostate SUVmax matched with the lobe of the lesion with the highest pGS in 17/19 cases (89%). There was direct correlation between [18F]Fluciclovine uptake values and pISUP. Overall, lesion-based (n = 95), the performance of PET semiquantitative parameters, with either [18F]Fluciclovine or [11C]Choline, in detecting either malignant/ISUP2-5/ISUP4-5 PCa lesions, was moderate and similar (AUCs ≥ 0.70) but still inadequate (AUCs ≤ 0.81) as a standalone staging procedure. A [18F]Fluciclovine TBR-L3 ≥ 1.5 would depict a clinical significant lesion with a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 68% respectively, whereas a SUVmax cut-off value of 4 would be able to identify a ISUP 4-5 lesion in all cases (sensitivity 100%), although with low specificity (52%). TBRs (especially with threshold significantly higher than aorta and slightly higher than bone marrow), may be complementary to implement malignancy targeting.

Background: We aim to evaluate the impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and fusion-target biopsy for early reclassification of patients with low-risk Prostate Cancer in a randomized trial. Materials and methods: Between 2015 and 2018, patients diagnosed with Prostate Cancer after random biopsy fulfilling PRIAS criteria were enrolled and centrally randomized (1:1 ratio) to study group or control group. Patients randomized to study group underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging at 3 months from enrollment: patients with positive findings (PIRADS-v2>2) underwent fusion-target biopsy; patients with negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging or confirmed ISUP - Grade Group 1 at fusion-target biopsy were managed according to PRIAS schedule and 12-core random biopsy was performed at 12 months. Patients in control group underwent PRIAS protocol, including a confirmatory 12-core random biopsy at 12 months. Primary endpoint was a reduction of reclassification rate at 12-month random biopsy in study group at least 20% less than controls. Reclassification was defined as biopsy ISUP Grade Group 1 in >2 biopsy cores or disease upgrading. Results: A total of 124 patients were randomized to study group (n = 62) or control group (n = 62). Around 21 of 62 patients (34%) in study group had a positive multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, and underwent fusion-target biopsy, with 11 (17.7%) reclassifications. Considering the intention-to-treat population, reclassification rate at 12-month random biopsy was 6.5% for study group and 29% for control group, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The early employment of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging for active surveillance patients enrolled after random biopsy consents to significantly reduce reclassifications at 12-month random biopsy.

BACKGROUND: We aimed at comparing perioperative outcomes in patients submitted to radical cystectomy followed by Fast Track (FT) protocol or standard management, and propose a definition of Trifecta, to improve standardized quality assessment for RC.METHODS: We considered 191 patients submitted to RC between January 2017 and January 2019. Patients followed FT or standard management according to surgeon's preference. Preoperative and intraoperative characteristics, alongside with postoperative outcomes were compared between the two groups. Trifecta was defined as follows: inhospital stay (HS) ≤ 10 days, time to defecation (TtD) below the overall mean and no major (≥ Clavien-Dindo grade III) complications. Finally, Trifecta achievement rates were assessed in both groups.RESULTS: 75 patients (39%) followed the FT protocol and 116 (61%) standard management. The two groups were homogeneous for preoperative, intraoperative and pathological characteristics. Patients in the FT group had shorter TtD (5 vs. 6 days p=0.006), HS (12 vs. 14 days p=0.008) and lower readmission rate (8% vs. 19% p=0.04). Early complication rates and grades were similar, while less late complications were found in FT group (6.7% vs. 21.6% p=0,006). Trifecta achievement rate was higher for FT group (31% vs. 8% p

Objective: To assess the economic impact of Holmium laser enucleation of prostate (HoLEP) in comparison with transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and open prostatectomy (OP). Methods: Between January 2017 and January 2018, we prospectively enrolled 151 men who underwent HoLEP, TURP or OP at tertiary Italian center, due to bladder outflow obstruction symptoms. Patients with prostate volume ≤ 70 cc and those with prostate volume > 70 cc were scheduled for TURP or HoLEP and OP or HoLEP, respectively. Intraoperative and early post-operative functional outcomes were recorded up to 6 months follow up. Cost analysis was carried out considering direct costs (operating room [OR] utilization costs, nurse, surgeons and anesthesiologists’ costs, OR disposable products costs and OR products sterilization costs), indirect costs (hospital stay costs and diagnostics costs) and global costs as sum of both direct and indirect plus general costs related to hospitalization. Cost analysis was performed comparing patients referred to TURP and HoLEP with prostate volume ≤ 70 cc and men underwent OP and HoLEP with prostate volume > 70 cc respectively. Results: Overall, 53 (35.1%), 51 (33.7%) and 47 (31.1%) were scheduled to HoLEP, TURP and OP, respectively. Both TURP, HoLEP and OP proved to effectively improve urinary symptoms related to BPE. Considering patients with prostate volume ≤ 70 cc, median global cost of HoLEP was similar to median global cost of TURP (2151.69 € vs. 2185.61 €, respectively; p = 0.61). Considering patients with prostate volume > 70 cc, median global cost of HoLEP was found to be significantly lower than median global cost of OP (2174.15 € vs. 4064.97 €, respectively; p ≤ 0.001). Conclusions: Global costs of HoLEP are comparable to those of TURP, offering a cost saving of only 11.4 € in favor of HoLEP. Conversely, HoLEP proved to be a strong competitor of OP because of significant global cost sparing amounting to 1890.82 € in favor of HoLEP.

BACKGROUND: To develop a clinical nomogram aimed to predict the achievement of trifecta in patients treated with open, laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) for localized renal masses ( < cT2). METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 482 consecutive patients who underwent PN with open (OPN: 243), laparoscopic (LPN: 156) and robotic (RAPN: 83) approach for T1 renal mass at single tertiary center. Trifecta was defined as follows: warm ischemia time (WIT)

BACKGROUND: We report long-term oncologic outcomes in patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs) at radical prostatectomy (RP) and the oncologic impact of different scenarios of PSMs presentation. METHODS: We selected 494 men with at least 3 years follow-up after surgery. PSMs patterns were recorded as: burden (focal vs multifocal), site (apical-anterior vs posterolateral vs base-bladder neck vs multiple) and side (unilateral vs bilateral). Kaplan-Meier curves depicted the clinical recurrence-free survival (CR-FS) rates at 10-year in the overall population, after biochemical recurrence and according to different PSMs patterns. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis was performed to predict CR. RESULTS: Overall, PSMs sites were apical-anterior, postero-lateral, base-bladder neck and multiple in 19.8%, 23.7%, 3.4% and 43.8%, respectively. Out of 494 patients, 278 (56.3%) had a focal margin, while 216 (43.7%) had a multifocal margin. In 268 (54.3%) and 87 (17.6%) men, PSMs were unilateral and bilateral, respectively. Median follow-up was 93 months. No significant differences were found in CR-FS rates after stratifying according to burden and site of PSMs. Men with unilateral PSMs experienced significant higher CR-FS rates compared to those with bilateral PSMs (87.1% vs. 71,3% at 10 years, p

To evaluate the impact of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) to guide the nerve sparing (NS) surgical plan in prostate cancer (PCa) patients referred to robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) Methods: 137 consecutive PCa patients were submitted to RARP between September 2016 and February 2017 at two high-volume European centers. Before RARP, each patient was referred to 1.5-T or 3.0 T mpMRI. NS was recorded as Grade 1, Grade 2, Grade 3 and Grade 4 according to Tewari et al.11 classification. A preliminary surgical plan to determinate the extent of NS approach was recorded basing on clinical data. The final surgical plan was re-assessed after mp-MRI revision. The appropriateness of surgical plan change was considered basing on the presence of ECE or positive surgical margins (PSMs) at level of NVBs area at final pathology. Furthermore, we analyzed a control group during the same period of 166 PCa patients referred to RARP in both institutions without preoperative mpMRI to assess the impact of the use of mpMRI on the surgical margins.

Background Salvage lymph node dissection has been described as a feasible treatment for the management of prostate cancer patients with nodal recurrence after primary treatment. Objective To report perioperative, pathologic, and oncologic outcomes of robot-assisted salvage nodal dissection (RASND) in patients with nodal recurrence after radical prostatectomy (RP). Design, setting, and participants We retrospectively evaluated 16 patients affected by nodal recurrence following RP documented by positive positron emission tomography/computed tomography scan. Surgical procedure Surgery was performed using DaVinci Si and Xi systems. A pelvic nodal dissection that included lymphatic stations overlying the external, internal, and common iliac vessels, the obturator fossa, and the presacral nodes was performed. In 13 (81.3%) patients a retroperitoneal lymph node dissection that included all nodal tissue located between the aortic bifurcation and the renal vessels was performed. Measurements Perioperative outcomes consisted of operative time, blood loss, length of hospital stay, and complications occurred within 30 d after surgery. Biochemical response (BR) was defined as a prostate-specific antigen level

PURPOSE: To assess survival and competing causes of mortality in prostate cancer (PCa) patients referred to radical prostatectomy through a combination of unfavorable characteristics. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 615 PCa patients referred to radical prostatectomy and pelvic lymph node dissection at single tertiary-care center with at least one adverse feature (AF): preoperative prostate-specific antigen ≥ 20 ng/mL, pathologic Gleason score 8 to 10, and no organ-confined disease at final pathology (seminal vesicle involvement, positive surgical margins, and/or lymph node invasion). Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to assess cancer-specific mortality (CSM)-free survival rates by stratifying patients into 3 risk categories according to the number of AFs (namely, 1, 2, and 3 AFs). Multivariable competing risk Cox regression analyses were used to assess CSM and other cause of mortality. RESULTS: Significant differences were found in terms of preoperative and pathologic tumor characteristics, adjuvant therapies, and biochemical recurrence (BCR). Men with 1 AF had higher CSM-free survival estimates compared to those with 2 and 3 AFs (92.8% vs. 84.2% vs. 27.7% at 10 years' follow-up, P < .001). Moreover, the presence of 3 AFs (hazard ratio [HR], 2.96), postoperative adjuvant treatment status (HR, 2.44), and time to BCR (HR, 0.96) were all independent predictors of CSM (P ≤ .04). Age at surgery and time to BCR were the only independent predictors of other causes of mortality (P ≤ .0009). CONCLUSION: The risk group stratification according to the number of AFs could help physicians to accurately predict oncologic outcomes and to select PCa patients for the most appropriate postoperative strategies.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The primary objective was the evaluation of Gallium 68(68Ga)-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) detec...

Background Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has gained increasing diffusion as standard of care in the surgical treatment of prostate cancer (PCa) patients, even in the absence of robust long-term oncologic comparative data. This article is a report of oncologic outcomes of RARP at more than 10 years follow-up. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 173 consecutive PCa patients underwent RARP between 2002 and 2005 at a single European center with complete clinic and pathologic data and potential follow-up of at least 10 years. Kaplan-Meier analyses assessed biochemical recurrence free survival (BCR-FS), clinical recurrence free survival (CR-FS), cancer specific mortality free survival (CSM-FS), other causes mortality free survival (OCM-FS) in the overall population and CR-FS after stratification according to pathologic stage and Gleason score. Multi-variable Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the predictors of BCR and CR. Results Median follow-up (Interquatile Range [IQR]) was 133 (123-145) months. The BCR-FS, CR-FS, CSM-FS and OCM-FS rates at median follow-up were 73.4%, 81.1%, 95.7%, and 68.6%, respectively. Patients staged as pT3b-T4 and men with Gleason score 8-10 experienced significantly lower CR-FS rates as compared to those with less aggressive pathologic features (all P≤0.001). At multivariable analysis, pathologic Gleason score 8-10 (Hazard Ratio [HR]: 2.85), pathologic stage pT3b-pT4 (HR: 2.76) and adjuvant therapy (HR: 2.09 for radiotherapy [RT] and HR: 13.66 for androgen deprivation therapy [ADT]) were independent predictors of BCR (all p≤0.02). While, pathologic Gleason score 8-10 (HR: 4.05) and pathologic stage pT3b-pT4 (HR: 6.78) were found to be independently related to higher risk of CR (all P≤0.03). Retrospective data and limited number of patients included could have affected our analyses. Conclusions In experienced centers, RARP allows optimal oncologic outcomes at long term follow-up. Adverse pathologic characteristics are independent predictors of BCR and CR.

A significant number of patients radically treated for prostate cancer (PCa) will develop prostate-specific antigen recurrence (27–53%). Localizing the anatomical site of relapse is critical, in order to achieve the optimal treatment management. To date the diagnostic accuracy of standard imaging is low. Several desirable features have been identified for the amino-acid-based PET agent, fluciclovine (18F) including: long 18F half-life which allows more practical use in centers without a cyclotron onsite; acting as a substrate for amino acid transporters upregulated in PCa or associated with malignant phenotype; lacking of incorporation into protein; and limited urinary excretion. Fluciclovine (18F) is currently approved both in USA and Europe with specific indication in adult men with suspected recurrent PCa based on elevated prostate-specific antigen following prior treatment.

Purpose To evaluate the accuracy of 11C-choline positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for nodal staging of prostate cancer (PCa) in different populations of high-risk patients. Patients and Methods We evaluated 262 individuals with intermediate- or high-risk PCa submitted to radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection. Within men with high-risk disease, we identified a subgroup of individuals harboring very high-risk (VHR, n = 28) disease: clinical stage ≥ T2c and more than 5 cores with Gleason score 8-10; primary biopsy Gleason score of 5; 3 high-risk features; or prostate-specific antigen ≥ 30 ng/mL. The diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT and contrast-enhanced CT (CECT) was assessed after stratifying patients according to risk group classification on a patient- and anatomic region–based analysis. Results On patient-based analysis, considering high-risk patients (n = 155), 11C-choline PET/CT versus CECT had sensitivity and specificity of 50% and 76% versus 21% and 92%, respectively. Considering VHR men as separate subgroups (n = 28), 11C-choline PET/CT versus CECT had sensitivity and specificity of 71% and 93% versus 25% and 79%, respectively. Accordingly, in the VHR category, the area under the curve of 11C-choline PET/CT versus CECT was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-1.0) versus 0.69 (95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86), respectively. On anatomic region–based analysis, considering the VHR group, 11C-choline PET/CT versus CECT had sensitivity and specificity of 70.6% and 95.5% versus 35.3% and 98.5%, respectively. Conclusion Patients with VHR characteristics could represent the ideal candidate to undergo disease staging with PET/CT before surgery with the highest cost efficacy.

Aim: The success of Robot Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) is mainly due to his relatively short learning curve. Twenty cases are needed to reach a “4 hours-proficiency”. However, to achieve optimal functional outcomes such as urinary continence and potency recovery may require more experience. We aim to report the perioperative and early functional outcomes of patients undergoing RALP, after a structured modular training program. Methods: A surgeon with no previous laparoscopic or robotic experience attained a 3 month modular training including: a) e-learning; b) assistance and training to the operating table; c) dry console training; d) step by step in vivo modular training performing 40 surgical steps in increasing difficulty, under the supervision of an experienced mentor. Demographics, intraoperative and postoperative functional outcomes were recorded after his first 120 procedures, considering four groups of 30 cases. Results: All procedures were completed successfully without conversion to open approach. Overall 19 (15%) post operative complications were observed and 84% were graded as minor (Clavien I-II). Overall operative time and console time gradually decreased during the learning curve, with statistical significance in favour of Group 4. The overall continence rate at 1 and 3 months was 74% and 87% respectively with a significant improvement in continence rate throughout the four groups (p = 0.04). Considering those patients submitted to nerve-sparing procedure we found a significant increase in potency recovery over the four groups (p = 0.04) with the higher potency recovery rate up to 80% in the last 30 cases. Conclusions: Optimal perioperative and functional outcomes have been attained since early phase of the learning curve after an intensive structured modular training and less than 100 consecutive procedures seem needed in order to achieve optimal urinary continence and erectile function recovery.

Introduction and Objectives: We aim to present the use of 3D digital and physical renal model (1–5) to guide the percutaneous access during percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PNL). Materials and Methods: We present the clinical case of a 30 years old man with left renal stone (25x15 mm). A virtual 3D reconstruction of the anatomical model including the stone, the renal parenchyma, the urinary collecting system (UCS) and the skeletal landmarks (lumbar spine and ribs) was elaborated. Finally, a physical 3D model was created with a 3D printer including the renal parenchyma, UCS and the stone. The surgeon evaluated the 3D virtual reconstruction and manipulated the printed model before surgery to improve the anatomical knowledge and to facilitate the percutaneous access. In prone position, combining ultrasound and fluoroscopy implemented by the preoperative anatomical planning based on the 3D virtual and printed model, an easy and safe access of the inferior calyx was achieved. Then, the patient underwent PNL using a 30 Fr Amplatz sheet with semi-rigid nephroscope and ultrasound energy to achieve a complete lithotripsy of the pelvic stone. Results: The procedure was safely completed with 1 single percutaneous puncture (time of puncture 2 minutes). Overall surgical time was 90 min. No intra and postoperative complications were reported. The CT scan performed before discharge confirmed a complete stone free state. Conclusion: The 3D-guided approach to PNL facilitates the preoperative planning of the puncture with better knowledge of the renal anatomy and may be helpful to reduce operative time and improve the learning curve.

Nutcracker syndrome (NCS) refers to the compression of the left renal vein (LRV) between the aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. It can cause both microscopic and gross haematuria, with or without flank pain. The diagnosis is often delayed in a majority of symptomatic patients. On the other hand, the use of CT in routine abdominal explorations has increased the detection of the compression of the LRV in healthy and asymptomatic patients, but its diagnostic value remains uncertain. In this paper, we report 3 cases of the NCS associated with an increased blood flow in the LRV, due to different conditions, which we believe could produce the appearance of clinical symptoms.

The widespread use of abdominal imaging has led to an increasing detection of small renal masses, and approximately 20–30% of those tumors will prove to be benign, with low metastatic potential if not immediately treated. In elderly or comorbid patients diagnosed with small renal masses, competing cause mortality seems to exceed cancer-specific mortality at short- and intermediate-term follow up. In these cases, surgery might represent an overtreatment, and an expectant management, such as active surveillance, might be proposed. According to the current available evidence, active surveillance is a safe and reasonable option for patients with renal tumors ≤4 cm (cT1a) and short life expectancy. A few studies with short-term follow up reported the preliminary results of active surveillance even in cT1b–cT2 tumors, with acceptable risk of disease progression and mortality, even if this approach should be considered in this setting only for highly-selected and well-informed patients. Furthermore, surveillance protocols can be proposed in selected patients with uncomplicated benign tumors, such as angiomyolipomas, in which active surveillance should be considered the initial standard management. At present, reliable clinical predictors of a tumor's growth rate and aggressiveness are not available. Renal tumor biopsy is useful in the clinical work-up of patients who are candidates for active surveillance, in order to improve patient selection based on tumor histological characterization. Despite the proof of safety offered by expectant management for small renal masses in selected patients, further prospective studies with longer follow up are required in order to confirm the indications and long-term oncological outcomes of active surveillance protocols for renal tumors.

Introduction We investigated the diagnostic performance of in-bore endorectal magnetic resonance imaging-guided biopsy (MRI-GB) with a 1.5-T MRI scanner using a 32-channel coil in patients with suspected prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods Seventy patients with ≥ 1 suspicious area found on the preliminary multiparametric MRI scan were enrolled. The index lesion was defined as the lesion with the greatest Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2 (PIRADS-v2), score. MRI-GBs were performed with a nonmagnetic biopsy device, needle guide, and titanium double-shoot biopsy gun with dedicated software for needle tracking. Clinically significant PCa was defined as the presence of Gleason score ≥ 7 in the biopsy specimen. Results Seventy index lesions were scheduled for MRI-GB. The median PIRADS-v2 score and the median number of cores per patient was 4 of 5 (interquartile range, 3-5) and 2 (interquartile range, 1-3), respectively. The PCa detection rate was 45.7%. Of the 70 patients, 24 (75%) had clinically significant PCa, with a significant correlation between the PIRADS-v2 score and the Gleason score in the MRI-GB cores ( r = 0.839; 95% confidence interval, 0.535-0.951; P = .003). According to the PIRADs-v2 scheme, the proportion of PCa in the central and anterior regions of the gland was greater in the entire population and in the subgroup of patients with a history of negative transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy findings ( P ≤ .01 for all). On multivariate analysis, a PIRADS-v2 score of 5 of 5 correlated significantly with the likelihood of PCa at biopsy (hazard ratio, 4.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.92-23.74; P = .04). No major complications were recorded. Conclusion MRI-GB has a high detection rate for PCa, especially for lesions located in the central and anterior regions of the prostate.

Objective: To offer a comprehensive account of surgical outcomes on a defined series of patients treated with radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) for prostate cancer in a single European Center after 5-year minimum follow-up according to the Survival, Continence and Potency (SCP) system. Material and methods: We evaluated our Institutional database of patients who underwent RRP from November 1995 to September 2008. Oncological and functional outcomes were reported according to the recently proposed SCP system. Results: The 5- and 10-year biochemical recurrence-free survival rates were 80.1% and 55.8%, respectively. At the end of follow-up, 611 (78.5%) patients were fully continent (C0), 107 (13.8%) used 1 pad for security (C1) and 60 (7.7%) patients were incontinent (C2). Of the 112 patients who underwent nerve-sparing RRP, 22 (19.6%) were fully potent without aids (P0), 13 (11.6%) were potent with assumption of PDE-5 inhibitors (P1) and 77 (68.8%) experienced erectile dysfunction (P2). The combined SCP outcomes were reported together only in 95 (12.2%) evaluable patients. In patients preoperatively continent and potent, who received a nerve-sparing and did not require adjuvant therapy, oncological and functional success was attained by 29 (30.5%) patients. In the subgroup of 508 patients not evaluable for potency recovery, oncological and continence outcomes were obtained in 357 patients (70.3%). Conclusion: Survival, Continence and Potency (SCP) classification offer a comprehensive report of surgical results, even in those patients who do not represent the best category, thus allowing to provide a much more accurate evaluation of outcomes after RP. 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Resumen Objetivos Evaluar la influencia de la preservacion del esfinter interno muscular y la uretra proximal en la recuperacion de la continencia despues de la prostatectomia radical (PR). Material y metodos Cincuenta y cinco pacientes consecutivos con cancer de prostata confinado al organo se sometieron a PR con preservacion del esfinter interno muscular y la uretra proximal (grupo 1), y se compararon con 55 pacientes sometidos a un procedimiento estandar (grupo 2). Las tasas de continencia se evaluaron mediante un cuestionario autoadministrado a los 3, 7 y 30 dias y 3 y 12 meses despues de la retirada del cateter. Resultados El grupo 1 tuvo una recuperacion mas rapida de la continencia que el grupo 2 a los 3 dias (50,9 vs. 25,5%; p = 0,005), a los 7 dias (78,2 vs. 58,2%; p = 0,020), a los 30 dias (80,0 vs. 61,8%; p = 0,029) y a los 3 meses (81,8 vs. 61,8%; p = 0,017); no hubo diferencia estadisticamente en terminos de continencia a los 12 meses entre los 2 grupos. El analisis de regresion logistica multivariante de la continencia mostro que la tecnica quirurgica se asocio significativamente con un tiempo temprano hasta la continencia a los 3 y 7 dias. Ninguno de los 2 grupos presento diferencias significativas en cuanto a margenes quirurgicos. Conclusiones Nuestra tecnica modificada de PR con preservacion del esfinter interno muscular liso, asi como de la uretra proximal durante la diseccion del cuello de la vejiga, dio como resultado un aumento de la continencia urinaria temprana a los 3, 7 y 30 dias y 3 meses despues de la retirada del cateter. La tecnica no aumenta la tasa de margenes positivos ni la duracion del procedimiento.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:To compare the oncologic outcomes of patients who underwent Open partial nephrectomy (OPN), Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and Robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) ...

Objectives To evaluate the influence of preservation of the muscular internal sphincter and proximal urethra on continence recovery after radical prostatectomy. Methods This was a prospective single-center, case–control study. A total of 40 consecutive patients with organ-confined prostate cancer were submitted to radical prostatectomy with the preservation of the muscular internal sphincter and the proximal urethra (group 1), and their outcomes were compared with those of 40 patients submitted to a standard procedure (group 2). Continence rates were assessed using a self-administrated questionnaire at 3, 7 and 30 days, and 3 and 12 months after removal of the catheter. Results Group 1 had a faster recovery of early continence than group 2 at day 3 (45% vs 22%; P = 0.029) and at day 7 (75% vs 50%; P = 0.018). Considering the number of pads, group 1 had a faster recovery of continence at 3, 7 and 30 days, and also had less incidence of severe incontinence. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of continence at 3 and 12 months among the two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that surgical technique and young age were significantly associated with earlier time to continence at 3 and 7 days. The two groups had no significant differences in terms of surgical margins. Conclusions Our modified technique of radical retropubic prostatectomy with preservation of the smooth muscular internal sphincter, as well as of the proximal urethra during bladder neck dissection, results in a significantly increased urinary continence at 3, 7 and 30 days after catheter removal, with a minor incidence of severe incontinence. The technique is also oncologically safe, and it does not increase the operative duration of the procedure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, by using a standardized reporting methodology, the perioperative complications and mortality in patients who underwent radical cystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all data of 404 consecutive patients who underwent radical cystectomy from 1995 to 2009 for nonmetastatic bladder cancer at the same academic center. Perioperative complications and perioperative mortality were defined as any adverse event or death from any cause within 90 days of surgery. All perioperative complications were reported according to the Martin criteria and were graded according to the Clavien system (grade 1-5). Univariate and multivariate analyses for the clinical and pathologic characteristics were used to evaluate predictors of complications. RESULTS: A total of 296 complications occurred in 209 (51.7%) patients. Among them, 139 (34.4% of the entire population) had only a '"minor"' (grade 1-2) complication, whereas 70 (17.3%) had a "major" (grade 3-5) complication. Eighteen (4.5%) patients died within 90 days after surgery. At univariate analysis, age ≥75 years (2P = .018), serum creatinine level ≥1.4 mg/dL (2P = .025), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 3 to 4 (2P < .001) were significant predictors of complications after 30 days from surgery; conversely, the ASA score was the only significant predictor of complications after 90 days. At multivariate analysis, only the ASA score was independently correlated with the development of complications at 30 and 90 days of follow-up (2P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Radical cystectomy is one of the most complex procedures in urology, with a high rate of complications and mortality. The use of a standardized methodology is the only way to estimate the actual rate and the severity of complications.

What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Lymph node (LN) status is one of the most important prognostic variables in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy, but not all patients with node-positive PCa are at the same risk of recurrence and cancer-specific death. In this study we evaluated the role of pathological variables in stratifying the risk of cancer death in patients with prostate cancer. Patients with 1–3 positive LNs and Gleason score (GS) ≤7 experienced better CSS and OS than those with >3 metastatic LNs and/or GS >7. This evidence could allow urologists to better predict oncological outcomes of patients and select more appropriate therapeutic management. Objectives To evaluate the outcomes in patients with node-positive prostate cancer (PCa) after radical prostatectomy (RP) and pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) according to the number of positive lymph nodes (LNs). To identify different risk groups among patients with node-positive PCa. Patients and Methods We evaluated 98 consecutive patients with pN1M0 PCa who underwent RP between November 1995 and May 2011. Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional univariable and multivariable regression models were used to analyse the survival rates. Patients were divided into two groups according to number of positive LNs using the most informative positive LN theshold for predicting survival, then into three different risk groups according to number of positive LNs and pathological Gleason score (GS). Results Mean (range) follow-up was 68.4 (10–192) months. Patients with 1–3 positive LNs (n = 75; 76.5%) had significantly better cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) compared with those with >3 positive nodes (n = 23; 23.4%; P < 0.01). Patients with 1–3 positive LNs and pathological GS ≤7 (Group 1) had significantly better CSS than those with >3 positive LNs or GS 8–10 (Group 2 [P = 0.015]). Group 2 patients, moreover, had significantly better CSS (P = 0.019) and OS (P = 0.021) than those with >3 positive LNs and GS 8–10 (Group 3). Conclusions Patients with 1–3 positive LNs have higher CSS and OS rates than those with >3 metastatic LNs. Taking into account the pathological GS, as well as the number of positive nodes, three risk group categories with considerable differences in terms of survival can be found. Patients with LN-positive PCa should be stratified into different groups according to these two measures, to obtain a better prediction of oncological outcomes.

PURPOSE: To compare the accuracy of 18F-FACBC and 11C-choline PET/CT in patients radically treated for prostate cancer presenting with biochemical relapse. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled 100 consecutive patients radically treated for prostate cancer and presenting with rising PSA. Of these 100 patients, 89 were included in the analysis. All had biochemical relapse after radical prostatectomy (at least 3 months previously), had 11C-choline and 18F-FACBC PET/CT performed within 1 week and were off hormonal therapy at the time of the scans. The two tracers were compared directly in terms of overall positivity/negativity on both a per-patient basis and a per-site basis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV) and accuracy were calculated for both the tracers; follow-up at 1 year (including correlative imaging, PSA trend and pathology when available) was considered as the standard of reference. RESULTS: In 51 patients the results were negative and in 25 patients positive with both the tracers, in eight patients the results were positive with 18F-FACBC but negative with 11C-choline, and in five patients the results were positive with 11C-choline but negative with 18F-FACBC. Overall in 49 patients the results were false-negative (FN), in two true-negative, in 24 true-positive (TP) and in none false-positive (FP) with both tracers. In terms of discordances between the tracers: (1) in one patient, the result was FN with 11C-choline but FP with 18F-FACBC (lymph node), (2) in seven, FN with 11C-choline but TP with 18F-FACBC (lymph node in five, bone in one, local relapse in one), (3) in one, FP with 11C-choline (lymph node) but TP with 18F-FACBC (local relapse), (4) in two, FP with 11C-choline (lymph nodes in one, local relapse in one) but FN with 18F-FACBC, and (5) in three, TP with 11C-choline (lymph nodes in two, bone in one) but FN with 18F-FACBC. With 11C-choline and 18F-FACBC, sensitivities were 32 % and 37 %, specificities 40 % and 67 %, accuracies 32 % and 38 %, PPVs 90 % and 97 %, and NPVs 3 % and 4 %, respectively. Categorizing patients by PSA level (

The treatment of ureteral strictures represents a challenge due to the variability of aetiology, site and extension of the stricture; it ranges from an end-to-end anastomosis or reimplantation into the bladder with a Boari flap or Psoas Hitch. Traditionally, these procedures have been done using an open access, but minimally invasive approaches have gained acceptance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility and perioperative results of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of ureteral stenosis with a long-term follow-up. Data of 62 laparoscopic (n = 36) and robotic (n = 26) treatments for ureteral stenosis in 9 Italian centers were reviewed. Patients were followed according to the referring center's protocol. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches were compared. All the procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. Average estimated blood loss in the two groups was 91.2 ± 71.9 cc for the laparoscopic and 47.2 ± 32.3 cc for the robotic, respectively (p = 0.004). Mean days of hospitalization were 5.9 ± 2.4 for the laparoscopic group and 7.6 ± 3.4 for the robotic group (p = 0.006). No differences were found in terms of operative time and post-operative complications. After a median follow-up of 27 months, the robotic group yielded 2 stenosis recurrence, instead the laparoscopic group shows no cases of recurrence (p = 0.091). Minimally invasive approach for ureteral stenosis is safe and feasible. Both robotic and pure laparoscopic approaches may offer good results in terms of perioperative outcomes, low incidence of complications and recurrence.

In recent years, the development of diagnostic methods based on metabolic imaging has been aimed at improving diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) and perhaps at improving therapy. Molecular imaging methods can detect specific biological processes that are different when detected within cancer cells relative to those taking place in surrounding normal tissues. Many methods are sensitive to tissue metabolism, among them Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI) which are widely used in clinical practice and clinical research. There is a rich literature that establishes the role of these metabolic imaging techniques as valid tools for the diagnosis, staging and monitoring of prostate cancer. Until recently, European guidelines for prostate cancer detection still considered both MRSI/MRI and PET/CT to be under evaluation, even though they had demonstrated their value in the staging of high risk prostate cancer, and in the restaging of patients presenting elevated PSA levels following radical treatment of PCa, respectively. Very recently, advanced methods for metabolic imaging have been proposed in the literature: mpMRI (multiparametric MRI), hyperpolarized MRSI, PET/CT with the use of new tracers and finally PET/MRI. Their detection capabilities are currently under evaluation, as is the feasibility of using such techniques in clinical studies.