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Daniele Castellani,1 Silvia Stramucci,1 Bhavatej Enganti,2 Jenni Lane,3 Santosh Kumar,4 Yiloren Tanidir,5 Alba Farré,6 Boyke Soebhali,7 Vigen Malkhasyan,8 Nariman Gadzhiev,9 Marek Adam Zawadzki,10 Pankaj Nandkishore Maheshwari,11 Khi Yung Fong,12 Giacomo Maria Pirola,13 Angelo Naselli,13 Apurva Anand,14 Shreyas K Bhadranavar,14 Bhaskar K Somani,3 Andrea Benedetto Galosi,1 Vineet Gauhar15 1Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy; 2Department of Urology, Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad, India; 3Department of Urology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK; 4Department Urology, Christian Medical College, Vellore, India; 5Unit of Urology, Marmara University, Pendik Research and Education Hospital, Istanbul; 6Department of Urology, Fundació Puigvert, Autonomous University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; 7Department of Urology, Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Hospital Medical Faculty, Mulawarman University, Samarinda, Indonesia; 8Department of Urology, Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation; 9Department of Urology, Saint-Petersburg State University Hospital, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation; 10Urology Unit, St. Anna Hospital, Piaseczno, Poland; 11Department of Urology, Fortis Hospital Mulund, Mumbai, India; 12Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore; 13Urology Unit, San Giuseppe Hospital, Multimedica Group, Milan, Italy; 14Urology Unit, Kulkarni Reconstructive Urology Center, Pune, India; 15Department of Urology, Ng Teng Fong Hospital, NUHS, Singapore, SingaporeCorrespondence: Daniele Castellani, Urology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Via Conca 71, 60126, Ancona, Italy, Tel +39715963571, Fax +39715963367, Email castellanidaniele@gmail.comPurpose: To assess management and outcomes of bladder neck stenosis (BNS) post-transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in 12 centers.Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent transurethral BN incision for stenosis following TURP from January 2015 and January 2023 was performed. Inclusion criteria included endoscopic diagnosis of BNS associated with obstruction and/or lower urinary tract symptoms. Data are presented as median and interquartile range. Two distinct univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with overall urinary incontinence and recurrent stenosis.Results: Three hundred and seventy-two men were included. 95.2% of patients developed BNS following bipolar TURP. 21.0% of patients were on an indwelling catheter before BNS incision. Bipolar electrocautery was the most commonly employed energy for incision (66.5%). Collings knife was the most commonly employed (61.2%) instrument for incision, followed by end-firing holmium lasering (35.3%). Median operation time was 30 (25– 45) minutes. The overall complication rate was 12.4%, with 19 (5.1%) patients suffering from acute urinary retention, 6 (1.6%) patients requiring prolonged irrigation due to persistent hematuria, and a surgical hemostasis was necessary in 8 cases (2.2%). Overall postoperative incontinence rate was 17.2%, with urge incontinence accounting for the most common type (45.3%). Incontinence lasted more than 3 months in 9/46 (14.3%) patients. Recurrent BNS occurred in 29 (7.8%) patients and was managed by re-endoscopic incision in 21 (5.6%) patients and dilatation only in 6 (1.6%) patients. Two (0.5%) patients underwent urethroplasty for recalcitrant stenosis. Logistic regression analysis showed that Collings knife was associated with higher odds of having postoperative incontinence (OR 3.93 95% CI 1.45– 11.13, p=0.008) and BN recurrence (OR 3.589 95% CI 1.157– 15.7, p=0.047).Conclusion: Transurethral BN incision provides satisfactory short-term results with an acceptable rate of complications.Keywords: bladder neck stenosis, transurethral resection of the prostate, postoperative complications, urinary incontinence

Flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS) is a potential game changer in flexible ureteroscopy (FURS). The influence of sheath size on outcomes needs research. The primary aim was to analyze 30-day single stage stone free status (SFS), zero fragment rate (ZFR) and complications when using 10/12Fr sheaths vis a vis other sheath sizes. The global FANS research group published the 30-day outcomes in patients who underwent FANS and reasoned this can be a potential game changer. We included 295 patients from this anonymized dataset with division into two groups: Group 1 (Smaller sheath) - 10/12Fr FANS, and Group 2 (Larger sheath) - 11/13Fr or 12/14Fr sheaths. Stone volume was similar between both groups (median 1320 mm 3 , p = 0.88). Ureteroscopy and total operative time was longer in the smaller sheath group (35 vs. 32 min, p = 0.02 and 50 vs. 45 min, p = 0.001, respectively). While 30-day computed tomography SFS (100% stone free or single residual fragment ≤ 2 mm) were not significantly different (96% vs. 95%, p > 0.99), ZFR (100% stone-free) was better with smaller sheaths (68% vs. 53%, p = 0.02). There was no difference in postoperative complication rates, and no sepsis in both groups. Urologists should consider individualizing appropriate sheath size in normal adult kidneys. Sheath size did not affect complication rates, risk of perioperative injury to the pelvicalyceal system or ureteric injury, but smaller FANS sheaths had similar high SFS. The ZFR with smaller sheaths was better, but this needs to be validated. These smaller sheath outcomes need to be balanced with longer ureteroscopy time, operative time, reach to the lower pole, ease of suction and visibility during lithotripsy. Large volume studies in different types of pelvicalyceal anatomy can determine if indeed smaller FANS is the best choice in FURS., Competing Interests: Declarations Ethics approval All procedures performed involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committees and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad (#AINU 12/2022). Consent to participate Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study. Financial disclosures The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose. Competing interests The authors declare no competing interests., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Purpose: To assess retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) outcomes in children using ClearPetra, a flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheath (FANS-UAS)., Methods: Children with kidney stone(s) only undergoing RIRS in 8 centers were prospectively included (September 2023-May 2024)., Exclusion Criteria: ureteral stone, bilateral procedures, anomalous kidneys, surgery for residual fragments. Lithotripsy was performed using either a Holmium or Thulium fiber laser. Postoperative pain was assessed within 24 h using a 10-point visual analogue score. The use of FANS-UAS was graded by surgeons after each case using a 5-point likert scale. Low-dose non-contrast CT scan was performed before and within 30 days of RIRS to assess residual fragments (RFs). Stone-free status was defined as no RF or single RF up to 2 mm., Results: 50 children were included. 66% were male. Mean age was 6.6 (± 3.38) years. 88% stones were < 2 cm. one-third of the patients had a stone volume > 1500mm 3 . 10-12 Fr FANS-UAS was used in 98% of the procedure. The mean operative time was 46.02 (± 20.72) minutes. 2 patients had Traxer grade1 distal ureter and 2 forniceal injuries on sheath placement. Mean pain score was 2.18 (± 1.34). Mean likert scale was 1.16 (± 0.47) for ease of suction, 1.24 (± 0.52) for manipulation, 1.02 (± 0.32) for visibility. 4 patients had post-operative fever lasting less than 24 h. No sepsis occurred. Stone-free rate was 100%., Conclusions: Our study shows that the use of FANS-UAS in paediatric RIRS is feasible and safe with a low rate of complications and excellent stone-free rate., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Remote monitoring (RM) for cardiac implantable electronic devices is on the rise and has been shown to reduce the burden of in-clinic follow-up visits. We aimed to investigate the long-term clinical outcomes of RM versus no RM., Methods: This was a prospective, single-centre cohort study of consecutive patients with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronisation therapy-defibrillator (CRT-D) followed up from 2018 to 2023. Patients who received non-ICD devices were excluded. In general, RM was offered to all patients, but uptake depended on patient preference. For data analysis, patients were stratified according to whether RM was used. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality; secondary outcomes were hospitalisation for heart failure and device therapy (shocks and electrical storm)., Results: Of 551 patients, 284 (51.5%) received RM and 267 (49.5%) did not. Baseline demographics were similar between the two arms. All-cause mortality was significantly lower in RM versus non-RM patients (hazard ratio [HR] 0.45, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.33-0.60, P <0.001), as was hospitalisation for heart failure (HR 0.39, 95% CI 0.25-0.59, P <0.001); these remained significant after adjustment for baseline covariates. More patients on RM received appropriate antitachycardia pacing (ATP) (17.6% vs. 10.7%, P = 0.035) and appropriate shocks (24.1% vs. 14.7%, P = 0.017). The incidences of inappropriate ATP, inappropriate shocks and electrical storm were similar. More patients on RM underwent pulse generator change (34.1% vs. 10.1%, P <0.001)., Conclusion: Remote monitoring was associated with significantly lower mortality in both ICDs and CRT-Ds and in primary and secondary indications, as well as fewer heart failure hospitalisations. This supports current guidelines recommending the use of RM in all patients with ICD or CRT-D., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © 2024 Singapore Medical Journal.)

Introduction: Focal Therapy (FT) is a treatment option for the treatment of limited volume clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). We aim to systematically review outcomes of established FT modalities to assess the contemporary baseline and identify gaps in evidence that will aid in further trial and study design., Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of all primary studies reporting outcomes of FT using cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), and irreversible electroporation (IRE). We described patient inclusion criteria, selection tools, treatment parameters, and surveillance protocols, and pooled overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS), metastasis-free survival (MFS), biochemical progression (BP), biopsy, secondary treatment, sexual, and urinary function outcomes. Composite failure was defined as salvage whole gland ablation, radical treatment, hormonal therapy or transition to watchful waiting., Synthesis: We identified 49 unique cohorts of men undergoing FT between 2008 and 2024 (21 cryotherapy, 20 HIFU, and 8 IRE). Median follow-up ranged from 6 to 63 months. Pooled OS was 98.0%, CSS 99.3%, and MFS 98.5%. Pooled BP was 9.4%/year. Biopsy was mandated post-FT within 24 months in 36/49 (73.5%) cohorts, with pooled csPCa (GG ≥ 2) rates of 22.2% overall, 8.9% infield, and 12.3% outfield. The pooled rate of secondary FT was 5.0%, radical treatment 10.5%, and composite failure 14.1%. Of 35 studies reporting sexual function, 45.7% reported a low, 48.6% moderate, and 5.7% severe impact. For 34 cohorts reporting urinary function, 97.1% reported a low impact. No differences were noted between cryotherapy, HIFU, or IRE in any of the outcomes., Conclusion: FT with cryotherapy, HIFU, and IRE is associated with good short-intermediate term oncological and functional outcomes. However, outcome reporting is heterogeneous and often incomplete. Long-term follow-up and standardized reporting are required to better define and report FT outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: While the benefit of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) is well established in programmed death-ligand 1 high (PD-L1 high ) advanced gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEAC), there remains significant controversy about their benefit in PD-L1 low GEAC. To elucidate the benefit of ICI in PD-L1 low and PD-L1 negative GEAC, we conducted an analysis leveraging individual patient data (IPD) extracted from Kaplan-Meier (KM) plots of pivotal trials., Methods: KM curves from randomized clinical trials investigating the efficacy of ICI for advanced GEAC were extracted from published articles. IPD were extracted from the reported curves, and, in the case of unreported KM plots, KMSubtraction was used to retrieve survival data. A patient-level meta-analysis was conducted for PD-L1 low tumors., Results: In the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-negative setting, pooled PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) 1-4 subgroup KM plots from KEYNOTE-859, CHECKMATE-649, and RATIONALE-305 showed a modest overall survival (OS) benefit with the addition of an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (anti-PD-1) agent [hazard ratio (HR) 0.868, P = 0.018]. Similarly, a modest OS benefit was shown by our IPD meta-analysis of PD-L1 CPS 1-9 subgroups from KEYNOTE-859, KEYNOTE-062, and RATIONALE-305 (HR 0.840, P = 0.002.) Conversely, when CPS 5-9 subgroup KM plots from KEYNOTE-859 and RATIONALE-305 were pooled together, no significant OS benefit was found in the ICI-chemotherapy arm (HR 0.867, P = 0.181), although this subgroup was relatively small., Conclusions: In PD-L1 low HER-2 negative GEAC, the benefit of first-line ICI is modest, yet significant. Further translational work is warranted to better select patients who could benefit from immunotherapy in this setting. Meanwhile, alternative therapeutic options such as zolbetuximab in Claudin18.2-positive disease must be taken into account., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: We aimed to assess complications and stone-free rate of flexible ureteroscopy (FU) reusing disposable scopes (RDS) after repeated sterilization., Methods: Data from adults from 11 centers were retrospectively reviewed (January 2020-December 2022). Inclusion criteria were proximal ureteral/renal stone(s). All cases were performed using an RDS to save costs for patients who come from economically challenged environments. Residual fragments (RFs) were defined as single fragment ≥4 mm or multiple fragments of any size within 3 months. Continuous variables are presented as median and interquartile range., Results: Two thousand one hundred and eighty-three patients were included, of whom 67.0% were male. Median age was 48.0 (36-59) years. The median stone diameter was 10.2 (9-14) mm. Flash sterilization was used in 90.2% (plasma in 60.5%). Approximately, 88% had FU with an RDS used ≤2 times (12%: 3-5 times). RDS needed to be changed intraoperatively in 3.9% of cases due to its malfunction. Commonly, defects in RDS function were reported in upward (1.6%) and downward deflection (6.5%) and image quality on white balancing (4.7%). Fever >38C was seen in 13.7% of cases, and sepsis in 0.5%. RFs were found in 31.4% of cases. Lower pole (odds ratio [OR] 5.63) or pelvis stone (OR 4.67), faulty scopes (OR 12.8), and total operation time (OR 1.05) were factors associated with higher odds of RFs. Stone size (OR 1.09), positive urine culture (OR 1.67), interpolar stone (OR 1.68), and prestenting (OR 1.37) were factors associated with higher odds of fever/sepsis., Conclusions: RDS was used as a cost-conscious approach with a low rate of serious infections but with a high rate of RFs., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Indian Journal of Urology.)

Background: Suction techniques showed potential to improve outcomes of retrograde intra-renal surgery (RIRS). We assessed the 24-hour stone-free rate (SFR) and complications after RIRS using flexible and navigable suction ureteral access sheaths (FANS-UAS)., Methods: Sixteen centers prospectively contributed to data (August 2023-October 2023). Inclusion criteria: age ≥18 years, single renal stone, pre and 24-hour post-RIRS CT scan. Exclusion criteria were: ureteral stone, anomalous kidney, multiple stones. SFR was divided into: 1) grade A - no fragments; 2) grade B - fragments ≤2 mm; 3) grade C - fragments 2.1-4 mm; and 4) grade D - fragments >4 mm. A multivariable logistic regression analysis model was performed to assess factors associated with the odds of having grade A stone-free status. Data are expressed as median (interquartile range), absolute numbers and frequencies, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI)., Results: One hundred forty-two patients with a median age of 52 years (40-61) were enrolled. 61.3% were males. Median stone volume was 1165 mm 3 (656-1936). Median operative time was 48.5 (36.25-71.75) min. Transient fever (37°C-37.5°C) occurred in 10 (7%) patients. No sepsis case occurred. 96.5% of patients were stone-free (Grade A+B). Grade A SFR was 52.8%. All patients were discharged within 48 hours. Bone window (OR 3.156 95% CI 1.177-9.130, P=0.027) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of 100% SFR, while stone volume (OR 0.999, 95% CI 0.999-1.000, P=0.007) was significantly associated with lower odds., Conclusions: Imaging and clinical evidence demonstrate excellent perioperative outcomes just 24 hours post RIRS with FANS-UAS. The technique demonstrates a good safety profile, ability for immediate high SFR, and a low rate of infective complications.

Introduction: Minimally invasive oncological resections have become increasingly widespread in the surgical management of cancers. However, the role of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) for gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unclear. We aim to perform a systematic review and network meta-analysis of existing literature to evaluate the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic and robotic surgery in the management of GBC compared to open surgery (OS) by comparing outcomes., Methods: A literature search of the PubMed/MEDLINE (2000 to December 2021) and EMBASE (2000 to December 2021) databases was conducted. The primary outcome studied was overall survival, and secondary outcomes studied were postoperative morbidity, severe complications, incidence of bile leak, length of hospital stay, operation time, R0 resection rate, local recurrence and lymph node yield., Results: Thirty-two full-text articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the final analysis with a total of 5883 patients undergoing either OS or MIS (laparoscopic or robotic) for GBC. 1- and 2-stage meta-analyses did not reveal any significant differences between OS, laparoscopic and robotic surgery in terms of overall survival, R0 resection, lymph node harvest, local recurrence and post-operative complications. Patients who underwent OS had significantly longer hospitalization stay and intra-operative blood loss compared to those who underwent laparoscopic or robotic surgery. Network meta-analysis did not reveal any significant differences between post-operative and survival outcomes of laparoscopic vs robotic surgery groups., Conclusion: This network meta-analysis suggests that both laparoscopic and robotic surgery are safe and effective approaches in the surgical management of GBC, with post-operative and survival outcomes comparable to OS. An MIS approach may also lead to shorter hospitalization stay, less intraoperative blood loss and post-operative complications compared to OS. There was no obvious benefit of either MIS approach (laparoscopic versus robotic) over the other., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Background: We aimed to determine if preoperative prostate volume-enucleated weight concordance predicts short-term anatomical endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (AEEP) outcomes using the REAP international database., Methods: 649 patients with data on both preoperative ultrasound-derived prostate volume and enucleated specimen weight were analyzed. Linear regression was used to investigate the effect of volume-weight concordance on postoperative outcomes. Model residuals were used to divide the cohort into 3 centiles: (1) less-than-expected enucleated specimen weight; (2) appropriate concordance between prostate volume and specimen weight; (3) more-than-expected specimen weight. Outcomes were also analyzed with only enucleated weight as a predictor (comparing ≤ 80 g and > 80 g)., Results: There was a trend towards more-than-expected enucleated specimen weight with increased age (p = 0.006). There was an increasing trend of operation time (p = 0.012) and enucleation time (p = 0.015) as specimen weight increased, and a decreasing trend of postoperative acute urinary retention (p = 0.005). Laser type, enucleation method, and early apical release were similar. In correlation analysis, greater-than-expected prostate weight was associated with greater Qmax improvement at 3 months. Prostate weight alone did not appear to be a significant predictor of outcomes., Conclusions: If enucleated specimen weight is more than expected according to preoperative ultrasound volume measurement, greater Qmax improvement and less postoperative acute urinary retention is expected. Although precision may be limited by ultrasound approximation and inexact specimen weight measurements, these shortcomings are similar in real-world clinical practice. Overall, preoperative prostate volume and actual enucleated specimen weight should be interpreted in the context of each other to predict clinical outcomes., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Objective: To determine surgical outcomes and stone-free rates (SFRs) when offering upfront retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) to patients with asymptomatic incidental renal stones (AIRS), as active surveillance, shockwave lithotripsy or upfront intervention in patients with AIRS is still a debate among urologists., Patients and Methods: This retrospective FLEXible Ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR), supported by the Team of Worldwide Endourological Researchers (TOWER), examines adult patients who underwent RIRS. We analysed a subset of asymptomatic patients with renal stones on imaging who were treated with RIRS. Data includes patient characteristics, stone specifications, anaesthesia type, perioperative details, complications, and SFR. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess factors associated with the SFR., Results: Among 679 patients with AIRS, 640 met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 55 years, with 33.4% being female. In all, 22.1% had positive urine cultures. The median stone diameter was 12 mm, commonly in lower and interpolar locations. RIRS was preferentially performed under general anaesthesia using a reusable scope in 443 cases. Prophylactic antibiotics were administered to 314 patients. The median operation time was 58 min and the median laser time was 24 min. The SFR was 68.8%. The use of holmium laser (odds ratio [OR] 0.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.06-0.63; P < 0.01) and multiple stones (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.19-0.76; P < 0.01) were factors associated with lower odds of being stone free. Overall complications were minimal, with sepsis in 1.6% of patients. Re-interventions were performed in 76 cases (11.8%), with RIRS being the most common in 67 cases (10.6%)., Conclusion: Our multicentre real-world study is the first of its kind that highlights the pros and cons of offering RIRS to patients with AIRS and demonstrates a favourable SFR with acceptable complications. Pre-emptively discussing potential re-intervention helps patients make informed decisions, particularly in cases involving large and multiple stones., (© 2024 BJU International.)

Introduction: Alcohol flushing syndrome (AFS) is experienced by up to 46% of East Asians. This study aimed to review the risk of cancers in AFS patients, elucidate an exposure-response relationship, and understand risk associated with alcohol intake and cancer., Method: An electronic database search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus and Cochrane Library was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis guidelines. Observational studies on AFS' effects and all cancers risk were included. Studies including patients with existing malignancy were excluded. Dichotomous variables were pooled using the Mantel-Haenszel method with a random effects model. Sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. PROSPERO (CRD42023392916) protocol was followed., Results: A total of 18 articles were included in the final analysis with a total of 387,521 participants. AFS was associated with an increased risk of all cancers (odds ratio [OR] 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.34), esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.05-2.05) and gastric adenocarci-noma (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.14-1.72). Men with AFS exhibited an increased risk of all cancers (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.13-1.59). However, this was not observed in women. All cancers risk was associated with AFS in those who consumed drink (i.e. consumed alcohol) more than 200 g of pure ethanol/week (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.20-2.37) but not those who consumed less than 200 g of pure ethanol/week (OR 1.27, 95% CI 0.90-1.79) or non-drinkers (OR 0.99, 95% CI 0.67-1.47)., Conclusion: AFS is associated with an increased risk of all cancers, particularly esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric adenocarcinoma.

Background and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stone-free status (SFS) rate and complications after flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for treatment of renal stones using a flexible and navigable suction (FANS) ureteral access sheath., Methods: Data for adults undergoing fURS in 25 centers worldwide were prospectively collected (August 2023 to January 2024). Exclusion criteria were abnormal renal anatomy and ureteral stones. All patients had computed tomography scans before and within 30 d after fURS with a FANS ureteral access sheath. SFS was defined as follows: grade A, zero fragments; grade B, a single fragment ≤2 mm; grade C, a single fragment 2.1-4 mm; and grade D, single/multiple fragments >4 mm. Data for continuous variables are presented as the median and interquartile range (IQR). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate predictors of grade A SFS., Key Findings and Limitations: The study enrolled 394 patients (59.1% male) with a median age of 49 yr (IQR 36-61). The median stone volume was 1260 mm 3 (IQR 706-1800). Thulium fiber laser (TFL) was used in 45.9% of cases and holmium laser in the rest. The median lasing time was 18 min (IQR 11-28) and the median operative time was 49 min (IQR 37-70). One patient required a blood transfusion and 3.3% of patients had low-grade fever. No patient developed sepsis. Low-grade ureteral injury occurred in eight patients (2%). The grade A SFS rate was 57.4% and the grade A + B SFS rate was 97.2%, while 2.8% of patients had grade C or D SFS. Eleven patients underwent repeat fURS. Multivariable analysis revealed that a stone volume of 1501-3000 mm 3 (odds ratio 0.50) and of >3000 mm 3 (odds ratio 0.29) were significantly associated with lower probability of grade A SFS, while TFL use was associated with higher SFS probability (odds ratio 1.83). Limitations include the lack of a comparative group., Conclusions and Clinical Implications: fURS using a FANS ureteral access sheath resulted in a high SFS rate with negligible serious adverse event and reintervention rates., Patient Summary: We looked at 30-day results for patients undergoing telescopic laser treatment for kidney stones using a special type of vacuum-assisted sheath to remove stone fragments. We found a high stone-free rate with minimal complications., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Guidelines recommended remote monitoring (RM) in managing patients with Cardiac Implantable Electronic Devices. In recent years, smart device (phone or tablet) monitoring-based RM (SM-RM) was introduced. This study aims to systematically review SM-RM versus bedside monitor RM (BM-RM) using radiofrequency in terms of compliance, connectivity, and episode transmission time., Methods: We conducted a systematic review, searching three international databases from inception until July 2023 for studies comparing SM-RM (intervention group) versus BM-RM (control group)., Results: Two matched studies (21 978 patients) were retrieved (SM-RM arm: 9642 patients, BM-RM arm: 12 336 patients). There is significantly higher compliance among SM-RM patients compared with BM-RM patients in both pacemaker and defibrillator patients. Manyam et al. found that more SM-RM patients than BM-RM patients transmitted at least once (98.1% vs. 94.3%, p  < .001), and Tarakji et al. showed that SM-RM patients have higher success rates of scheduled transmissions than traditional BM-RM methods (SM-RM: 94.6%, pacemaker manual: 56.3%, pacemaker wireless: 77.0%, defibrillator wireless: 87.1%). There were higher enrolment rates, completed scheduled and patient-initiated transmissions, shorter episode transmission time, and higher connectivity among SM-RM patients compared to BM-RM patients. Younger patients (aged <75) had more patient-initiated transmissions, and a higher proportion had ≥10 transmissions compared with older patients (aged ≥75) in both SM-RM and BM-RM groups., Conclusion: SM-RM is a step in the right direction, with good compliance, connectivity, and shorter episode transmission time, empowering patients to be in control of their health. Further research on cost-effectiveness and long-term clinical outcomes can be carried out., Competing Interests: Authors declare no conflict of interests for this article., (© 2024 The Authors. Journal of Arrhythmia published by John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd on behalf of Japanese Heart Rhythm Society.)

Purpose: The primary aim of the study was to evaluate if en-bloc vs. non en-bloc made a difference to intra-, peri- and post-operative surgical outcomes of anatomical endoscopic enucleation (AEEP) in large (> 80 cc) and very large prostates (> 200 cc). The secondary aim was to determine the influence of energy and instruments used., Methods: Data of patients with > 80 cc prostate who underwent surgery between 2019 and 2022 were obtained from 16 surgeons across 13 centres in 9 countries. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to reduce confounding. Logistic regression was performed to evaluate factors associated with postoperative urinary incontinence (UI)., Results: 2512 patients were included with 991 patients undergoing en-bloc and 1521 patients undergoing non-en-bloc. PSM resulted in 481 patients in both groups. Total operation time was longer in the en-bloc group (p < 0.001), enucleation time was longer in the non en-bloc group (p < 0.001) but morcellation times were similar (p = 0.054). Overall, 30 day complication rate was higher in the non en-bloc group (16.4% vs. 11.4%; p = 0.032). Rate of late complications (> 30 days) was similar (2.3% vs. 2.5%; p > 0.99). There were no differences in rates of UI between the two groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that age, Qmax, pre-operative, post-void residual urine (PVRU) and total operative time were predictors of UI., Conclusions: In experienced hands, AEEP in large prostates by the en-bloc technique yields a lower rate of complication and a slightly shorter operative time compared to the non en-bloc approach. However, it does not have an effect on rates of post-operative UI., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

We aim to evaluate the incidence of incontinence following laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) comparing en-bloc (Group 1) versus 2-lobe/3-lobe techniques (Group 2). We performed a retrospective review of patients undergoing EEP for benign prostatic enlargement in 12 centers between January 2020 and January 2022. Data were presented as median and interquartile range (IQR). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI). There were 1711 patients in Group 1 and 3357 patients in Group 2. Patients in Group 2 were significantly younger (68 [62-73] years vs 69 [63-74] years, P = 0.002). Median (interquartile range) prostate volume (PV) was similar between the groups (70 [52-92] ml in Group 1 vs 70 [54-90] ml in Group 2, P = 0.774). There was no difference in preoperative International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, or maximum flow rate. Enucleation, morcellation, and total surgical time were significantly shorter in Group 1. Within 1 month, overall incontinence rate was 6.3% in Group 1 versus 5.3% in Group 2 ( P = 0.12), and urge incontinence was significantly higher in Group 1 (55.1% vs 37.3% in Group 2, P < 0.001). After 3 months, the overall rate of incontinence was 1.7% in Group 1 versus 2.3% in Group 2 ( P = 0.06), and SUI was significantly higher in Group 2 (55.6% vs 24.1% in Group 1, P = 0.002). At multivariable analysis, PV and IPSS were factors significantly associated with higher odds of transient SUI/MUI. PV, surgical time, and no early apical release technique were factors associated with higher odds of persistent SUI/MUI., (Copyright © 2024 Copyright: © The Author(s)(2024).)

Objective: To evaluate outcomes after laser endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) stratified by whether early apical release (EAR) was performed or not., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with holmium or thulium fiber laser in 8 centers (January 2020-January 2022)., Exclusion Criteria: previous prostate/urethral surgery, prostate cancer, pelvic radiotherapy, concomitant lower urinary tract surgery. One-to-one propensity score-matching was performed between patients with EAR vs no EAR, with covariates including age, prostate volume, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, preoperative indwelling catheter, IPSS, Qmax, enucleation, and laser types. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate independent predictors of 30-day postoperative complications and urinary incontinence., Results: EAR was performed in 2094 of 4392 included patients. The matched cohort consisted of 787 patients per arm. Total operation time was significantly longer in the EAR group (median 75 vs 67 minutes, P = .004). Early complications were higher in the EAR group (18.6% vs 12.5%, P = .001), while postoperative incontinence rates were similar (14.1% vs 13.1%, P = .61). Multivariable regression analysis showed that 3-lobe enucleation and operation time were significant predictors of postoperative complications; preoperative indwelling catheterization, higher prostate volume, and en-bloc enucleation were associated with higher odds of postoperative incontinence., Limitation: retrospective nature., Conclusion: Performing EAR during EEP is associated with a greater incidence of early complications, which was mainly driven by higher rates of postoperative hematuria and perioperative transfusion. The risk of postoperative incontinence and its duration are not affected by EAR., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Fernando Gómez Sancha is a paid consultant for Quanta system and Lumenis. Dean Elterman is a paid consultant/investigator for Boston Scientific, Procept Biorobotics, Olympus, Urotronic, Prodeon, and Zenflow. Thomas R.W. Herrmann is a paid consultant for, has received honoraria from, and is involved in research collaboration with Karl Storz. The remaining authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with and without ureteral access sheath (UAS) in different pediatric age groups., Methods: The data of RIRS for kidney stone in children were obtained from 9 institutions. Demographic characteristics of patients and stones, intraoperative and postoperative results were recorded. While analyzing the data, patients who underwent RIRS without UAS (group 1) (n = 195) and RIRS with UAS (group 2) (n = 194) were compared., Results: Group 1 was found to be young, thin, and short (P <.001, P = .021, P <.001), but there was no gender difference and similar symptoms were present except hematuria, which was predominant in group 2 (10.6% vs 17.3%, P <.001). Group 1 had smaller stone diameter (9.91 ± 4.46 vs 11.59 ± 4.85 mm, P = .001), shorter operation time (P = .040), less stenting (35.7% vs 72.7%, P = .003). Re-intervention rates and stone-free rates (SFR) were similar between groups (P = .5 and P = .374). However, group 1 had significantly high re-RIRS (P = .009). SFR had a positive correlation with smaller stone size and thulium fiber laser usage compared to holmium fiber laser (HFL) (P <.001 and P = .020), but multivariate analysis revealed only large stone size as a risk factor for residual fragments (P = .001)., Conclusion: RIRS can be performed safely in children with and without UAS. In children of smaller size or younger age (<5 years), limited use of UAS was observed. UAS may be of greater utility in stones larger than 1 cm, regardless of the age, and using smaller diameter UAS and ureteroscopes can decrease the complications., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To validate the sensitivity and specificity of a 3-dimensional (3D) convolutional neural network (CNN) artificial intelligence (AI) software for lung lesion detection and to establish concordance between AI-generated needle paths and those used in actual biopsy procedures., Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study using computed tomography (CT) scans from 3 hospitals. Inclusion criteria were scans with 1-5 nodules of diameter ≥5 mm; exclusion criteria were poor-quality scans or those with nodules measuring <5mm in diameter. In the lesion detection phase, 2,147 nodules from 219 scans were used to develop and train the deep learning 3D-CNN to detect lesions. The 3D-CNN was validated with 235 scans (354 lesions) for sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) analysis. In the path planning phase, Bayesian optimization was used to propose possible needle trajectories for lesion biopsy while avoiding vital structures. Software-proposed needle trajectories were compared with actual biopsy path trajectories from intraprocedural CT scans in 150 patients, with a match defined as an angular deviation of <5° between the 2 trajectories., Results: The model achieved an overall AUC of 97.4% (95% CI, 96.3%-98.2%) for lesion detection, with mean sensitivity of 93.5% and mean specificity of 93.2%. Among the software-proposed needle trajectories, 85.3% were feasible, with 82% matching actual paths and similar performance between supine and prone/oblique patient orientations (P = .311). The mean angular deviation between matching trajectories was 2.30° (SD ± 1.22); the mean path deviation was 2.94 mm (SD ± 1.60)., Conclusions: Segmentation, lesion detection, and path planning for CT-guided lung biopsy using an AI-guided software showed promising results. Future integration with automated robotic systems may pave the way toward fully automated biopsy procedures., (Copyright © 2024 SIR. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Stroke is a much-feared complication of cardiac surgery, but existing literature on preventive strategies is fragmented. Hence, a systematic review and meta-analysis of stroke prevention strategies for cardiac surgery was conducted., Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating perioperative interventions for cardiac surgery, with stroke as an outcome. Random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to generate risk ratios (RRs), 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and forest plots. Descriptive analysis and synthesis of literature was conducted for interventions not amenable to meta-analysis, focusing on risks of stroke, myocardial infarction and study-defined major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE)., Results: Fifty-six RCTs (61 894 patients) were retrieved. Many included trials were underpowered to detect differences in stroke risk. Among pharmacological therapies, only preoperative amiodarone was shown to reduce stroke risk in one trial. Concomitant left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) significantly reduced stroke risk (RR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.36-0.84, P = 0.006) in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation, and there was no difference in on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) (RR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.64-1.37, P = 0.735). Much controversy exists in literature on the timing of carotid endarterectomy relative to CABG in patients with severe carotid stenosis. The use of preoperative remote ischemic preconditioning was not found to reduce rates of stroke or MACE., Conclusion: This review presents a comprehensive synthesis of existing interventions for stroke prevention in cardiac surgery, and identifies gaps in research which may benefit from future, large-scale RCTs. LAAC should be considered to reduce stroke incidence in patients with preoperative atrial fibrillation., (© 2024 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)

Objective: To compare same-sitting bilateral vs unilateral retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in elderly patients, focusing on postoperative complications and stone-free rates (SFR)., Methods: Data from 2 multicenter databases, FLEXible ureteroscopy Outcomes Registry (FLEXOR) (unilateral RIRS) and same sitting bilateral-retrograde intrarenal surgery (SSB-RIRS) (bilateral RIRS), were analyzed, considering only patients aged 70+ with preoperative computed tomography. Patients were categorized into Group 1 (bilateral RIRS) and Group 2 (unilateral RIRS). Follow-up included imaging assessments and secondary treatments as needed., Results: Group 1 included 146 patients, while group 2 had 495. Group 1's patients were slightly older and had a higher prevalence of recurrent stone formation. Group 2 often underwent RIRS for incidental stones. Group 1 had larger and more pelvic stones. Laser lithotripsy and total operation times were significantly longer in Group 1. Group 2 had significantly higher overall stone-free rates, although there were no significant differences in ancillary procedures for residual fragments. Group 1 experienced more pelvicalyceal injuries needing stenting, postoperative fever, and post-op hematuria not requiring transfusion., Conclusion: In conclusion, bilateral RIRS can be carefully considered in elderly patients. Preoperative counseling is essential for both primary and repeat RIRS procedures, and further research is needed to optimize instrument and laser strategies for better outcomes in elderly RIRS patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To compare intra- and postoperative outcomes between off-clamp and on-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN), using data from randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or covariate-matched studies (propensity score-matched or matched-pair analysis)., Methods: A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant literature review was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus and CENTRAL for relevant studies comparing off-clamp to on-clamp RAPN. Primary outcomes were estimated blood loss, postoperative percentage decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and margin positive rate. Secondary outcomes were operative time, postoperative eGFR, length of stay, all postoperative complications, major complications, and need for transfusion. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to generate mean differences (MDs) or odds ratios (ORs)., Results: A total of 10 studies (2307 patients) were shortlisted for analysis. There was no significant difference in estimated operative blood loss between off-clamp and on-clamp RAPN (MD 21.9 mL, 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.9 to 44.7 mL; P = 0.06, I 2  = 58%). Off-clamp RAPN yielded a smaller postoperative eGFR deterioration (MD 3.10%, 95% CI 1.05-5.16%; P = 0.008, I 2  = 13%) and lower odds of margin positivity (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.40-0.94; P = 0.03, I 2  = 0%). No significant differences were found for all secondary outcomes., Conclusions: Off-clamp and on-clamp RAPN are similarly effective approaches for selected renal masses. Within the classic trifecta of PN outcomes, off-clamp RAPN yields similar rates of perioperative complications and may possibly offer better preservation of renal function and reduced margin-positive rates., (© 2023 BJU International.)

Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of retrograde intra renal surgery (RIRS) in the setting of large or multiple stones in children (<18 years)., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis was performed of paediatric RIRS cases at nine centres worldwide over a 6-year period. Patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 had a single stone <15 mm. Group 2 had either multiple stones, maximum stone diameter of >15 mm, or both. Outcomes included stone free rate (SFR) and complications within 30 days., Results: In total, 344 patients were included with 197 and 147 in Groups 1 and 2, respectively. Ureteric access sheaths were more frequently used in Group 2 (39.5% vs. 56.8%, p  = 0.021). The operation time was significantly longer in Group 2 ( p  < 0.001). SFR after a single procedure was 84.7% in Group 1 and 63.7% in Group 2. Overall complication rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 7.6% and 33.3%, respectively. The most frequently reported complication in both groups was post-operative fever (4.4% vs. 14%, p  = 0.004). The rate of Clavien I/II complications in groups 1 and 2 was 6% and 25.1%, respectively ( p  < 0.05). The rate of Clavien ≥ III complications in groups 1 and 2 was 1.6% and 8.1%, respectively ( p  < 0.05). On multivariate analysis, total operation time, stone size and multiplicity were significant predictors of residual fragments., Conclusions: RIRS can be performed in paediatric cases with large and multiple stone burdens, but the complication rate is significantly higher when compared to smaller stones., Competing Interests: The authors have none to declare., (© 2024 The Authors. BJUI Compass published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of BJU International Company.)

Background: The use of the new thulium fiber laser in enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) has been introduced recently., Objective: To evaluate complications and urinary incontinence (UI) after ThuFLEP in small and large prostate volume (PV)., Design Setting and Participants: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent ThuFLEP in six centers (from January 2020 to January 2023). The exclusion criteria were concomitant lower urinary tract surgery, previous prostate/urethral surgery, prostate cancer, and pelvic radiotherapy., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: Patients were divided into two groups: group 1: PV ≤80 ml; group 2: PV >80 ml. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the independent predictors of overall UI., Results and Limitations: There were 1458 patients in group 1 and 1274 in group 2. There was no significant difference in age. The median PV was 60 (61-72) ml in group 1 and 100 (90-122) ml in group 2. En bloc enucleation was employed more in group 1, while the early apical release technique was used more in group 2. The rate of prolonged irrigation for hematuria, urinary tract infection, and acute urinary retention did not differ significantly. Blood transfusion rate was significantly higher in group 2 (0.5% vs 2.0%, p  = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the overall UI rate (12.3% in group 1 vs 14.7% in group 2, p  = 0.08). A multivariable regression analysis showed that preoperative postvoiding urine residual (odds ratio 1.004, 95% confidence interval 1.002-1.007, p  < 0.01) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of UI. A limitation of this study was its retrospective nature., Conclusions: Complications and UI rates following ThuFLEP were similar in patients with a PV up to or larger than 80 ml except for the blood transfusion rate that was higher in the latter., Patient Summary: In this study, we looked at outcomes after thulium fiber laser in enucleation of the prostate stratified by PV. We found that blood transfusion was higher in men with PV >80 ml, but urinary incontinence was similar., (© 2024 The Author(s).)

Purpose: To evaluate complications and urinary incontinence (UI) after endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) stratified by prostate volume (PV)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with different energy sources in 14 centers (January 2019-January 2023)., Inclusion Criteria: prostate volume ≥ 80 ml., Exclusion Criteria: prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy., Primary Outcome: complication rate., Secondary Outcomes: incidence of and factors affecting postoperative UI. Patients were divided into 3 groups. Group 1: PV = 80-100 ml; Group 2 PV = 101-200 ml; Group 3 PV > 200 ml. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate independent predictors of overall incontinence., Results: There were 486 patients in Group 1, 1830 in Group 2, and 196 in Group 3. The most commonly used energy was high-power Holmium laser followed by Thulium fiber laser in all groups. Enucleation, morcellation, and total surgical time were significantly longer in Group 2. There was no significant difference in overall 30-day complications and readmission rates. Incontinence incidence was similar (12.1% in Group 1 vs. 13.2% in Group 2 vs. 11.7% in Group 3, p = 0.72). The rate of stress and mixed incontinence was higher in Group 1. Multivariable regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.019 95% CI 1.003-1.035) was the only factor significantly associated with higher odds of incontinence., Conclusions: PV has no influence on complication and UI rates following EEP. Age is risk factor of postoperative UI., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Radiomics is increasingly applied to the diagnosis, management, and outcome prediction of various urological conditions. The purpose of this scoping review is to evaluate the current evidence of the application of radiomics in kidney transplantation, especially its utility in diagnostics and therapeutics. An electronic literature search on radiomics in the setting of transplantation was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus from inception to September 23, 2022. A total of 16 studies were included. The most widely studied clinical utility of radiomics in kidney transplantation is its use as an adjunct to diagnose rejection, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary biopsies or guiding decisions for earlier biopsies to optimize graft survival. Technology such as optical coherence tomography is a noninvasive procedure to build high-resolution optical cross-section images of the kidney cortex in situ and in real time, which can provide histopathological information of donor kidney candidates for transplantation, and to predict posttransplant function. This review shows that, although radiomics in kidney transplants is still in its infancy, it has the potential for large-scale implementation. Its greatest potential lies in the correlation with conventional established diagnostic evaluation for living donors and potential in predicting and detecting rejection postoperatively., Competing Interests: The authors declare no funding or conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2023 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP) has gained acceptance as an equitable alternative to transurethral resection of the prostate for benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Our primary aim is to compare peri-operative outcomes of EEP using thulium fiber laser (TFL) against high-power holmium laser (HPHL) in hands of experienced surgeons for large prostates (≥80 ml in volume). Secondary outcomes were assess complications within 1 year of follow up., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent EEP with TFL or HPHL in 13 centers (January 2019-January 2023). Patients with prostate volume ≥80 ml were included, while those with concomitant prostate cancer, previous prostate/urethral surgery, and pelvic radiotherapy were excluded., Results: Of 1,929 included patients, HPHL was utilized in 1,459 and TFL in 470. After propensity score matching (PSM) for baseline characteristics, 247 patients from each group were analyzed. Overall operative time (90 [70, 120] vs. 52.5 [39, 93] min, P  < 0.001) and enucleation time (90 [70, 105] vs. 38 [25, 70] min, P  < 0.001) were longer in the TFL group, with comparable morcellation time (13 [10, 19.5] vs. 13 [10, 16.5] min, P  = 0.914). In terms of postoperative outcomes, there were no differences in 30-day complications such as acute urinary retention, urinary tract infection or sepsis. In the PSM cohort, univariable analyses showed that higher age, lower preoperative Qmax, higher preoperative PVRU, and longer operation time were associated with higher odds of postoperative incontinence, while 2-lobe enucleation had lower odds of incontinence compared to 3-lobe enucleation., Conclusions: This real-world study reaffirms that HPHL and TFL in large prostates are equally efficacious in terms of 30-day complications. TFL with the en-bloc technique has a shorter operative time which significantly improves short- and medium-term functional outcomes., (© 2024 The Asian Pacific Prostate Society. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: The aim of the study was to measure empathy in healthcare professionals in Singapore and to compare the scores between the different professions: doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals., Methods: An online survey questionnaire was conducted using the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE) from July 2019 to January 2020. The total JSE score was calculated and compared among the different groups. Multiple linear regression was performed to assess predictors of total empathy scores for groups with statistically lower scores., Results: The survey was completed by 4,188 healthcare professionals (doctors (n=569, 13.6%), nurses (n=3032, 72.4%), and allied health professionals (n=587, 14.0%)) out of the 9,348-strong survey population, with a response rate of 44.8%. The study revealed a mean empathy score (SD) of 103.6 (15.6) for the cohort. The mean empathy score (SD) was 112.3 (14.7), 101.3 (15.2), and 107.0 (15.0), respectively for doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. These were statistically significantly different among the groups (p< 0.0001), with nurses scoring significantly lower than either doctors (p< 0.0001) or allied health professionals (p< 0.0001). Multiple linear regression showed that age < 30 years old, male gender, Malay ethnicity, and working in a hospital setting were associated with significantly lower empathy scores in the nursing group., Conclusion: Nurses in Singapore had significantly lower empathy scores compared to doctors and allied health professionals. Further research on the underlying causes should be undertaken and measures to improve empathy among Singapore nursing staff should be explored and implemented., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, He et al.)

Background: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the impact of lymph node dissection (LND) on outcomes following resection of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC)., Methods: PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane were searched from inception to 30th January 2023 for studies that compared LND with no LND (NLND) among patients with ICC. To limit the effect of unbalanced covariates, only studies that utilized propensity score-based methods were included. Subgroup analysis of patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) ICC was analyzed., Results: Among 3776 patients with ICC, individuals in the LND versus NLND cohorts had comparable overall survival (OS) (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.78, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.57-1.06, P = 0.11), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.84, 95 % CI 0.70-1.01, P = 0.07) and risk of major complications (odds ratio [OR] 1.07, 95 % CI 0.70-1.62, P = 0.75). Subgroup analysis of cN0 patients, OS was significantly higher in patients who underwent LND (HR 0.61, 95 % CI 0.50-0.74, P < 0.01), with a non-significant trend towards improved DFS (HR 0.81, 95 % CI 0.65-1.01, P = 0.06)., Conclusion: This study found no differences in long-term survival or morbidity following LND for ICC. Subgroup analysis of cN0 patients, who underwent LND detected improved OS with a trend towards better DFS, compared to patients with NLND., (Copyright © 2023 International Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association Inc. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Different lasers have been developed for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, with no definitively superior technique identified to date., Objective: To compare surgical and functional enucleation outcomes in real-world multicentre practice using high-power holmium laser (HP-HoLEP) and thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) for different prostate sizes., Design, Setting, and Participants: The study included 4216 patients who underwent HP-HoLEP or ThuFLEP at eight centers in seven countries between 2020 and 2022. Exclusion criteria were previous urethral or prostatic surgery, radiotherapy, or concomitant surgery., Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis: To adjust for the bias arising from different characteristics at baseline, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to identify 563 matched patients in each cohort. Outcomes included the incidence of postoperative incontinence, early complications (30-d), and delayed complications, and results for the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual volume (PVR)., Results and Limitations: After PSM, 563 patients in each arm were included. Total operative time was similar between the arms, but enucleation and morcellation times were significantly longer for ThuFLEP. The rate of postoperative acute urinary retention was higher in the ThuFLEP arm (3.6% vs 0.9%; p = 0.005), but the 30-d readmission rate was higher in the HP-HoLEP arm (22% vs 8%; p = 0.016). There was no difference in postoperative incontinence rates (HP-HoLEP:19.7%, ThuFLEP:16.0%; p = 0.120). Rates of other early and delayed complications were low and comparable between the arms. The ThuFLEP group had higher Qmax (p < 0.001) and lower PVR (p < 0.001) than the HP-HoLEP group at 1-yr follow-up. The study is limited by its retrospective nature., Conclusions: This real-world study shows that early and delayed outcomes of enucleation with ThuFLEP are comparable to those with HP-HoLEP, with similar improvements in micturition parameters and IPSS., Patient Summary: As lasers become readily available for the treatment of enlarged prostates causing urinary bother, urologists should focus on performing good anatomic removal of prostate tissue, with the choice of laser not as important for good outcomes. Patients should be counseled about long-term complications, even when the procedure is being performed by an experienced surgeon., (Copyright © 2023 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Various incisions are employed for graft extraction during minimally invasive donor nephrectomy, but an overarching synthesis of associated short-term donor outcomes is lacking., Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE and Scopus for studies comparing ≥2 graft extraction incisions in laparoscopic or robotic donor nephrectomy with ≥10 patients per arm. Eligible study designs included randomized trials, case-control, and cohort studies. Primary outcomes were donor length of stay (LOS); in-hospital analgesic requirement; and postoperative complications. Secondary outcomes were warm ischemia time (WIT), total operation time (TOT), and estimated blood loss (EBL). Random-effects Frequentist network meta-analyses were conducted for all outcomes., Results: Twenty-nine studies (4702 patients) were shortlisted. Six incisions were analyzed: iliac, Pfannenstiel, midline hand-assisted laparoscopic (HAL), midline umbilical, flank and transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). The flank incision had significantly longer LOS than all other incisions. LOS was significantly longer in Pfannenstiel than iliac incision (mean difference [MD] = 0.29, 95%CI = 0.002-0.58 days). Midline HAL had significantly shorter TOT than most other incisions. Midline umbilical incisions had significantly higher WIT than midline HAL and Pfannenstiel incisions. Midline HAL had shorter WIT than transvaginal NOTES (MD = 0.80, 95%CI = 0.05-1.56 min). No major differences were seen in analgesia requirement, postoperative complications and EBL., Conclusion: Six different incisions for graft retrieval are broadly comparable across most short-term outcomes although long-term outcomes remain to be elucidated. Iliac and Pfannenstiel incisions yielded similar outcomes besides marginally lower LOS for the former. Midline incision for HAL may be associated with shorter TOT, and transvaginal NOTES is an effective technique for selected female donors., Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023445407., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors of this manuscript have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Despite lobectomy being the standard of care for early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), sublobar resection (segmentectomy or wedge resection) has recently been suggested to achieve similar outcomes. An electronic literature search was conducted to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or propensity score-matched studies (PSMs) comparing lobectomy to sublobar resection in stage IA NSCLC ≤ 2 cm in size, with provision of Kaplan-Meier curves for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). A graphical reconstructive algorithm was used to obtain OS and DFS of individual patients, which was then pooled under random-effects individual patient data meta-analysis using Cox models to determine hazard ratios (HRs). Sensitivity analyses for OS and DFS were also performed, restricting to results from RCTs only. Seven studies (2528 patients) were retrieved. There were no significant differences in OS (shared-frailty HR = 0.92, 95% CI = 0.77-1.11, p = 0.378) or DFS (shared-frailty HR = 1.06, 95% CI = 0.90-1.24, p = 0.476) between lobectomy and sublobar resection. This comparison remained non-significant even when restricted to RCTs only. Pooled Kaplan-Meier curves of OS appeared to diverge over time, in favor of sublobar resection. This was confirmed on analysis of restricted mean survival time curves. This patient-level meta-analysis of high-quality studies demonstrates that sublobar resection is equivalent to lobectomy in patients with small stage IA NSCLC. Sublobar resection offers greater down-the-road benefits in patients who experience recurrence or a second primary tumor since the lung-sparing index surgery allows patients to receive further treatment safely. This heralds sublobar resection as the new standard of care in carefully selected early-stage patients.Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42023385358., (© 2023. Italian Society of Surgery (SIC).)

Purpose: To collect a multicentric, global database to assess current preferences and outcomes for endoscopic enucleation of the prostate (EEP)., Methods: Endourologists experienced in EEP from across the globe were invited to participate in the creation of this retrospective registry. Surgical procedures were performed between January 2020 and August 2022., Inclusion Criteria: lower urinary tract symptoms not responding to or worsening despite medical therapy and absolute indication for surgery., Exclusion Criteria: prostate cancer, concomitant lower urinary tract surgery, previous prostate/urethral surgery, pelvic radiotherapy., Results: Ten centers from 7 countries, involving 13 surgeons enrolled 6193 patients. Median age was 68 [62-74] years. 2326 (37.8%) patients had large prostates (> 80 cc). The most popular energy modality was the Holmium laser. The most common technique used for enucleation was the 2-lobe (48.8%). 86.2% of the procedures were performed under spinal anesthesia. Median operation time was 67 [50-95] minutes. Median postoperative catheter time was 2 [1, 3] days. Urinary tract infections were the most reported complications (4.7%) followed by acute urinary retention (4.1%). Post-operative bleeding needing additional intervention was reported in 0.9% of cases. 3 and 12-month follow-up visits showed improvement in symptoms and micturition parameters. Only 8 patients (1.4%) required redo surgery for residual adenoma. Stress urinary incontinence was reported in 53.9% of patients and after 3 months was found to persist in 16.2% of the cohort., Conclusion: Our database contributes real-world data to support EEP as a truly well-established global, safe minimally invasive intervention and provides insights for further research., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Calyceal diverticulum (CD) is the outpouching of a calyx into the renal parenchyma, connected by an infundibulum. Often associated with recurrent stones, common surgical options include percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). We aim to present the real-world practises and outcomes comparing both approaches and the technical choices made., Materials and Methods: Retrospective data including 313 patients from 11 countries were evaluated. One hundred and twenty-seven underwent mini-PCNL and one hundred and eighty-six underwent RIRS. Patient demographics, perioperative parameters, and outcomes were analysed using either T test or Mann-Whitney U test. Categorical data between groups were analysed using the Chi-squared test. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed matching for baseline characteristics. Subgroup analyses for anomalous/malrotated kidneys and difficult diverticulum access were performed., Results: After PSM, 123 patients in each arm were included, with similar outcomes for stone-free rate (SFR) and complications (p < 0.001). Hospitalisation was significantly longer in PCNL. Re-intervention rate for residual fragments (any fragment > 4 mm) was similar. RIRS was the preferred re-intervention for both groups. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly higher in PCNL (p < 0.032) but none required transfusion. Two patients with malrotated anatomy in RIRS group required transfusion. Lower pole presented most difficult access for both groups, and SFR was significantly higher in difficult CD accessed by RIRS (p < 0.031). Laser infundibulotomy was preferred for improving diverticular access in both. Fulguration post-intervention was not practised., Conclusion: The crux lies in identification of the opening and safe access. Urologists may consider a step-up personalised approach with a view of endoscopic combined approach where required., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

Introduction: Grafts with multiple renal arteries (MRAs) were historically considered a relative contraindication to transplantation due to the higher risk of vascular and urologic complications. This study aimed to evaluate graft and patient survival between single renal artery (SRA) and MRA living-donor kidney transplants., Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted on PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus for prospective or retrospective studies comparing SRA versus MRA in living donor renal transplantation, with the provision of Kaplan-Meier curves for recipient overall survival (OS) or graft survival (GS). A graphical reconstructive algorithm was used to obtain OS and GS of individual patients, which was then pooled under random-effects individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis using Cox-models to determine hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Meta-regression of baseline covariates versus HRs of OS and GS was performed for variables reported in 10 or more studies., Results: Fourteen studies were retrieved, of which 13 (8400 patients) reported OS and 9 (6912 patients) reported GS. There were no significant differences in OS (shared-frailty HR = .94, 95%CI = .85-1.03, p = .172) or GS (shared-frailty HR = .95, 95%CI = .83-1.08, p = .419) between SRA and MRA. This comparison remained non-significant even when restricted to open- or laparoscopic-only studies. Meta-regression yielded no significant associations of GS with donor age, recipient age, and percentage of double renal arteries within the MRA arm., Conclusions: The similar rates of GS and OS between MRA and SRA grafts suggest that there is no need for discrimination between the two when evaluating donors for nephrectomy., (© 2023 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate thulium fiber laser (TFL) safety and efficacy compared to high-power (HP) Holmium:YAG laser in pediatric patients who have undergone retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for kidney stones., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data from pediatric patients who underwent RIRS for kidney stones between 2018 and 2020. Complications were assessed 4-6 weeks postoperatively. Stone-free (SF) was defined as the absence of visible fragments or as the presence of a single residual fragment ≤2 mm at 3 months postoperative imaging. Student's t-test for continuous variables, and χ 2 and Fisher's Exact Test for categorical variables were used to compare outcomes between patients treated with HP Holmium:YAG (group 1) and TFL (group 2). Univariate (UVA) and multivariate (MVA) logistic regression analyses were performed to predict SF-associated factors., Results: Data from 126 pediatric patients were analyzed, 97 in group 1 and 29 in group 2. Preoperative characteristics were similar between cohorts. No major complication occurred in both groups. Group 2 had a shorter operative time (mean time 49.5 vs. 64.3 min, P=0.024). SF rate was 81.4% and 89.7% (P=0.45) and reintervention rate was 14.4% and 6.89% (P=0.046) in group 1 and 2, respectively. At UVA and MVA, the type of laser did not influence SF rate. However, prestenting and single stones were positively associated with SR rate., Conclusions: Both laser technologies are safe and effective and showed similar SF rates. TFL showed less operative time and lower re-intervention rate compared to HP Holmium:YAG. Further prospective studies are needed to corroborate our findings.