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Introduction & objectives: We tested the role of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) in disease reclassification and whether the combination of mpMRI and clinicopathological variables could represent the most accurate approach to predict the risk of reclassification during active surveillance. Materials & methods: Three-hundred eighty-nine patients (pts) underwent mpMRI and subsequent confirmatory or follow-up biopsy according to the Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance (PRIAS) protocol. Pts with negative (−) mpMRI underwent systematic random biopsy. Pts with positive (+) mpMRI [Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System, version 2 (PI-RADS-V2) score ≥3] underwent targeted + systematic random biopsies. Multivariate analyses were used to create three models predicting the probability of reclassification [International Society of Urological Pathology ≥ Grade Group 2 (GG2)]: a basic model including only clinical variables (age, prostate-specific antigen density, and number of positive cores at baseline), an Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) model including only the PI-RADS score, and a full model including both the previous ones. The predictive accuracy (PA) of each model was quantified using the area under the curve. Results: mpMRI negative (−) was recorded in 127 (32.6%) pts; mpMRI positive (+) was recorded in 262 pts: 72 (18.5%) had PI-RADS 3, 150 (38.6%) PI-RADS 4, and 40 (10.3%) PI-RADS 5 lesions. At a median follow-up of 12 months, 125 pts (32%) were reclassified to GG2 prostate cancer. The rate of reclassification to GG2 prostate cancer was 17%, 35%, 38%, and 52% for mpMRI (−), PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5, respectively (P < 0.001). The PA was 69% and 64% in the basic and MRI models, respectively. The full model had the best PA of 74%: older age (P = 0.023; Odds ratio (OR) = 1.040), prostate-specific antigen density (P = 0.037; OR = 1.324), number of positive cores at baseline (P = 0.001; OR = 1.441), and PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5

We tested the ability of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) score and prostate-specific antigen density (PSAD) in predicting the risk of reclassification during active surveillance. Three hundred eighty-nine patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and subsequent confirmatory or follow-up biopsy. PSAD ≥ 0.20 ng/mL2 may improve predictive accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging results for reclassification of patients in active surveillance, whereas PSAD < 0.10 ng/mL2 may help selection of patients at lower risk of harboring clinically significant prostate cancer.

Background: The Aim of This Study Was to Evaluate Intra- and Perioperative Outcomes of a Single High Volume Open Radical Prostatectomy (Orp) Surgeon, During His Learning Curve Period for Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy (Rarp) and Extended Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection (Eplnd). Methods: The Study Included 264 Intermediate-High Risk Prostate Cancer Patients, Treated By Orp + Eplnd or Rarp + Eplnd, Prospectively Collected. Descriptive Statistics Compared Clinical and Pathological Variables Between Groups. Bivariate (Pearson) Correlation Analysis Assessed The Relationship Between The Number of Lymph Node (Ln) Removed, Positive Surgical Margins (Psm), Surgical Time and The Number of Procedures Performed Per Group. Results: Pt Stage and Gleason Score (Gs) Were Lower In Rarp Than In Orp Group (Both P=0.04), While Psm Were More Frequent In The Rarp Group (40% Vs. 25%; P=0.02). However, Psm Decreased With The Increase of Rarp ProCedures. The Number of Lns Removed Was 25 and 22, In Rarp and Orp Group (P=0.03). However, Ln+ Rate Did Not Differ Between Groups (11% Vs. 16%; P=0.216). In The Rarp Group, Overall Surgical Time and Eplnd Time Decreased With The Increase of Surgical Procedures (All P<0.001). Conclusions: Rarp Requires Significant Learning Curve to Reduce Operative Room Time and Obtain Psm CompaRable to Those of An Orp High-Volume Surgeon. On The Contrary, The Quality of Eplnd During Rarp Seems to Be Not Related to The Number of Procedures Performed, Allowing Removal of a Number of Lns That Is Clinically Comparable to Orp.

The number of patients on chronic anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy requiring endoscopic urological surgery is increasing worldwide. Therefore, there is a strong demand to standardize the perioperative treatment of this cohort of patients, both from a surgical and cardiological point of view, balancing the risks of bleeding versus thrombosis, and the important possible clinical and medical legal repercussions therein. Although literature is scarce and the quality of evidence quite low, in line with other surgical specialties, guidelines and recommendations for the management of urological patients have begun to emerge. The aim of this review is to analyze current available literature and evidence on the most common endoscopic procedures performed in this high-risk group of patients, focusing on the perioperative management. In particular, to analyze the most frequently performed endoscopic procedures for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement (transurethral resection of the prostate, Thulium, Holmium and greenlight laser prostatectomy), bladder cancer (transurethral resection of the bladder), upper urinary tract urothelial cancer, and nephrolithiasis. Despite the lack of randomized studies, regardless of individual patient considerations, studies would support continuation of acetylsalicylic acid, which is recommended by cardiologists, in patients with intermediate/high risk of coronary thrombosis. In contrast, multiple studies found that bridging with light weight molecular weight heparin can potentially lead to more bleeding than continuation of the anticoagulant(s) and antiplatelet therapy, and caution with bridging is advised. All urologists should familiarize themselves with emerging guidelines and recommendations, and always be prepared to discuss specific cases or scenarios in a dedicated multidisciplinary team

BACKGROUND: Open prostatectomy (OP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) have traditionally been the most common surgical approaches for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia causing bladder outlet obstruction and have certainly passed the test of time. In time, many endoscopic surgical procedures have been described as an alternative mini-invasive treatment. Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) guaranteed functional outcomes similar to OP and TURP with lower perioperative complication rates for any prostate size. With the development of different kinds of lasers (such as thulium, "green light" and diode) and bipolar energy, the feasibility of endoscopic enucleation using these energies has been explored. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In this paper, recent techniques to perform true prostate enucleation have been reviewed through a search of PubMed and Web of Science, including articles published in the last 20 years in clinical journals. The review is based on a peer-review process of the authors after a structured data search. Search terms included "Thulium prostate enucleation, THULEP, TmLEP/Tm Yag enucleation" OR "Greenlight enucleation/prostate enucleation/vapoenucleation/ KTP prostate enucleation, PVP prostate enucleation, GreenLep/" OR "bipolar prostate enucleation" OR "HoLEP, Holmium prostate enucleation" OR "monopolar prostate enucleation" OR "Diode prostate enucleation" OR "DiLEP" OR "Eraser prostate enucleation" OR "ELEP". EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Following the example of HoLEP, many techniques have been described in the literature using a variety of energy sources and instruments either in a pure enucleative or a hybrid (mixed) fashion. However, the levels of evidence are too low and follow-up still too short to offer solid recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP has become the conceptual and practical paradigm for the wide spread of enucleation thanks to the evidence provided by the literature and excellent outcomes. Higher level of evidence is requir, BACKGROUND: Open prostatectomy (OP) and transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) have traditionally been the most common surgical approaches for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia causing bladder outlet obstruction and have certainly passed the test of time. In time, many endoscopic surgical procedures have been described as an alternative mini-invasive treatment. Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) guaranteed functional outcomes similar to OP and TURP with lower perioperative complication rates for any prostate size. With the development of different kinds of lasers (such as thulium, "green light" and diode) and bipolar energy, the feasibility of endoscopic enucleation using these energies has been explored. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: In this paper, recent techniques to perform true prostate enucleation have been reviewed through a search of PubMed and Web of Science, including articles published in the last 20 years in clinical journals. The review is based on a peer-review process of the authors after a structured data search. Search terms included "Thulium prostate enucleation, THULEP, TmLEP/Tm Yag enucleation" OR "Greenlight enucleation/prostate enucleation/vapoenucleation/ KTP prostate enucleation, PVP prostate enucleation, GreenLep/" OR "bipolar prostate enucleation" OR "HoLEP, Holmium prostate enucleation" OR "monopolar prostate enucleation" OR "Diode prostate enucleation" OR "DiLEP" OR "Eraser prostate enucleation" OR "ELEP". EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Following the example of HoLEP, many techniques have been described in the literature using a variety of energy sources and instruments either in a pure enucleative or a hybrid (mixed) fashion. However, the levels of evidence are too low and follow-up still too short to offer solid recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: HoLEP has become the conceptual and practical paradigm for the wide spread of enucleation thanks to the evidence provided by the literature and excellent outcomes. Higher level of evidence is requir

Spermatozoa can be retrieved in non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) patients despite the absence of ejaculated spermatozoa in their semen because of the presence of isolated foci with active spermatogenesis. Conventional testicular sperm extraction (c-TESE) in patients with NOA has been partially replaced by micro-TESE. It is still under debate the problem regarding the higher costs related to micro-TESE when compared with c-TESE. In this study, we evaluated sperm retrieval rate (SRR) of c-TESE in naive NOA patients. Sixty-three NOA patients were referred to our centre for a c-TESE. For every subject, we collected demographic data, cause of infertility, time to first infertility diagnosis, serum levels of LH, FSH, total testosterone and prolactin. A statistical analysis was conducted to correlate all the clinical variables, the histology and the Johnsen score with the SRR. Sixty-three consecutive NOA patients with a mean age of 37.3 years were included. The positive SRR was 47.6%. No statistical differences were observed between positive vs. negative SRR regarding mean FSH (17.12 vs. 19.03 mUI/mL; p = 0.72), and LH (9.72 vs. 6.92 mUI/mL; p = 0.39) values. Interestingly, we found a statistically significant difference in terms of time to first infertility diagnosis (+SRR vs. -SRR; 44.5 vs. 57 months; p = 0.02) and regarding to age (+SSR vs. -SRR; 40.1 vs. 35.3; p = 0.04). There was a statistically significant decrease in SRRs with the decline in testicular histopathology from hypospermatogenesis to maturation arrest, and SCO. The mean Johnsen score was 5.9 with a mean percentage of Johnsen score ≥8 tubules equal to 19%. The overall pregnancy rate was 26.6%. In our prospective cohort of patients successful SRR with c-TESE was 47.6%. Lower costs and high reproducibility of this technique still support this procedure as an actual reliable option in NOA patients for sperm retrieval.

Objectives: Radical nephrocapsulectomy and cavoatrial thrombectomy with median sternotomy and abdominal access, using extracorporeal circulation (ECC) and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (DHCA), has become the gold standard treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with neoplastic thrombosis of the suprahepatic and intrapericardial inferior vena cava (IVC) and right atrium (RA). Any modification of surgical techniques should be compared with this therapeutic strategy. Methods: In our quest to identify a minimally invasive approach and to apply available technology to ensure patient safety, even in cases of RCC with suprahepatic IVC and RA thrombosis, we identified a therapeutic approach that foresees en bloc radical nephrocapsulectomy, with ECC and DHCA in right anterior minithoracotomy. Furthermore, to make surgery even safer, we made some modifications and used auxiliary maneuvers. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with a neoplasm that involved the right kidney and suprahepatic IVC thrombosis, undergoing radical nephrocapsulectomy and thrombectomy with ECC and DHCA in right anterior minithoracotomy. Conclusions: Radical nephrocapsulectomy and thrombectomy of the suprahepatic and intrapericardial IVC and/or of the RA with ECC and DHCA in right anterior minithoracotomy for RCC is a valid minimally invasive alternative to standard surgical techniques. Compared with standard median sternotomy access, right anterior minithoracotomy allows a more rapid functional recovery, a reduction in risk of infection of the wound, and a reduction in pain during postoperative convalescence, and has considerable esthetic advantages, without limiting surgical therapeutic chances, regardless of the cranial extension of the thrombus

Objectives To evaluate the impact of general anesthesia (GA) versus spinal anesthesia (SpA) on intraoperative and postoperative outcome in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy. Methods Seventy-two consecutive patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were randomized into group 1 (GA: 34 patients) or group 2 (L2-L3 or L3-L4 SpA: 38 patients) and underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy. The intraoperative and postoperative anesthetic and surgical variables were evaluated. Results The mean ± SEM operative time was not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.43). The overall blood loss was less in group 2 (P = 0.04). The mean ± SEM postoperative time in the postoperative holding area was significantly shorter after SpA than after GA (P <0.0001). The perioperative pain outcome in the postoperative holding area was significantly better for group 2 than for group 1 (P = 0.0017), but postoperative pain on day 1 was not significantly different between the two groups. The postoperative sedation score was significantly less in group 2 than in group 1 (P <0.0001). On day 1, first flatus passed in a significantly larger number of patients in group 2 (P <0.0001), and the overall gait was greater for group 2 patients (P = 0.02). Conclusions These results suggest that SpA allows good muscle relaxation and a successful surgical outcome in patients undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy with pelvic lymphadenectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Moreover, SpA results in less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, and a faster postoperative recovery than GA. © 2004 Elsevier Inc.

The prevalence of superficial transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (STCCB) is still increasing in spite of improved adjuvant chemotherapic and/or immunoprophylaxis approaches. Thus, there is certainly an urgent need to improve our ability to control this disease. Local hyperthermia has a therapeutical potential for the treatment of many solid tumors, especially when used in combination with other treatments, such as radiation and chemotherapy. In particular, a synergistic or, at least, supra-additive anti-tumor cell killing effect was documented when local hyperthermia was administered in combination with selected cytostatic drugs. Recently, advances in miniaturized technology have allowed the development of a system specifically designed for delivering an endovesical thermo-chemotherapy regimen in humans. In preliminary clinical experiences, insofar mainly carried out as mono-institutional investigations, the combined treatment using this system was demonstrated to be feasible, minimally invasive and safe when performed on out-patient basis. Moreover, the anti-tumoral efficacy seemed to be significantly enhanced when compared with that obtained using intravesical chemotherapy alone for both adjuvant (prophylaxis) and neo-adjuvant (ablative) approaches to superficial bladder cancer.