Onabotulinumtoxin-A improves health status and urinary symptoms in subjects with refractory overactive bladder: Real-life experience.

OBJECTIVE:: Onabotulinumtoxin-A has been approved for wet overactive bladder refractory to anticholinergics in randomised controlled trials; however, data from real-life practice are scarce. This study was designed to assess the efficacy of intravesical onabotulinumtoxin-A injections, focusing on health status, urinary symptoms and subjective satisfaction. METHODS:: Data from consecutive patients with overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics treated with onabotulinumtoxin-A were prospectively collected and analysed. Standard doses (100-150 U) were used, followed by repeat sessions when clinical benefits diminished. Efficacy and safety of repeat onabotulinumtoxin-A administrations were assessed at 12-week post-injection. Clinical parameters evaluated were: change in the magnitude and frequency of incontinence, urgency and nocturia episodes, change in the number of pads used and procedural complications. Quality of life was evaluated using the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey, Overactive Bladder Screener and Treatment Benefit Scale questionnaires. RESULTS:: Consecutive overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics patients ( n = 22) (median duration of oral therapy: 10 months) were enrolled. No intraoperative complications occurred, but two urinary retention cases were recorded. Forty-five percent of patients (10/22) were re-treated (median duration of perceived benefits: 18 months, range: 8-55 months). The number of urinary incontinence, frequency and nocturia episodes, and pads used went from 3.6, 11.3, 2.7 and 2.4 preoperatively to 1.0, 5.8, 0.7 and 0.7 postoperatively ( p < 0.005). Quality of life (36-Item Short-Form Health Survey) was significantly improved and symptom scores (Overactive Bladder Screener) were reduced, from 34.5 to 17.1 at week 12 ( p < 0.05). Eighty-seven percent of patients indicated improvement/great improvement in their condition (Treatment Benefit Scale). CONCLUSION:: Intradetrusor injections of onabotulinumtoxin-A in patients with overactive bladder-refractory to anticholinergics significantly improved health status and urinary symptoms, with high subjective satisfaction.

Perioperative major acute cardiovascular events after 180-W GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate.

BACKGROUND: Major acute cardiovascular events (MACE) prevalence after 180-W GreenLight (180-W GL) laser photoselective vaporization (PVP) have never been explored. Aim of our study is to evaluate perioperative MACE that occurred concomitantly with 180-W GL PVP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We relied on a multi-institutional database that included 14 centers. Data from 923 patients who underwent 180-W GL PVP were reviewed. We abstracted pre- and perioperative data of patients who experienced perioperative MACE, such as angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, other chronic ischemic heart disease, transient ischemic attack, or cerebrovascular accident as well as deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. We relied on a case-series format to report the main findings of our analyses. RESULTS: 18 (1.9%) patients reported MACE in 7 centers. Median age was 69.5 (IQR 66.0-79.2) years. Of all, 7 patients underwent standard PVP and 11 anatomical PVP. Eleven patients (61.1%) were not under anticoagulant/antiplatelet treatment, 6 (33.3%) were under low dose aspirin, and 1 (5.6%) was under clopidogrel. Four patients (22.2%) had an instrumental and laboratory diagnosis of myocardial infarction, 7 (38.9%) had an episode of angina pectoris with or without rhythm alteration, 3 (16.7%) reported symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, and 4 (22.2%) had other MACE-like events. CONCLUSIONS: Physician should take in consideration the possibility of MACE or MACE-like events. The real MACE rate may be different as only half of included centers reported MACE. Since the main target of laser surgery are high-risk bleeding patients, prospective observational trials focused on detection of these possible complications are warranted.

Monocenter Experience with 532 Nm-Laser Photoselective-Vaporization of the Prostate by GreenLight XPS™ Laser: Is It Really an Endourological Joker Card?

INTRODUCTION: In our study, we reported on our monocenter experience with GreenLight (GL) Xcelerated Performance System (XPS)™ /MoXy™ laser fiber (American Medical Systems Inc., Minnetonka, Minnesota), examining its efficacy, safety, and its ability to effectively treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in benign prostate obstruction (BPO). We also explored and compared the three different endoscopic approaches used for GL treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), standard photovaporization (PVP), anatomical PVP, and GreenLight XPS™ enucleation of the prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2013 and April 2017, 140 patients, with an average age of 67.7 years (range 47-85), were treated using the XPS™/MoXy™ system in a single-operative urologic center. The data were retrospectively analyzed with an assessment of the main intra- and postoperative outcomes at three, six, 12, and 18 months comparing both subjective (international prostate symptom score [IPSS]) and objective (uroflow [Qmax] parameters and prostate volume) parameters to the preoperative data. Patients underwent standard PVP, anatomical PVP, or prostate photo-selective en-bloc enucleation (PEBE) according to surgeon preferences. RESULTS: Median prostate volume (MPV) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) were 69cc and 3.24 ng/dl, respectively. An indwelling catheter, at the time of surgery, was observed in 15% of men. Median operative-laser time and energy applied were 56.4 minutes, 26.5 minutes, and 245813 kJ. Outpatient surgery was feasible with median length of stay at 48 hours. Significant improvement in IPSS and Qmax are observed at all endpoints. No significant intraoperative complications were reported. When stratifying postoperative complications according to the Cavien-Dindo classification, only two cases of high-degree emerged (grades III-IV). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm that in treating men with symptomatic benign prostate disease, the GreenLight XPS™/MoXy™ laser fiber is safe and able to achieve challenging results in terms of clinical outcomes and prostate volume reduction. Balance between functional outcomes and complications was great without statistically significant differences, in terms of outcomes, between the different surgical techniques.

Trifecta and Pentafecta Rates After Robotic Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Comparative Study of Patients with Renal Masses <4 and ≥4 cm.

OBJECTIVES: Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) is preferred to radical nephrectomy because it guarantees superior functional outcomes in patients with small renal masses (RMs). Only a few studies so far have evaluated the feasibility of RAPN for the treatment of RM ≥4 cm. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility of RAPN based on a comparison of trifecta and pentafecta rates for RMs ≥4 cm. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data from an institutional database of patients undergoing RAPN from September 2013 to November 2016. Demographic and perioperative data were collected and statistically analyzed. Pentafecta is defined as achievement of trifecta (negative surgical margins, no postoperative complications, and warm ischemia time ≤25 minutes) with the addition of two other variables, namely, over 90% estimated glomerular filtration rate preservation and no chronic kidney disease stage progression 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Overall, 123 patients underwent RAPN. Of those, 38 (30.9%) had RMs ≥4 cm. Trifecta was achieved in 72.9% of patients with RMs <4 cm and in 44.7% of those with ≥4 cm, whereas pentafecta was achieved by 23.5% of patients with RMs <4 cm and by 10.5% of those with RMs ≥4 cm. No significant predictive factors were found in connection with trifecta, whereas only one was found in connection with pentafecta, namely, age (odds ratio: 0.91; 95% confidence interval 0.85-0.98; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: RAPN may be considered a feasible and safe surgical approach ensuring good functional outcome even for patients with RMs ≥4 cm. Pentafecta rates after RAPN were comparable between RMs <4 and ≥4 cm in diameter.

"Hair in the Bladder": An Unusual Finding.

Trichobezoar is a rare condition whereby a hairball is found in the human stomach or gastrointestinal tract, most frequently in young women, mainly in association with a psychiatric disorder. Trichobezoar cases have also been reported in the bladder and represent a rare complication of foreign bodies, called "hair nidus or hair ball," in patients with chronic catheter. Approximately 10% to 15% of patients on long-term urethral catheter or clean intermittent self-catheterization develop urinary tract stones. In a small minority of cases, bladder stones can develop around a foreign body that was introduced into the bladder. In the literature, there are few cases of foreign bladder bodies that formed stones over a hair nidus. Recognizing this condition can optimize the patient's quality of life. Herein, we present a case of a 71-year-old Caucasian male with a long-term catheter in hypocontractile urinary bladder secondary to injury of pelvic plexus after rectal surgery. He had a bladder stone caused by hair encrusted together. Hair is introduced into the bladder either by adherence to the catheter directly or by overlying the urethral meatus and being pushed internally. Regular hygiene and shaving of pubic area represent effective preventive measures to reduce this kind of complications in patients with chronic indwelling catheter or under a self-catheterization regimen.

Work up of incidental adrenal mass: state of the art.

Due to the increasing use of radiological investigations, the detection of incidental adrenal masses has become even more frequent. Therefore, it is crucial to identify the nature of the adrenal mass in order to decide the type of treatment that should be undertaken. Toward this goal, biochemical tests are useful in order to assess catecholamines levels for the presence of a pheochromocytoma or cortisol excess in case of Cushing's syndrome. Furthermore, the dexamethasone suppression test and late-night salivary cortisol may be useful in measuring plasma cortisol, respectively, in the blood and urine. Hyperaldosteronism could be suspected in the presence of arterial hypertension. With regard to imaging modalities, the contrast washout and Hounsfield units estimation might play a role as indicators on computed tomography. In terms of treatment, a surgical approach is most suitable for a hyperfunctioning adrenal mass irrespective of size, and for nonfunctioning masses >4 cm. For indeterminate smaller lesions, with washout >50%, <10 Hounsfield Unit, nonfunctioning, benign-appearing, undergoing a follow-up in regular intervals is more appropriate in order to estimate mass growth. This paper summarizes recent findings on the management of incidental adrenal masses, with a special focus on the use of imaging, surgical management and follow-up modalities in improving patient outcomes.

Is a single-site laparoendoscopic approach a real surgical advancement for the management of small renal masses?

Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) ensures equivalent oncological results while improving overall survival compared with radical nephrectomy when applied to the treatment of small renal masses, moreover warm ischemia is associated with a risk of acute renal failure and advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) unclamp NSS is the next step forward in the management of small renal masses. From 2009 to 2013 we have treated 23 patients with small renal masses ( < 4 cm) amenable to the LESS approach using unclamp LESS NSS. In 20 cases we were able to complete the operation using LESS, in 3 cases conversion to standard laparoscopy was required. Pathologic examination revealed 16 cases of clear-cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC), 4 cases of renal cysts, 2 oncocytomas, and 1 angiomyolipoma. We did not find any significant variation in renal function or any case of tumor recurrence, and the majority of the patients were very satisfied of the cosmetic results. LESS unclamp partial nephrectomy is a safe and feasible procedure, oncological outcomes are similar to standard laparoscopy, there is an advantage with respect to renal function and cosmesis, although the procedure is more technically demanding compared with standard laparoscopy.

Laparoendoscopic single-site partial nephrectomy without ischemia for very small, exophytic renal masses: surgical details and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) has emerged as a natural progression from standard laparoscopy aiming to further minimize the morbidity of urologic procedures. OBJECTIVE: To describe our technique and report the surgical and functional outcomes of unclamped LESS partial nephrectomy (PN) in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs). DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective evaluation of pre- and postoperative variables of patients undergoing the LESS-PN without ischemia between 2009 and 2012. The indications were single exophytic SRMs. SURGICAL PROCEDURE: Unclamped LESS-PN was performed through a transperitoneal approach. A pararectal Hasson access technique was preferred. Single-port access was achieved via different single-port devices. A combination of straight and articulating laparoscopic instruments was used. The tumor was excised using bipolar scissors during normal renal perfusion. Hemostasis was achieved by bipolar electrocautery, parenchymal stitches, and hemostatic agents. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Demographic, operative, postoperative, and pathologic outcomes data were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 21 LESS-PN were performed (operative time: 111 ± 41 min; blood loss: 196 ± 195 ml: tumor size: 2.0 ± 0.3 cm). Neither conversion to open surgery nor transfusions occurred. Three patients required conversion to standard laparoscopy. Postoperatively, three complications (Clavien grades 2, 3a, and 4) were recorded. Pathologic examination revealed 14 clear cell carcinomas, four renal cysts, two oncocytomas, and one angiomyolipoma. Hospital stay was 4.4 ± 1.9 d. At the last follow-up (mean: 17±11.5 mo), no port-site, local, or distant recurrences were detected. No significant variation in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate was observed. Subjective scar evaluation indicated 66% of patients were very satisfied/enthusiastic. Study limitations include the small sample size, the lack of a control group, the short follow-up period, and the arbitrary measure of patient's scar perception. CONCLUSIONS: Unclamped LESS-PN for selected SRMs is a safe and feasible procedure providing favorable postoperative outcomes and ensuring high levels of subjective, cosmetic satisfaction.

Clinical effects and economical impact of dutasteride and finasteride therapy in Italian men with LUTS.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate differences in the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)- related hospitalization, for surgical and non-surgical reasons, and of new prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis between patients under dutasteride or finasteride treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from record-linkage of administrative databases. Men aged ≥ 40 years old who had received a prescription for at least 10 boxes/year (index years: 2004-06) were included. The association of the outcomes was assessed using a multiple Cox proportional hazard model. Propensity score matched analysis and a 5-to-1, greedy 1:1 matching algorithm were performed. The budget impact analysis of dutasteride vs finasteride in BPH-treated patient was performed. RESULTS: From an initial cohort of about 1.5 million of Italian men, 19620 were selected. The overall hospitalization for BPH-non surgical reasons, for BPH-related surgery and for new detection of PCa incidence rates (IRs) were 8.20 (95% CI, 7.62-8.23), 18.0 (95% CI, 17.12-18.93) and 8.62 (95% CI, 8.03-9.26) per 1000 person-years, respectively. The multivariate analysis after the propensity score-matching showed that dutasteride was associated with an independent reduced likelihood of hospitalization for BPH-related surgery (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.73-0.93; p = 0.0025) and of newly detected PCa (HR: 0.76,95% CI, 0.65-0.85; p = 0.0116). The IR for BPH-non surgical reasons was 8.07 (95% CI, 7.10-9.17) and 9.25 (95% CI, 8.19-10.44) per 1000 person-years, respectively. The IR for BPH-related surgery was 18.28 (95% CI, 17.17-20.32) and 21.28 (95% CI, 19.24-23.06) per 1000 person-years among patients under dutasteride compared with those under finasteride, respectively. For new-onset PCa, the IR was 8.01 (95% CI, 7.07-9.08) and 9.38 (95% CI, 8.32-10.58) per 1000 person-years The pharmacoeconomical evaluation showed that the net budget impact of the use of dutasteride vs. finasteride in 1000 BPH-treated patient for 1 year induces a saving of 3933 €. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical effects of dutasteride and finasteride are slightly different. The likelihood of hospitalization for BPH-related surgery and of newly detected PCa seems to be in favor of dutasteride. The budget impact analyses showed a slightly benefit for dutasteride. Comparative prospective studies are necessary to confirm these results.

Assessing feasibility and safety of laparoendoscopic single-site surgery adrenalectomy: initial experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) is one of the most interesting surgical advances. We performed LESS adrenalectomy in three patients to assess feasibility, safety, and perioperative outcomes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients with nonfunctional adrenal masses underwent TriPort adrenalectomy. Demographics, perioperative, and pathological records were collected together with postoperative data. TriPort was used through a 3 cm subcostal incision with 10 mm 30 degrees optic and two 5 mm instruments. The specimens were extracted via a 10 mm bag instead of the optic. RESULTS: TriPort adrenalectomy was completed in all cases. The mean operative time was 200 minutes (mean blood loss, 40 mL). No perioperative complications were recorded. Pathology examination confirmed one adenoma, one lung cancer metastasis, and one myelolipoma. CONCLUSIONS: LESS adrenalectomy is feasible and safe, with favorable perioperative and short-term outcomes. It is technically more challenging than standard laparoscopy and requires advanced surgical skills. Prospective studies are needed for further conclusions.

What happens to the abstracts presented at the Societè Internationale d'Urologie meeting?

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the acceptance rate on peer-reviewed journals, describe the time-course of subsequent full publication, and identify those with characteristics associated with publication from the abstracts presented at the Societè Internationale d'Urologie (SIU) meeting. METHODS: All abstracts accepted for presentation at the annual 2002 and 2004 SIU meetings were identified from the published supplements in the BJU International. The subsequent publication rate for the corresponding studies by scanning Medline was evaluated. RESULTS: Overall, 1877 abstracts were presented, 415 of which (22.1%) were followed by publication in peer-reviewed journals. The mean time to publication was 13 months (range, 1 to 45 months). A total of 60.6% of the published articles were in print within 1 year of presentation "In most of the cases the reports were published in The Journal of Urology (76 reports) and in Urology (49 reports). Abstracts on kidney cancer, urinary diversion, incontinence, and urolithiasis had the highest publication rates (43.4%, 36.6%, 33.3%, and 29.2%, respectively). Studies from North America and from Oceania had the highest publication rate (26.8% and 26.6%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: One fifth of the abstracts presented at the SIU meetings are ultimately published in indexed journals. Delegates attending these meetings should be aware of this issue when taking into account findings from meeting reports for their clinical practice. Factors influencing their publication are the abstract geographical area of origin, the study subject, and the research type. The Journal of Urology and Urology represented target journals for the publication more than other ones.

A new transportable shock-wave lithotripsy machine for managing urinary stones: a single-centre experience with a dual-focus lithotripter.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy and safety of a transportable extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) machine, the Modulith SLX-F2(TM) (Storz Medical Italia, Rome, Italy), in the management of solitary urinary calculi. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 233 patients (mean age 51 years; 172 male, 61 female) with symptomatic solitary renal (group A, 170, mean diameter 15.5 mm) or ureteric stones (group B, 63, mean diameter 9.5 mm) treated in a tertiary care institution. Exclusion criteria for the analysis were: pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, multiple stones, stone diameter >2 cm, stones in a lower calyx with unfavourable anatomy, active infection, or impacted ureteric stones. Selected patients had ureteric stenting before treatment, and all patients were treated with no anaesthesia. Hospitalization, complications and subsequent auxiliary procedures were evaluated. Patients were assessed after a single ESWL session and after 3 months by a plain abdominal film and renal ultrasonography. Stone-free status was defined as no evidence of calculi, and clinical success as the presence of stone fragments of <4 mm. An efficiency quotient (EQ) was calculated for the ESWL treatment. Pain was assessed using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: The mean number of shocks used was 3779 and the mean (range) treatment time was 35 (5-55) min. The overall clinical success rate after one ESWL session was 83.7% and 82.5% for renal and ureteric stones, respectively, and the overall 3-month stone-free rate was 77% and 74.6%, respectively; the overall EQ was 0.64. When risk factors for persistent calculi were analysed simultaneously in a logistic regression model, only stones of >1 cm were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most patients reported that pain during ESWL was mild to moderate and easily tolerated. Only minor complications occurred, with an overall complication rate of 3.8%. CONCLUSIONS: This transportable lithotripter is a safe and effective device for managing solitary stones throughout the urinary tract. Its main advantage is represented by the dual-focus system. Moreover, it shares with other contemporary machines several important features such as outpatient setting, no need for anaesthesia, easy patient positioning, and the capability of ancillary procedures.