[Mini-PCNL, micro-PCNL or RIRS: comparative efficacy and safety in renal stones up to 2 cm].

INTRODUCTION: One of the main trends in the evolution of endoscopic treatment of urolithiasis is the miniaturization of instruments. This is obvious in the development of minimally invasive percutaneous nephro-lithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). However, there are few studies comparing the efficiency and safety of these methods. AIM: To evaluate and compare the efficiency and safety of mini-PCNL, micro-PCNL and RIRS in the treatment of kidney stones up to 2 cm in size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2020 and December 2022, a total 72 patients underwent minimally invasive endoscopic procedures in two centers, including RIRS (n=30), mini-PCNL (n=26) and micro-PCNL (n=16) using thulium fiber laser FiberLase U2. The efficiency of procedure (stone free rate [SFR]) was assessed using non-contrast-enhanced CT. SFR was considered as the absence of residual fragments > 4 mm. Complications (safety) were evaluated based on the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: The mean age of all patients was 47.7 (22-84) years. There were no significant differences between three groups in stone characteristics according to CT (maximum diameter, density, volume and number of stones, the presence of pelvicalyceal dilation). SFR was significantly different between the groups (p=0.034). The overall SFR was 81.9% (n=59). After RIRS, mini-PCNL, and micro-PCNL the SFR was 93.3%, 80.8%, and 62.5%, respectively. A significant difference was found between the RIRS and micro-PNL groups, with 2 out of 30 and 6 out of 16 patients requiring repeat procedure, respectively (p=0.026). The overall rate of complication of grades I-II, IIIa and IIIb according to Clavien-Dindo was 6.9%, 9.7% and 6.9%, respectively. A significant difference was found between the RIRS and micro-PCNL (p=0.021) for grade I-II complications. A rate of grade III complications was not differed between the groups. The operation time was higher for mini-PNL (79.8 (30-145) min), and it was shorter for RIRS (55.7 (30-155) min). The length of stay was lower in RIRS group (4.5 (1-12) days). CONCLUSION: The highest SFR was achieved in the RIRS group. In terms of the number of complications of I-II grades according to Clavien-Dindo, the duration of the procedure and the length of stay, RIRS also showed the advantage. There were no significant differences in efficiency and safety between the micro-PNL and mini-PNL. There are not enough studies comparing minimally invasive methods for treating kidney stones. It is necessary to continue research in this area in order to develop an optimal algorithm for choosing the method of endoscopic treatment.

[Non-ischemic priapism (post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula of the right cavernous body) in the background of Landusy-Dejerine myopathy].

Landouzy-Dejerine myopathy (Facial-shoulder-shoulder myodystrophy) is a disease which causes weakness of the muscles of the shoulder girdle, back and hip muscles, which predisposes patients to an increased risk of injury and disability. The article presents a clinical observation of non-ischemic priapism, which developed as a result of perineal trauma with the formation of a fistula of the right cavernous body in a patient against the background of facial shoulder-shoulder myodystrophy. Methods for the differential diagnosis of this condition are also discussed.

[Modern aspects of diagnostics and treatment of renal infarction].

One of the causes of acute kidney injury is the renal artery thrombosis. Clinical manifestations depend on the level of thrombus. This pathology is characterized by non-specific clinical manifestations in the early period, the complexity of differential diagnosis, often delayed verification of the diagnosis and unfavorable prognosis in case of prolonged (5-7 days) anuria. There is no generally accepted protocol for the diagnosis and treatment of renal artery thrombosis. To clarify the diagnosis, intravenous urography, radionuclide renography, and contrast-enhanced computed tomography are recommended. Until recently, patients with suspected renal artery thrombosis were treated with anticoagulant therapy and renal replacement therapy with hemodialysis, which is required constantly as renal function was usually irreversibly impaired. Surgical treatment is effective only in the first hours. The outcome is often unfavorable, the probability of hemorrhagic complications is high. Due to the rare frequency of detection and verification of renal infarction, no consensus has been reached regarding the diagnosis or treatment of this condition.

[Enoxaparin sodium for pharmacological prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolic complications in urological patients].

INTRODUCTION: Currently, there are paucity of reports on the success of medical prevention of venous thromboembolic complications after urological procedures. AIM: To evaluate the efficiency of enoxaparin sodium for prevention of postoperative venous thromboembolic complications in urological patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: According to the medical records of 151 men and women aged 22 to 92 years old who were undergone to elective surgical treatment in April 2021, the results of the thrombin generation assay and ultrasound study of the inferior vena cava were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were divided into 6 study groups depending on the degree of risk of postoperative venous thromboembolism (very low, low, moderate, high, very high and extremely high). The data obtained during the thrombin generation assay in patients from different groups were compared with those in healthy volunteers (n=30, control group) and evaluated in dynamics. In addition, intergroup comparison was done. RESULTS: All study participants prior to surgery had a significant increase in peak thrombin and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) by 5-26% and 13.5-21.5%, respectively. The postoperative findings were as following: 1) one hour after the procedure, a significant (by 9-28.6%) decrease in the normal bleeding time (Lag time); 2) a significant increase in the peak thrombin by 4.8-10.6% 1 hour after surgery and by 11-40.2% at the end of the first postoperative week; 3) reducing the time to peak thrombin (ttPeak) by 13-15%; 4) increase in ETP. According to the ultrasonic data, all study participants had no signs of thrombosis of the inferior vena cava system. CONCLUSION: In urological patients requiring surgical treatment, before and after procedure, there is almost always a shift in the hemostasis towards the predominance of the blood coagulation system. Under such conditions, to prevent the development of postoperative VTE, it is expedient and pathogenetically justified to use enoxaparin sodium in a single dose of 0.4 ml or 4000 anti-Xa IU administered once a day s/c 24 hours before the procedure and till full activation of a patient.

[Comparative study of the influense of stone size and volume on the duration of thulium laser percutaneous nephrolithotripsy].

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the investigation was to determine the influence of such parametric characteristics of the stone such as size and volume on the duration of tulium laser disintegration of the urinary stone and to determine which of these parameters is more effective to use like prognostic criterion for the duration of the planned surgical intervention in the percutaneous nephrolithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall 52 patients (27 females and 25 males) with an average age of 56,9 (25-79) years participated in the present study. All patients underwent percutaneous nephrolithotripsy with disintegration of the kidney stone by thulium energy. Inclusion criteria were: stone size more or equal 2 cm, stone density >1100 HU. Exclusion criteria were: patients with a single kidney, urinary tract divertions, coagulopathy. The average operation time was 30 (15-100) minutes, with an average puncture time of 3.15 (1-10) minutes and lithotripsy time of 28 (14-98) minutes. To determine the volume we used the method of automatic lithometry according to CT data using the software: Vitrea ver. 4.1.52. The size of the stone was determined by the longest length in one of the plane. During the study it was found that the average size of the stone was 28.25 (20-58) mm and the average volume was 2579.4 (250-9990) mm3. To confirm our assumption, we decided to determine the dependence of the time of disintegration of the stone on the size and volume of the stone. For this purpose, we graphically presented the correlation of these parameters. RESULTS: We have drawn 2 graphs reflecting the dependence of lithotripsy time parameters on the size and volume characteristics of the stone. As a result of comparing these parameters we found that size is a prognostically less reliable predictor of lithotripsy time, and is not characterized by a linear distribution, in contrast to the stone volume. CONCLUSIONS: Thereby, the main stereoscopic characteristic of a stone is a volume, which should be the primary guide in selecting the preferred method of treatment as well as in predicting the operative time and associated risks.

[Bilateral simultaneous retrograde intrarenal surgery].

Bilateral nephrolithiasis is one of the most prevalent and severe form of urinary stone disease, that is usually linked with endocrinological disorders. These patients are quite often treated in our clinic. A clinical case of patient with bilateral nephrolithiasis who undergone to bilateral simultaneous retrograde intrarenal surgery is presented.

[Ultrasound-based techniques of targeted prostate biopsy].

The article is devoted to the multiparametric ultrasound techniques for prostate biopsy targeting. This literature review illustrates the variety of ultrasound-based targeting procedures and presents data concerning the diagnostic value of each. A special attention is given to every targeted technique limitations and the opportunity for the MTI-fusion.

[Current approaches to targeted prostate biopsy].

Currently, prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common malignancy in men after lung cancer and the fifth leading cause of death worldwide. According to world and national statistics, over the past 20 years, there has been a steady increase in both incidence and mortality from PCa. Prostate biopsy is the cornerstone of the PCa diagnosis. However, recently, systematic transrectal biopsy as a standard approach has been questioned, since it has significant drawbacks that reduce the quality of PCa diagnosis. Considering the clinical importance of accurate PCa staging, MRI-guided targeted biopsy has been developed, which is currently the most accurate technique for taking a sample of tissue from suspicious areas. The optimal approaches to targeted prostate biopsy and the potential possibilities of including multiparametric MRI in the primary diagnostic algorithm are highlighted in this review, based on the results of large studies. The method allows to increase the overall PCa detection rate, the detection rates of clinically significant PCa, reduce the frequency of diagnosis of low-risk tumors and increase the overall accuracy of PCa detection, which has an outmost importance for the patient selection for active surveillance and to control disease progression.

[Multimodal approach to the treatment of staghorn stones in modern clinic].

This lecture is dedicated to increasing stone free rate (SFR) in patients with staghorn renal stones by using a multimodal approach. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the "gold standard" for the treatment of this group of patients. Depending on a stone size and complexity, SFR for PCNL varies from 55 to 98%. Due to low SFR, which is a main criterion for the effective procedure, various approaches currently are being suggested. In this lecture, we highlighted the following approaches: multi-access PCNL, a use of a ureteroscope in case of antegrade stone migration, a use of flexible instruments, ureterorenoscopy in combination with PCNL. Various lithotripsy techniques are briefly described. The advantage of ultrasound-guided puncture of the kidney is also discussed.

[A comparison of knot-free and interrupted suturing of vesicourethral anastomosis during learning curve of radical prostatectomy].

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is the most popular treatment method for localized prostate cancer worldwide. This is a technically-demanding procedure with a long learning curve. Therefore, an improvement of the surgical technique is very important in order to simplify training for LRP. Dorsal vein ligation and vesicourethral anastomosis (VUA) are two major problems for surgeons with insufficient experience in LRP. Previous studies have shown that between 50 and 250 procedures are required in order to get necessary skills. AIM: to compare and study the advantages of the "free-tie" technique and interrupted suture during the formation of VUA during learning curve of LRP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: a single-center retrospective analysis was performed by evaluating operational reports, video recordings and histories of patients who were operated at Saint Petersburg Public Hospital of Saint Luca from 2016 to 2018. A total of 114 patients were included in the study, 56 of them were undergone to "free-tie" technique and 48 patients had interrupted suture. All procedures were performed by four surgeons with an experience of less than 100 LRP. The evaluation criteria included the time of formation of VUA, the duration of whole procedure, the duration of bladder catheterization, frequency of anastomotic leak and stress urinary incontinence. RESULTS: For surgeons who learned the technique of LRP, the use of a continuous suture with a self-anchoring V-loc thread allowed to reduce significantly the time of formation of VUA and ligation of dorsal venous plexus. Such a suture is more convenient for the surgeon than interrupted suture and makes LRP more proficient and efficient, allowing to reduce the time of procedure, the duration of catheterization, postoperative complications rate associated with anastomotic leak, and also to lower frequency of stress urinary incontinence and obstruction of VUA. This technique may reduce the period necessary for mastering LRP. CONCLUSION: "Free-tie" VUA is a safer and more effective technique compared to interrupted suture technique during learning curve of LRP. According to our work, this technique allows surgeons with insufficient suturing experience to easily overcome the steep training curve.

[Micropercutaneous laser nephrolithotripsy].

INTRODUCTION: The least invasive technique of PCNL is micropercutaneous nephrolithotripsy (micro-PCNL). A possibility of kidney puncture under direct endoscopic control with the creation of a working channel sized of 8-4.85 F is a characteristic feature of this system. AIM: To study the possibilities of micro-PCNL and to determine its role in the treatment of kidney stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 74 patients aged 49.8+/-16.3 years were included in the study. In majority cases an isolated kidney stone was diagnosed (86.4%). The most common stone localization was pelvis (51.5%), followed by lower pole (35.9%). Considering the technical aspects of microPCNL, all patients were divided into 2 groups depending on the stone burden. In 46 patients (62.1%), the stone size was < 1.5 cm, while in 28 patients (37.9%) stones were bigger than 1.5 cm. Prestenting was performed in 54.0% due to renal colic or obstructive pyelonephritis. For the purpose of passive flushing of stone fragments during the lithotripsy, in most patients with a stone size > 1.5 cm, as well as in some prestented patients a ureteral access sheath with a diameter of 10/12 F (56.7%) was placed under x-ray control. In most patients with stones less than 1.5 cm, a 4.85 Ch sheath was utilized. In patients with larger stones, working sheath of 8 Ch was put. For stone disintegration, 50 W and 100 W holmium lasers, as well as the Russian innovative thulium fiber laser were used. RESULTS: The average duration of surgery from the puncture was 30.6+/-11.6 minutes. The effectiveness was determined by use of a non-contrast computed tomography, performed one month after the surgery. An overall stone-free rate after one-session was 89.1%, and it was 93.4% and 82.4%, respectively, in patients with stones sized less and more than 1.5 cm. In 32.4% cases the stenting was placed due to the large number of small residual fragments and risk of obstruction. In one case, a conversion into a mini-PCNL was done. Two patients (2.7%) required stenting because of renal colic caused by the migration of stone fragments into the ureter. There was no bleeding. In 8.1% of cases, acute pyelonephritis was developed that was treated conservatively. In 9.4% of patients, ESWL was required due to residual stones diagnosed one month after the surgery. CONCLUSION: Micro-PCNL is highly effective and safe method for treatment of kidney stones. Placing of ureteral access sheath of size 10/12 F contributes to the passive flushing of fragments during lithotripsy, which, together with the use of the 8 F working sheath, makes it possible to effectively perform micro-PCNL in patients with kidney stones larger than 1.5 cm.

[A comparison between enucleation of the prostate using holmium and thulium laser in volume over 80 cc: retrospective clinical study with 12-months follow-up].

AIM: The aim of our study was to evaluate efficiency of thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 112 patients with BPH who underwent ThuLEP (n=60) or holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) (n=52) at our institution from January 2017 to June 2017 was carried out. The perioperative data and complication rate were assessed. Severity of lower urinary tract symptom (LUTS) was evaluated after 1, 6 and 12 months using International Prostate Symptom Score [I-PSS], quality-of-life [QoL] score and maximum flow rate [Qmax]. To shorten learning curve, we modified the technique and simplified the intervention. To reduce noise during surgery, we performed ThuLEP using Vela XL. RESULTS: There were significant differences in pre- and perioperative parameters, including operative time (113.15+/-12.14 vs. 118.08+/-15.76 min, p=0.46), decrease in serum sodium concentration (3.49+/-0.83 vs. 3.48+/-0.84 mmol/L, P=0.97), hemoglobin drop (1.37+/-0.18 vs. 1.43+/-0.38 g/dL, p=0.65), catheterization time (2.15+/-0.38 vs. 2.27+/-0.39 days, p=0.52) and hospital stay (6.95+/-0.82 vs 7.56+/-1.36 days, p=0.25) between the two groups (ThuLEP and HoLEP). Compared with the HoLEP group, intraoperative noise was lower in ThuLEP group (47.22+/-10.31 vs. 59.45+/-9.65 db, p<0.05). At 1-, 6- and 12 months follow-up, the LUTS severity (I-PSS, QoL score and Qmax) were significantly improved in both groups in comparison with the baseline values. Furthermore, there was no difference in LUTS severity between two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: ThuLEP is comparable to the holmium laser in terms of efficiency, safety and indications and represent minimally invasive treatment option for patients with LUTS secondary to BPH.

[Horseshoe kidney tumor laparoscopic surgery. First 19 cases].

INTRODUCTION: Although horseshoe kidney (HSK) is the most common congenital anomaly of the upper urinary tract, renal cell cancer (RCC) in HSK develops extremely rarely. Until 2012 y. there were less than 200 cases of RCC in HSK published in PubMed. Only five cases of laparoscopic partial nephrectomies and some cases of heminephrectomies have been described in PubMed. AIM: To conduct a multicenter retrospective analysis of laparoscopic surgery for tumors in HSK. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2013 to December 2018 a total of 19 conventional laparoscopic interventions were performed in patients with RCC in HSK, including 1 isthmusectomy, 5 partial nephrectomies and 13 heminefrectomies. In addition, 16 divisions of isthmus were done in 15 patients. The video describing our operation technique is available on: http://youtu.be/nk-WlbjNtIs . RESULTS: There were no conversions to open surgery and mortality as well as intra- and postoperative complications of Clavien grade 3 or higher. Warm ischemia time during partial nephrectomy didnt exceed 19 minutes. Operative time ranged from 110 to 270 min, while max estimated blood loss was 400 ml. All patients were followed for 6 month and no case of disease recurrence or progression was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The small number of laparoscopic interventions in patients with RCC in HSK doesnt allow to carry out a proper statistical analysis and draw certain conclusions. We presented the largest experience available in the literature and our results demonstrate the efficacy and safety of conventional laparoscopic technologies in the treatment of RCC in HSK.

[Comparative analysis of results in laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal and intracorporeal neobladder formation].

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare the results and complications of muscle- invasive bladder cancer treatment using endovideo - surgical radical cycstectomy with orthotopic reservoir formation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2013 and 2016 years, 49 patients with muscle -invasive bladder cancer underwent endovideo-surgical treatment with orthotopic reservoir formation. 38 patients underwent laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal ileal conduit urinary diversioon [ men - 28 (74%), women - 10 (26%)], intracorporeal reservoir were perfomed in 11 cases [men - 8 (73%) and women - 3 (27%)]. The Modified Studer Ileal Neobladder (1st group) was performed in 32 ( 84%) cases, The Hautmann neobladder in 6 (16%) cases. During intracorporeal neobladder formation (2nd group) in all 11 cases Ileal Neobladder was created according to the methods of Karolinska Institutet, ( Sweden). RESULTS: In the first group 7 (18%) patients had early postoperative complications: in 1 case - Anastomosis failure, 3 patients - Defect of ureteroileal anastomosis and in other 3 cases - Adhesive intestinal obstruction. There was an incidence of late postoperative complications in 6 (15%) cases: 1 patient had exacerbation of chronic pyelonephritis, other 5 patients had stenosis of uretero-ileal anastomosis. Stenosis treatment methods were: in 3 cases - Laser endoureterotomy, and 2 patients underwent Intestinal plastic surgery of the ureter. In the second group 5 (45%) patients had early postoperative complications: in 2 cases - Defect of ureteroileal anastomosis, 2 patients had acute postoperative intestinal obstruction and in 1 case neobladder defect (multiple defects). In this group 4 (36%) patients had late postoperative complications: in 2 cases Stenosis of uretero-ileal anastomosis and other 2 - Active phase of chronic pyelonephritis. CONCLUSION: Due to medical technologies development and endovideo-surgical equipment improving, it became possible to perform high-technological operations, such as a laparoscopic radical cystectomy with neobladder formation using different parts of intestine. To imptove the results technical difficulties, postoperative complications and durations of operations were appraised, and we reccomend to perform laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal neobladder formation.

[Laparoscopic ultrasound guided partial nephrectomy].

INTRODUCTION: The choice of method of surgical treatment for endophytic kidney tumors depends on the precise definition of the location and size, the extent of invasion into adjacent tissues and the type of vascularization. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) in combination with 3D-CT allow to receive this information. The aim of this study was to compare the laparoscopic-assisted extracorporeal partial nephrectomy and laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with IOUS and visualization in Full HD, 3D Full HD and 4K modes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 patients aged 43-75 years with endophytic renal tumors were included in the study. They were undergone either extracorporeal partial nephrectomy or laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with IOUS. We compared the rate of positive surgical margins, early postoperative bleeding, de novo renal failure or aggravation of preexisting renal failure and stricture of vesico-ureteric anastomosis. RESULTS: The rate of early postoperative bleeding, chronic kidney failure and pathologically-proven positive surgical margin in patients who underwent extracorporeal partial nephrectomy followed by kidney autotransplantation was 23.1%, 13.4% and 13.4%, respectively. After laparoscopic partial nephrectomy these values were 12%, 16.7% and 8.3%, respectively. The best outcomes were achieved in patients who underwent laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with IOUS and with a use of visualization in Full HD, 3D Full HD and 4K modes.

[Conservative management of rectourethral fistula: modern treatment].

INTRODUCTION: & Objectives. Rectal injury and recto-urethral fistula (RUF) formation are severe complications after surgical treatment of prostate cancer . There are various surgical techniques as well as conservative methods for the treatment of RUF. Nonsurgical approach can be used in nontoxic, minimally symptomatic patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: From 2012 to 2016, 825 patients (mean age 68y) with LPR to be performed were recruited in the study. Postoperatively RUF developed in 7 patients (0.8%) in average in 10 days after surgery. Five cases were uncomplicated presented with pneumaturia, dysuria or urine per rectum. Two patients with fecaluria and previous history of radiotherapy or androgen deprivation were excluded from the study group. Conservative management include: 1)bowel rest 2)broad-spectrum antibiotics after urine culture 3) fully absorbable diet (combination of parenteral and enteral nutrition) 4) bladder drainage (urethral catheter or suprapubic tube). Duration of conservative treatment was 4 weeks. After treatment all patients underwent a voiding cystourethrogram. RESULTS: During the treatment one patient has developed severe UTIs and surgical treatment were perfomed. The remaining 4 patients had spontaneous healing of the fistula and normal cystourethrogram. With the median follow up of 24 month after RUF treatment all 4patients had no fistula signs and they were fully continent. Overall RUF closure using nonsurgical treatment was successful in 4 of 5 cases (80%). CONCLUSIONS: Conservative management of RUF is a highly effective option which can be used to avoid major surgery and temporary colostomy. Nonsurgical treatment is a feasible method in selected patients with RUF.

[Laparoscopic ileal ureteral substitution. Results of the first 40 operations].

INTRODUCTION: Despite the twenty-year history of laparoscopic ileal ureteral substitution, the literature is lacking studies reporting its outcomes, and those few are mainly case reports. Besides, they usually describe surgery from combined access, when the ileal segment resection and ileo-ileal anastomosis are performed from mini-laparotomy, and the remaining stages are done endoscopically. AIM: To conduct a multicenter retrospective analysis of our series of patients undergoing laparoscopic ileal ureteral substitution using only endoscopic access. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2017, 48 ureters were replaced completely laparoscopically in 40 patients. Of them, 33 patients underwent total ureteric replacement, and the others had a subtotal ileal ureteral substitution. Video describing the operation technique is available on https://youtu.be/IeA60pSiUBE. RESULTS: The mean operating time was 335 minutes, and the estimated blood loss was 221 ml. Intraoperative complications (7.5%) were resolved during surgery. No patients required conversion to open surgery. There was no mortality. Postoperative Clavien III complications were observed in 7.5% of patients. The mean length of hospital day was 13.5 days. Functional results were followed from 6 months to 7 years. CONCLUSIONS: The presented material is the largest available in the literature, and the results, including long-term functional outcomes, demonstrate the efficacy and safety of laparoscopic technologies in the treatment of extensive strictures and obliterations of the ureter.

[Prognostic significance of prostate-specific antigen in defining indications for initial prostate biopsy].

Currently, prostate biopsy remains the main method used to diagnose prostate cancer (PCa). The indication for the procedure is an elevated level of the serum level of the total prostate-specific antigen (PSA). However, the PSA test is organ- but not cancer-specific, and patients may undergo an unnecessary biopsy, which is an invasive procedure associated with a risk of complications. Additional tests have been developed aimed to improve the diagnostic performance of PSA for detecting PCa. They include PSA derivatives such as free PSA fraction, -2proPSA, PSA density, PHI and the free /total PSA fraction. AIM: To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of PSA and its derivatives in detecting benign and malignant diseases of the prostate after an initial prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study analyzed 65 initial biopsies performed due to an elevated serum PSA level and compared them with the results of extended PSA testing with the use of PSA derivatives. RESULTS: The histological findings consistent with PCa were found in about 30% of initial biopsies performed due to elevated serum levels of total PSA. The incidence of histologically confirmed PCa increased with age, and 70-79 year old men were more likely to have it than 60-69 years old patients. PSA density in 85% of PCa cases exceeded that for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In all PCa patients, PHI and free /total PSA fraction were greater than 25 and less than 0.15, respectively. In most patients with BPH, the PHI and free /total PSA fraction did not exceed 25 and were greater than 0.15. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Initial biopsy triggered by elevated serum level of total PSA allows detection of PCa in about 30% of cases. 2. The age of 60 years and older should be regarded as a risk factor for PCa. The probability of malignant transformation of prostate epithelial cells in men over 70 years of age is greater than in 60-69-year-olds. 3. The density of PSA in men with morphologically verified PCa is statistically significantly greater than that in men with BPH and the threshold value in 85% of cases. 4. Determination of PHI and free/total PSA fraction can improve the accuracy of predicting malignant lesions of the prostate and adjust the indications for histological examination, reduce the number of unnecessary biopsies. 5. When defining indications for initial prostate biopsy in cases with serum PSA varying from 2 to 10 ng/ml, PSA derivatives should be used, including PSA density, prostate health index, and the free /total PSA fraction.

[Metaphylaxis of urolithiasis: new look, modern approach, implementation in a mobile application].

AIM: To analyze the sub-segment of mHealth devoted to assessing of the risk of recurrent stone formation and metaphylaxis of stone formation. To design a smartphone application (app.) in Russian language for urolithiasis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three working groups of urologists from three St. Petersburg clinics searched for downloadable medical applications relevant to the above requirements. After searching and analyzing existing medical applications, the most acceptable design and structure of our own application were identified. RESULTS: The developed "Urolithiasis" application is available for free download in Russian language versions in App Store (Apple, Inc.) and Google Play (Android market, Google, Inc.). It features the following sections: 1) "Take the test" (personalized calculation of the risk of kidney stone recurrence and providing relevant recommendations using ROKS nomogram), 2) "Water" (with reminders to drink water and automatic logging of the water intake), 3) "Food" (Nutrition facts on the content of calcium, oxalate, purine, protein, citrate and calories in common foods), 4) "My doctor" (in the future this option will allow for on-line communication with a patients physician), 5) "Feedback" (if the patient does not find the desired product or has a question - this section is for him/her). CONCLUSIONS: The smartphone application "Urolithiasis" in Russian may be recommended to patients with urolithiasis for improving the effectiveness of metaphylaxis.

[Comparative assessment of treatments for prostate adenoma greater than 100 cm3].

AIM: To compare holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and endovideosurgical (EVS) adenomectomy in the treatment of prostate adenoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We compared treatment results of 180 patients with prostate adenomas greater than 100 cm3 who underwent EVS adenomectomy (n=90) and laser enucleation of the prostate (n=90). The analysis included the following parameters: duration of catheterization, length of postoperative hospital stay, I-PSS score, maximum urinary flow rate measured by uroflowmetry and complications according to Clavien-Dindo grading systems. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient age, preoperative prostate size, glandular tissue weight, and operative time. The duration of catheterization (p=0.0008) and length of postoperative hospital stay (p<0.0001) were significantly shorter in the HoLEP group. Both groups showed a statistically significant improvement in functional performance at three months post-surgery. Complications in the HoLEP and EVS adenomectomy group occurred in 18 (20%) and 23 (25.55%) patients, respectively (p>0.99). CONCLUSION: The two methods mentioned above are widely used in the treatment of prostate adenoma. However, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate shows similar short-term functional results and complication rates compared with EVS adenomectomy for prostate adenomas greater than 100 cm3. The patients of the HoLEP group had better results regarding the duration of catheterization and length of postoperative hospital stay. Therefore, laser enucleation is the preferred surgical modality for prostate adenomas greater than 100 cm3.