[COVID-19 in european urology : Which lessons have we learned?] / COVID-19 in der europäischen Urologie : Was haben wir bisher gelernt?

The coronavirus has challenged all medical systems worldwide. Herein both waves of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) in spring and autumn 2020 differ principally. Whereas Europe was hit by the first wave more or less unprepared, which was aggravated by the high virulence of COVID-19, the second wave is characterized by a much higher contagiosity of the virus with very high incidences. On the other hand the virus has attenuated, which is reflected by the significantly lower incidence-related mortality rate. However, the overall increasing number of infected patients represents again a great challenge for the medical management of the disease. France and Spain are doing better in comparison to Germany and Italy this time. The absolute number of deaths per week is higher than during the peak of the first wave. However, urologists in these countries have also experienced greater restrictions in their activities in the second shutdown than in Germany, where there is only a reduction of beds to between 75 and 90%. Mostly all levels are operated. Of importance for Germany, however, is the plateau on a high level for several weeks probably due to the reduced efficacy of a light lock-down. This finally resulted in a total lock-down in mid-December 2020. Subsequently in Germany some hospitals are also reaching their limits with similar consequences for the departments of urology facing a 50% reduction of beds and operating only level III and IV indications. Nevertheless, the management of urologic patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is carried out in Europa on a high standard. Therefor the risk of secondary harm to our patients is expected to be rather minimal in the long run.

iPad-assisted percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL): a matched pair analysis compared to standard PCNL.

PURPOSE: To compare iPad-assisted (Apple Inc., Cupertino, USA) percutaneous access to the kidney to the standard puncturing technique for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). METHODS: For the iPad-assisted PCNL, a computed tomography is performed prior to surgery, using fiducial radiopaque markers. The important anatomical structures (i.e. kidney, stones) are segmented using specific software enabling the superimposition of images semi-transparently on the iPad by marker-based navigation. Twenty-two patients underwent an iPad-assisted percutaneous puncture of the kidney for PCNL. Twenty-two patients of the clinical database from the Urological Department SLK Hospital Heilbronn, who underwent the standard puncturing technique, were matched to these patients. Matching criteria were age, gender, stone volume, body mass index, stone site and the absence of anatomical variation. Puncture time, radiation exposure and number of attempts for a successful puncture were evaluated. All procedures were performed by two experienced urologists. The standard puncturing method consisted of a combination of ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance. Chi-square and t test were used to ensure that there was no difference in the matching criteria between the groups. To compare the two methods, U test, Kruskal-Wallis and Chi-square test were used. RESULTS: Examination of radiation exposure showed a significant difference between the two groups in favour of the standard puncturing method (p < 0.01) and puncture time (p = 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in puncturing attempts (p = 0.45). CONCLUSION: The iPad-assisted navigation, with the objective being to puncture the renal collecting system, represents a new technique (IDEAL criteria 2b), which proved to be applicable in clinical practice, but still has potential for technical improvement.

[Urological infections and antibiotic management in geriatric patients]. / Urologische Infektionen und Antibiotikamanagement bei geriatrischen Patienten.

Both the demographic shift and progress in medicine are resulting in an increasingly longer life expectancy. It is presumed that a mean age of 90 years will be achieved within the next decade in many countries. Thus, geriatric medicine, which is committed to the specific needs of older, often frail and frequently comorbid patients, is becoming increasingly more important. The prevalence of infections of the genitourinary tract increases with age, simultaneously, a critical and conscious use of antibiotics is required in terms of antimicrobial treatment. The intention of the present review is to make the reader aware of the specific characteristics of urinary tract infections and asymptomatic bacteriuria in the older patient population in terms of epidemiology, spectrum of pathogens and resistance as well as the indications for and performance of antimicrobial treatment.

[Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate]. / Endoskopische Enukleation der Prostata.

The spectrum of surgical procedures for the minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has significantly increased over the last two decades. The simple suprapubic prostatectomy (subtotal prostatectomy, SP) has largely lost relevance in current practice. On the other hand, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been further standardized and potentially made safer by the introduction of the bipolar technique and low-pressure systems.Transurethral (endoscopic) enucleation techniques (endoscopic enucleation of the prostate, EEP) are increasingly competing with the current gold standard TURP and are replacing SP for treatment of larger adenomas. This approach is especially related to the rapid development of laser technology, which has sustainably changed the face of modern BPH treatment in a similar way to stone therapy. This has been incorporated in the clinical patient management, clinical studies and standardization of numerous surgical techniques that are systematically described in this article. Additionally, efforts have also been made to use other energy sources, such as bipolar current in EEP. With respect to scientific objectivity, high-quality clinical trials are regularly published which further strengthen the position of EEP.

Aquablation of the prostate: single-center results of a non-selected, consecutive patient cohort.

PURPOSE: Aquablation of the prostate using the AquaBeam™ system promises equivalent functional outcomes, reduced learning curve, and improved sexual function compared to transurethral prostate resection as shown in prospective randomized trials. This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate if published results can be transferred into the clinical routine in a non-selected patient collective. METHODS: This study includes all patients treated between September 2017 and June 2018 with Aquablation of the prostate. Patients have been evaluated prospectively for the perioperative course and early follow-up. Besides voiding parameter and symptom score, TRUS-volume change, ejaculatory function, and adverse events have been recorded. RESULTS: 118 consecutive patients have been treated in the given time. Aquablation could be carried out successfully in all patients. IPSS, QoL, Qmax, and PVR improved significantly after the procedure and continued to improve during 3-month follow-up. Mean OR time was 20 min, TRUS volume decreased by 65%, and 73% of the patients retained antegrade ejaculation. Thirteen adverse events (> Clavien-Dindo I) occurred in 10 patients. CONCLUSION: The surgical ablation of the prostate using Aquablation achieved significant and immediate improvement of functional voiding parameters Qmax and PVR as well as symptomatic improvement of IPSS and QoL. Aquablation seems to be safe and effective with a low perioperative complication profile even in a non-selected group of patients.

[Robots in urology-an analysis of current and future devices]. / Der Roboter in der Urologie ­ eine Analyse aktueller und zukünftiger Gerätegenerationen.

The monopoly of robotic surgical devices of the last 15 years will end in 2019 when key patents of Intuitive Surgical expire. Thus, we can expect an interesting competitive situation in the coming years. Based on personal experience with robot-assisted surgery since 2001, we conducted a search of the current literature together with a search of relevant patents in this field. Finally, we visited the websites of manufacturers of existing and future robotic surgical devices with possible applications in urology. Such devices have to prove that they meet the high-quality standard of the current Da Vinci series (SI, X, XI). For this purpose, we propose to classify the main features of the different devices, such as type of console (closed/open), arrangement of robotic arms (single/multiple carts/attached to operating room table), type of three-dimensional videosystem (by mirror/ocular/using polarizing glasses) or degrees of freedom (DOF) of end effectors (5 vs. 7 DOF). In the meantime, there are also robotic systems used in endourology: Avicenna Roboflex® and the AquaBeam® system for robot-assisted aquablation therapy of the prostate. While Roboflex® improves the ergonomics of flexible ureteroscopy-similar to the Da Vinci robot, AquaBeam® may for the first time eliminate the surgeon, who might only be needed to manage severe postoperative bleeding.

[Surgical positioning techniques in urology : Tips and tricks]. / Lagerungstechniken in der Urologie : Tipps und Tricks.

Correct positioning of patients during preoperative preparations is essential for success of the intervention to avoid any positioning trauma and to provide the best access to the targeted structures. The appropriate positioning (and optimal performance) means that complications are avoided and also makes an essential contribution to the smooth course of the surgical intervention. A correct position is essential particularly in urology because the organs assigned to the discipline of urology are anatomically mostly difficult to reach. A further important function of the correct positioning technique is the avoidance of injuries to the patient. This article summarizes the most common positioning techniques in urological interventions with special emphasis on the explanation of practical advice, helpful tips and possible complications that can enable even junior surgeons to correctly perform the appropriate positioning technique.

[Bladder neck sclerosis following prostate surgery : Which therapy when?] / Blasenhalssklerose nach Prostataeingriffen : Wann welche Therapie?

Secondary bladder neck sclerosis represents one of the more frequent complications following endoscopic, open, and other forms of minimally invasive prostate surgery. Therapeutic decisions depend on the type of previous intervention (e.g., radical prostatectomy, TURP, HoLEP, radiotherapy, HIFU) and on associated complications (e.g., incontinence, fistula). Primary treatment in most cases represents an endoscopic bilateral incision. No specific advantages of any type of the applied energy (i.e., mono-/bipolar HF current, cold incision, holmium/thulium YAG laser) could be documented. Adjuvant measures such as injection of corticosteroids or mitomycin C have not been helpful in clinical routine. In case of first recurrence, a transurethral monopolar or bipolar resection can usually be performed. Recently, the ablation of the scared tissue using bipolar vaporization has been recommended providing slightly better long-term results. Thereafter, surgical reconstruction is strongly recommended using an open, laparoscopic, or robot-assisted approach. Depending on the extent of the bladder neck sclerosis and the underlying prostate surgery, a Y-V/T-plasty, urethral reanastomosis, or even a radical prostatectomy with new urethravesical anastomosis should be performed. Stent implantation should be reserved for patients who are not suitable for surgery. The final palliative measure is a cystectomy with urinary diversion or a (continent) cystostomy.

[Shock wave lithotripsy in Germany: Results of a nationwide survey]. / Stoßwellenlithotripsie in Deutschland: Ergebnisse einer deutschlandweiten Umfrage.

BACKGROUND: Following its introduction in the 1980s extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) became the gold standard for therapy of ureteral and renal calculi. The research data published during the last decade suggest a paradigm shift to endourological techniques. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare whether the suggested loss of status for SWL corresponds with actual real-life treatment in Germany. A further aim was to assess the quality of SWL therapy in German hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The board of the German Society for Shock Wave Lithotripsy (DGSWL) sent a questionnaire to 306 urological departments in Germany, which encompassed medical, technical and organizational topics in the therapy of ureteral and renal calculi. A total of 99 (33%) questionnaires were returned. CONCLUSION: With the exception of a few departments, non-invasive SWL still plays a major role in the treatment of urolithiasis and a loss of the gold standard status is not in sight. The performance of SWL in German hospitals is carried out at a high level of quality. To maintain and optimize this status a structured SWL training and adherence to clinical practice guidelines are needed.

[New puncture techniques in urology using 3D-assisted imaging]. / Neue Punktionstechniken in der Urologie mittels 3D-gestützter Bildgebung.

The selective use of various puncture techniques for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is a component of the daily routine of urologists. The aim of these interventions is always a safe and rapid puncture at the appropriate target point. Nowadays, imaging systems are increasingly being used in urology with the aim to achieve a more precise and safer planning and execution of punctures through an increased accuracy by the use of 3D representation. An approach to the solution to achieve this aim is the fusion of 3D reconstruction by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography< (CT) with real-time imaging procedures, such as sonography or fluoroscopy.

[Endosopic organ-sparing treatment of urothelial tumors of the upper urinary tract: indications and results]. / Endoskopische organerhaltende Therapie von Urotheltumoren des oberen Harntraktes : Indikation und Ergebnisse.

In addition to radical nephrourterectomy with removal of the bladder cuff, which is still the gold standard in the therapy of urothelial tumors of the upper urinary tract, various percutaneous and transurethral endoscopic methods are now well established for organ-sparing therapies due to technical improvements in endoscopy. Although these were originally only used with selective indications, if radical nephrourterectomy were not coupled with an unreasonable postoperative morbidity (e.g. dialysis-dependence after removal of a tumor-carrying single kidney), organ-sparing therapy attempts are increasingly more recommended, even by extended indications. Analysis of the current literature shows that organ-sparing is strived for, especially with small (<1.5 cm) solitary urothelial tumors with low grade malignancy and without muscle invading growth. Although tumor-specific survival with 69-100% is comparable to nephrourterectomy, organ-sparing treatment appears more inclined to tumor recurrence (relapse rate 23-90%). These data must, however, be interpreted with caution because they originate from retrospective single center studies with low patient numbers, very different patient collectives and mostly relatively short follow-up time periods. Prospective randomized multicenter studies with large patient collectives and long follow-up times are not yet available. After organ-sparing therapy of urothelial tumors of the upper urinary tract, it is important to have life-long follow-up with imaging and endoscopy, in order to initiate an early second therapy in the case of a relapse.

Principles and initial experience of a new device for dissection and hemostasis.

Electrosurgery is a commonly used technology in laparoscopy. Electrosurgical devices are being used in many medical subdisciplines in order to coagulate, cut, and ablate tissue and to produce hemostasis. The latest advance in electrosurgery is the introduction of novel simultaneous hemostatic sealing and cutting bipolar devices that minimize force by delivering energy as high current and low voltage output. One of these systems is the Gyrus Plasma Trissector (GPT), (Gyrus Group PLC, Gyrus International, Ltd.UK), a novel radiofrequency (RF) system based on bipolar technology, which consists of a proprietary PlasmaKinetic (PK) generator and specific instruments, designed as a system. The instrument consists of a 17 mm long gold-coated curved jaw with a ceramic insulated cutting element. The PK system uses high-powered pulsed bipolar energy to produce a plasmakinetic field around the working elements and is designed to operate at temperatures that allow effective tissue dissection but result in minimal collateral damage and adherence to tissue. The GPT was used with the Gyrus G400 WorkStation generator in laparoscopic radical prostatectomies (LRP). Our initial experience with this novel bipolar device demonstrates it to be safe and effective in dissection and hemostasis. The GPT permits us to act quickly when bloody fields are present, improves coagulation, reduces or eliminates sticking, seals large vessels such as dorsal vein complex (DVC) and allows secure grasping and dissecting of tissue. The urologist is familiar with electrosurgery, as we have become comfortable using GPT to dissect, cut, and coagulate tissue. We feel that the GPT can be used in a variety of laparoscopic procedures in urology.

Development of laparoscopic surgery and training facilities in Europe: results of a survey of the European Society of Uro-Technology (ESUT).

OBJECTIVE: The European Society of Uro-Technology (ESUT) conducted a survey in order to assess the application of laparoscopy and the facilitation of training programs within Europe. METHODS: A total of 430 urologists and residents from European countries answered the ESUT survey during the XVIIIth Annual EAU Meeting in Madrid in 2003. The survey constituted of 11 questions of which nine with dual response (Y/N) options. Two questions, evaluating the importance of different training methods and different reasons not to be involved in laparoscopy, were assessed by means of a Likert type scale. RESULTS: Laparoscopy was performed in 71% of urological departments. The majority (85%) of departments where no laparoscopy was performed, intended to establish it in the future. Two thirds of respondents believed laparoscopy would replace open surgery in the next 5 to 10 years. The access to training facilities was insufficient for 44%. Different methods of training were considered to be of equal importance. Among the reasons for not being involved in laparoscopic surgery a high variability was identified. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopy is performed in the majority of urological departments in Europe. While there is a strong believe in the prominent role of laparoscopy in the mid-long future, access to training is still needed.

Proposal for a "European Scoring System for Laparoscopic Operations in Urology".

PURPOSE: To propose a scoring system of difficulties for the most currently performed laparoscopic procedures in urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Each current laparoscopic procedure has been evaluated according to three different criteria: technical difficulty, operative risk and the attention required. Each criterion is scored from 1 (minimal impact of the criteria) to 7 (maximal impact of the criteria). The sum of the 3 criteria is used to classify each operation according to an increasing level of global difficulty, classified into 6 levels: easy (E: sum of criteria between 3 and 5), slightly difficult (SD: sum of criteria between 6 and 8), fairly difficult (FD: sum of criteria between 9 and 11), difficult (D: sum of criteria between 12 and 14), very difficult (VD: sum of criteria between 15 and 17), extremely difficult (ED: sum of criteria greater than 18). RESULTS: Procedures currently performed by laparoscopy have been selected for evaluation according to the above criteria, and retrospectively validated by European experts in laparoscopic urology according to their experience and the international literature. CONCLUSION: This proposal of a scoring scale system is a basis for discussion, teaching and learning of urological laparoscopy. By necessity, this scale is evolving and will be regularly reconsidered and updated every 5 years.

Future developments and perspectives in laparoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: As urologists head into the new millennium, it has become clear that laparoscopy will play a significant role in successful urologic practice. Issues that are addressed in this article include: (1) What are the new limits? (2) Technological advances. (3) Adequate training. (4) How to technically simplify the laparoscopic procedures? MATERIALS AND METHODS: To answer the stated questions a review of the literature has been undertaken together with interviews of the leading experts and laparoscopic working groups in urologic laparoscopy. The gathered information has been summarized and focussed with the aim of presenting the perspectives of laparoscopy in urology. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Standardized indications for laparoscopic urological surgery are benign nephrectomy, nephroureterectomy, cryptorchidism, adrenalectomy, renal cysts, lymphocele and bilateral or relapsing varicocele. Future indications might include living donor nephrectomy, partial nephrectomy and cyst decortication for adult polycystic kidney disease. Controversy exists about the laparoscopic treatment of malignancies in the urinary tract. Whereas pelvic lymph node dissection--even if performed with decreasing frequency--is accepted worldwide, retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for low-stage testis cancer is currently performed only at few centers. The recent breakthrough in uro-oncological laparoscopic surgery has been laparoscopic radical prostatectomy changing our views on the limits of laparoscopic urology. Endoscopic suturing devices (i.e. Endostitch) are further being developed, and a prototype reapproximating micro-clips (VCS stapler) has been used to perform a uretero-ureterostomy laparoscopically in a porcine model. Nevertheless, the ability of endoscopic suturing using the standard equipment has still to be considered as a "conditio sine qua non". Improvements for tissue division and dissection include an electrosurgical snare to perform a partial nephrectomy, the development of a pneumodissector and hydrodissector. Robotics, including the AESOP 3000 and ZEUS represent a glimpse of the future. By positioning the optique in a voice-controlled full range motion mechanic arm, the image on the screen is very steady and the ergonomics of the surgeons is increased significantly. The da Vinci-System, however, is the first system that has translated all visions of telepresence surgery into clinical reality, recently also for laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. CONCLUSIONS: The future of laparoscopic urology is a two-tiered approach. On the first tier, the advancement of complex reconstructive and ablative surgery such as laparoscopic prostatectomy or, laparoscopic retroperitoneal node dissection, will be undertaken by referral centers of expertise. It is from these individuals that we will look to in order to separate what is feasible and what is reasonable. The second tier will be focusing on simplifying the procedure for the average urologist. As such, developments such as the pneumodissector, hydrodissection, and hand assistance will bring exstirpative laparoscopy into the realm of more urologists. What is critical is that the urologic community supports both groups of laparoscopists.

Retroperitoneal laparoscopic nephropexy.

Laparoscopic nephropexy is a suitable and clinically established procedure for the treatment of symptomatic nephroptosis. The availability of a minimally invasive therapy can facilitate decisions regarding the indication after careful selection of patients.

Treatment of renal stones by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy: an update.

AIM: Despite the extensive experience with minimal invasive stone therapy, there are still different views on the ideal management of renal stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Analysis of the literature includes more than 14,000 patients. We have compared these data with long-term results of two major stone centers in Germany. The results have been compared concerning the anatomical kidney situation, stone size, stone localization and observation time. RESULTS: According to the importance of residual fragments following extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), we have to distinguish between clinically insignificant residual fragments and clinically significant residual fragments (CIRF). 24 months following ESWL stone passage occurs as a continuous process, and if there are no clinical symptoms, any endoscopic procedure should be considered as overtreatment. According to these results, stone-free rates of patients increase in longer follow-up periods. Newer ESWL technology has increased the percentage of CIRF. CONCLUSION: We consider ESWL in most patients with renal calculi as first-line treatment, except in patients with renal calculi bigger than 30 mm in diameter.