Can We Predict the Grade of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma from Houns-Field Unit of Renal Lesion on Computerized Tomography Scan, a Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a type of urological malignancy that affects approximately 2% of the global population. Imaging modalities, especially computed tomography (CT) scanning, play a critical role in diagnosing RCC. In this study, we investigated whether there is a relationship between tumour grade of clear cell RCC and HU values of renal lesions on CT scan performed before operation. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 123 patients who underwent radical or partial (open or laparoscopic) nephrectomy for clear cell RCC between January 2017 and January 2021. Post-operation histopathological grades were recorded according to World Health Organization (WHO)/International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) 2016 grading system and divided into low grade (includes grade 1 and 2) and high grade (grade 3 and 4), and their links to age, sex, smoking habits, tumour size, and HUs of renal lesions were evaluated. Results: The mean age of the patients studied was 63.02 years old. About 56.9% of the patients were low grade (grade 1 or grade 2), while 43.1% were high grade (grade 3 or 4). The mean tumour size was 6.31 cm. There were no significant differences in tumour grade according to age, sex, or smoking habits. We found a significant relation between tumour grade and HU in the pre-contrast and nephrogenic phases, with p values of 0.001 and 0.037, respectively. On the other hand, there was no significant relation linking the tumour grade to the difference in HU between these phases, where there was a p value of 0.641. Conclusion: HU in the pre-contrast and nephrogenic phases in addition to tumour size on CT scan have a significant relation to clear cell RCC grade.

The Effect of Transurethral Resection of the Prostate on Erectile and Ejaculatory Functions in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of TURP on erectile function (EF) and ejaculatory function (EJF). METHODS: A total of 91 patients who underwent TURP were retrospectively assessed. Patients were divided into two groups based on International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5): group A included 41 patients with normal EF, and group B included 50 patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). All patients were evaluated for EF and EJF at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months after TURP by using IIEF-5, Ejaculatory Domain-Male Sexual-Health Inventory (Ej-MSHQ). RESULTS: In group A, there were no significant statistical differences in mean IIEF-5 at baseline and after TURP 22.88 ± 0.81 versus 22.63 ± 2.63 (p = 0.065). However, in group B, there was significant improvement in IIEF-5 after TURP all over the follow-up time points in comparison to the baseline (p = <0.001). The loss of EJF was significant among patients in group A. There was significant improvement of IPSS and Qmax in group A after surgery compared to group B. CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that TURP has no significant negative influence on EF, and patients with preexisting ED were improved after TURP. On the contrary, the loss of EJF was significant.

Does post-void residual urine volume affect potential recurrence risk for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer?

Aim: Bladder cancer is the second most common urological malignancy after prostate cancer. Increase in the post-void residual (PVR) volume may result in an increase in the risk of cancer recurrence. Methods: Patient demographic data, tumor stage and grade, PVR volume and 2 years follow-up data for recurrence were obtained and evaluated. Results: One-hundred-and-nineteen patients were subdivided into three groups according to PVR urine volume. The increase of PVR volume was related to short recurrence-free survival (RFS) especially for patients with PVR volume of 60 ml or more. Conclusion: Low PVR volume in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer may play a role in reducing cancer recurrence. However further research is needed in this field.

Aim: Bladder cancer is the second most common urological malignancy after prostate cancer. Increase in the post-void residual (PVR) volume may result in an increase in the risk of cancer recurrence. Methods: Patient demographic data, tumor stage and grade, PVR volume and 2 years follow-up data for recurrence were obtained. Results: The increase of PVR volume was related to short recurrence-free survival (RFS) especially for patients with PVR volume of 60 ml or more. Conclusion: Low PVR volume in patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer may play a role in reducing cancer recurrence. However further research is needed in this field.

Sexual and functional outcomes of prostate artery embolisation: A prospective long-term follow-up, large cohort study.

AIM OF THE STUDY: Among minimally invasive procedures for treating benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) prostate artery embolisation (PAE) is described as safe and effective. Aim of this study is to report our results, focusing on sexual outcomes (erectile and ejaculatory functions sparing) of PAE in patients suffering from bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) secondary to BPH. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled and submitted to PAE subjects suffering from BOO secondary to BPH. All patients were not suitable for surgery or declined invasive approaches. All subjects were preoperatively and postoperatively (3, 6, 12 and 18 months after) evaluated by urinary flowmetry, post voiding residual volume, prostate volume, serum PSA levels, International Index of Erectile Function, International Prostate Symptom Score and QoL scores. RESULTS: PAE was performed in 147 patients (mean age 72.5 y.o.). PAE was technically successful in all patients. The procedure lasted a mean time of 94.3 minutes, with a mean fluoroscopic time of 42.5 minutes. Twelve months follow-up data were available for all patients, while 126 patients (85%) completed the 18 months follow up. At 12 months follow up, the mean IPSS and QoL scores significantly decreased, and all the objective parameters (mean Qmax, PVR and prostate volume) reported a significant improvement. A total of 130 patients (88.5%) at 12 months reported the antegrade ejaculation preserved, and a slight not significant improvement of IIEF scores. The 18 months after PAE outcomes confirmed the significant improvement of all the variables evaluated (even for PSA values and IIEF scores). No major complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Our results evidence prostate artery embolisation as highly feasible and safe procedure with interesting outcomes. In particular, in our study PAE reported promising results in preserving antegrade ejaculation and erectile function. Our data are in line with the literature, confirming how PAE reduces obstructive symptoms in BPH patients not suitable or refusing standard surgical approaches.

Prospective randomized study comparing monopolar with bipolar transurethral resection of prostate in benign prostatic obstruction: 36-month outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: Monopolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold standard surgical treatment for bothersome moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostate obstruction. The aim of the study is to compare monopolar versus bipolar TURP focusing on operative and functional outcomes, and evaluating complications with a long-term follow-up. METHODS: From January 2007 to July 2014, a total of 497 patients were randomized and prospectively scheduled to undergo bipolar (251) or monopolar (246) TURP. International prostate symptom score (IPSS), IPSS-Quality of life (QoL), post-void residual and maximum flow rate were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively at 3, 12, 24 and 36 months. Operative time, length of catheterization and hospitalization were all recorded. Complications were classified and reported. RESULTS: All patients completed the 36-month follow-up visit. Perioperative results showed no statistical significance between the two groups in terms of catheterization days, post-void residual, IPSS, IPSS-QoL score. The hospitalization length was found statistically significant in favor of the bipolar group. The 3-, 12-, 24- and 36-month follow-up showed significant and equal improvements in LUTS related to BPO in the two treatment groups. Regarding TURP complications, significant differences were observed in relation to urethral strictures, blood transfusion and TUR syndrome in favor of the bipolar group. CONCLUSIONS: Monopolar and bipolar TURP are safe and effective techniques for BPH management. Bipolar TURP in our prospective study reported the same efficacy of monopolar prostate resection, with a significant reduction of related complications.

Management of lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia in elderly patients with a new diagnostic, therapeutic and care pathway.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) resulting in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is a widespread disease that strongly interferes with the quality of life (QoL) of elderly males. It represents a real clinical and socio-economic problem may be due to the lack of a diagnostic, therapeutic and care pathway (DTCP) tool for LUTS/BPH that considers elderly people population in its whole complexity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of the proposed DTCP LUTS/BPH tool. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 278 patients over 75 years old with non-neurogenic LUTS recruited from February to July 2014 by 10 general practitioners (GP) and two assisted sanitary residences (ASR). Only five GPs and one ASR were provided with the complete DTCP LUTS/BPH tool to create two different groups of patients: group A (138 patients) was treated without the aid of the DTCP; group B (140 patients) was treated according to the DTCP. RESULTS: At 1 year of follow-up, the patients of Group B compared with Group A achieved a greater and significant mean reduction in the questionnaires score (International Prostate Symptom Score, Quick prostate test and QoL) linked to a higher increase in the flowmetry parameters (Qmax) and a lower postvoid residual. Furthermore, in Group B compared to Group A, a greater improvement of hydronephrosis, creatinine values and erectile dysfunction (ED) were obtained at 1 year of follow-up. CONCLUSION: The encouraging results obtained from this study are significant and support the use of this diagnostic, therapeutic and care tool (DTCP) as the ideal pathway management for elderly men with LUTS associated to BPH and ED. Further studies with greater number of elderly subjects and long-term follow-up are needed to confirm DTCP utility in the clinical management of LUTS/BPH and ED.

Pure intracorporeal laparoscopic radical cystectomy with orthotopic "U" shaped ileal neobladder.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy with pelvic lymph node dissection represents the standard treatment for muscle-invasive, and high-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancers. Aim of this study was to report our case series of 30 patients undergoing totally laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with reconstruction of an intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder. Intra- and perioperative results and the functional and oncological outcomes 9 months after operation are reported. METHODS: Between October 2010 and December 2012, 30 male patients underwent LRC with a pure laparoscopic orthotopic ileal "U"- shaped neobladder diversion. The men had a median age of 67 years, a median body mass index of 22.3, and a mean ASA score of 2.2; they represented various clinical stages of disease. RESULTS: None of the patients required conversion to open surgery, and no perioperative mortalities were reported. The median operating time was 365 min, and the median blood loss was 290 mL, with a transfusion rate of 26.6%. All surgical margins were negative; 8 patients with non-organ-confined disease or positive lymph nodes received adjuvant chemotherapy. Early complications (within 30 days) occurred in 7 patients, and late complications occurred in 6 patients. The mean hospital stay was 9 days. At 9 months after surgery, the daytime continence rate was 83.3% and the nighttime continence rate was 73.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Pure LRC with intracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder reconstruction may represent a viable alternative to open radical cystectomy, with a significant reduction in patient morbidity. Future, large, randomized controlled trials with extensive follow-up are needed to confirm our encouraging results.