A Systematic Review of Semaglutide's Influence on Cognitive Function in Preclinical Animal Models and Cell-Line Studies.

Since we aim to test new options to find medication for cognitive disorders, we have begun to assess the effect of semaglutide and to conduct a review gathering studies that have attempted this purpose. This systematic review focuses on the cognitive effects of semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), in the context of neurological and cognitive impairment. Semaglutide, a synthetic GLP-1 analog, showcased neuroprotective effects beyond metabolic regulation. It mitigated apoptosis and improved cognitive dysfunction in cerebrovascular disease, suggesting broader implications for neurological well-being. Also, studies highlighted GLP-1 RAs' positive impact on olfactory function in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes, on neurodegenerative disorders, multiple sclerosis, and endotoxemia. In order to analyze current studies that assess the impact of semaglutide on cognitive function, a literature search was conducted up to February 2024 on two online databases, MEDLINE (via PubMed) and Web of Science Core Collection, as well as various websites. Fifteen studies on mice populations and two studies on cell lines were included, analyzed, and assessed with bias-specific tools. The neuroprotective and anti-apoptotic properties of GLP-1 and its analogs were emphasized, with animal models and cell line studies demonstrating enhanced cognitive function. While promising, limitations include fewer studies, highlighting the need for extensive research, particularly in the human population. Even though this medication seems promising, there are significant limitations, one of which is the lack of studies on human subjects. Therefore, this review aims to gather current evidence.

The Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on Patients With Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS).

INTRODUCTION: During the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, the management of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) underwent dynamic adjustments in response to an evolving understanding of the virus's impact on different patient populations. Healthcare practitioners reevaluated therapeutic approaches for conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), considering the potential implications of this condition on the severity and progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study aims to investigate potential correlations between SARS-CoV-2 infection severity, exacerbation of LUTS, and BPH progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study includes patients hospitalized in our Urology Department between January 2021 and January 2023, presenting with both SARS-CoV-2 and BPH. Their ages ranged from 57 to 88 years, with a mean age of 65.4 years. The diagnosis of BPH relied on a diagnostic triad consisting of digital rectal examination, biological markers (including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and free PSA, and ultrasound examination, with both conditions confirmed based on test results. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) procedures utilized monopolar Karl Storz resection equipment, using sorbitol and bipolar Olympus devices for transurethral resection of the prostate in saline (TURPis). Haemostasia was performed using roller balls. Anticoagulation followed a prescribed scheme by cardiologists and infectious disease specialists. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. RESULTS: Among the 138 hospitalized patients affected by both BPH and COVID-19, 18 required emergency endoscopic procedures (specifically TURP or TURPis) to achieve hemostasis (Figures 1, 2). These individuals presented persistent hematuria despite conservative treatments. The mean duration of surgery was 57.9 minutes. Patients who underwent surgery had a longer average hospital stay compared to those who did not, with durations of 10.5 days versus 7.5 days, respectively. Additionally, urethrovesical catheter insertion was necessary in 29 cases due to acute urinary retention or worsening voiding symptoms during hospitalization. These patients are scheduled for further urological evaluation following the resolution of the COVID-19 episode. In a cohort of 53 patients for whom data were accessible, comparisons were made between the pre-COVID status and the levels of the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), post-voiding residue (PVR), and quality of life (QoL). The findings revealed a mean pre-COVID IPSS value of 11.6 and a COVID-related value of 14.2, with a statistically significant difference noted (p < 0.05). The mean pre-COVID PVR was 42.3 cm2, whereas during the COVID-19 period, it measured 62.5 cm2, also exhibiting a significant difference (p < 0.05). Additionally, the QoL showed a mean pre-COVID-19 score of 2.4 and a COVID-19-associated score of 2.9, again demonstrating statistical significance (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic posed novel challenges in the medical realm, impacting the approach to BPH management. A common practice was delaying treatment for chronic BPH until viral infection remission to reduce associated risks. Additionally, our study revealed a worse evolution in LUTS among individuals with severe COVID-19 symptoms.

Laparoscopic approach of inguinal hernia associated with adult cryptorchidism: case series and literature review.

Cryptorchidism is defined as the extra-scrotal position of the testes. It is a common disorder in male children, but rarely in adult patients. The association of cryptorchidism with hernia is a common finding in childhood, but is not frequent in adults or the elderly. Herein, we report a series of three cases (28-, 24-, and 34-year-old men) of adult inguinal hernia combined with cryptorchidism successfully managed by laparoscopic surgery under the same operative view. Laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair and orchiectomy were performed in all patients. No complications occurred in the postoperative period, and the patients were discharged on the first or second postoperative day. Pathological examination of the specimens revealed atrophic testes without malignancy. No hernia recurrence was observed during follow-up. The laparoscopic approach in the combined pathology of inguinal hernia and cryptorchidism is feasible in adult patients and has multiple advantages in terms of diagnosis and management.

Factors Affecting the Efficiency of Near-Infrared Indocyanine Green (NIR/ICG) in Lymphatic Mapping for Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review.

As laparoscopy gained global popularity in oncologic surgery, the challenge of detecting lymph nodes spurred researchers to explore innovative techniques and approach the situation from a fresh perspective. While many proposed methods have faded into obscurity, the utilization of indocyanine green (ICG) in the surgical treatment of oncologic patients has continued to advance. The immense potential of this dye is widely acknowledged, yet its full extent and limitations in lymphatic mapping for colorectal cancer remain to be precisely determined. This article aims to assess the magnitude of its potential and explore the constraints based on insights from clinical studies published by pioneering researchers. A systematic review of the existing literature, comprising articles in English, was conducted using the Scopus, PubMed, and Springer Link databases. The search employed keywords such as "colorectal cancer" AND/OR "indocyanine green," "fluorescence" AND/OR "lymphatic mapping" AND/OR "lymph nodes." Initially identifying 129 articles, the application of selection criteria narrowed down the pool to 10 articles, which served as the primary sources of data for our review. Despite the absence of a standardized protocol for the application of ICG in colorectal cancer, particularly in the context of lymphatic mapping, the detection rates have exhibited considerable variation across studies. Nevertheless, all authors unanimously regarded this technique as beneficial and promising. Additionally, it is advocated as an adjunctive tool to enhance the accuracy of cancer staging. Near-infrared (NIR)-enhanced surgery holds the promise of transforming the landscape of oncologic surgery, emerging as a valuable tool for surgeons. However, the absence of a standardized technique and the subjective nature of result assessment impose limitations on the potential of this method. Consequently, it can be inferred that the establishment of a universally accepted protocol, encompassing parameters such as dose, concentration, technique, and site of administration of ICG, along with the optimal time needed for fluorescence visualization, would enhance the outcomes. Emphasizing the accurate selection of patients is crucial to prevent the occurrence of false-negative results.

Ruptured Recurrent Interstitial Ectopic Pregnancy Successfully Managed by Laparoscopy.

Ectopic pregnancies are a frequently encountered cause of first-trimester metrorrhagia. They occur when an embryo is implanted and grows outside the normal uterine space. Uncommonly, the embryo can be implanted in the intramural portion of the uterine tube, a condition referred to as interstitial localization. This specific type of ectopic pregnancy may have an unpredictable course, potentially leading to severe uterine rupture and catastrophic bleeding if not promptly diagnosed and managed. We present a rare case of a multiparous 36-year-old female patient who underwent pelvic ultrasonography in the emergency department for intense pelvic pain associated with hypotension and moderate anemia. A history of right salpingectomy for a ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy 10 years previously was noted. High beta-HCG levels were also detected. A pelvic ultrasound allowed us to suspect a ruptured ectopic interstitial pregnancy at 8 weeks of amenorrhea. An association with hemoperitoneum was suspected, and an emergency laparoscopy was performed. The condition was confirmed intraoperatively, and the patient underwent a right corneal wedge resection with suture of the uterine myometrium. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on the fourth day postoperatively. Interstitial ectopic pregnancy is a rare yet extremely perilous situation. Timely ultrasound-based diagnosis is crucial as it can enable conservative management with Methotrexate. Delayed diagnosis can lead to uterine rupture with consecutive surgery based on a transection of the pregnancy and cornual uterine resection.

Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK Signaling Pathways in Gastric Cancer.

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide, with more than 1 million cases diagnosed every year. Helicobacter pylori represents the main risk factor, being responsible for 78% of the cases. Increased amounts of salt, pickled food, red meat, alcohol, smoked food, and refined sugars negatively affect the stomach wall, contributing to GC development. Several gene mutations, including PIK3CA, TP53, ARID1A, CDH1, Ras, Raf, and ERBB3 are encountered in GC pathogenesis, leading to phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-PI3K/AKT/mTOR-and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway activation and promoting tumoral activity. Helicobacter pylori, growth factors, cytokines, hormones, and oxidative stress also activate both pathways, enhancing GC development. In clinical trials, promising results have come from monoclonal antibodies such as trastuzumab and ramucirumab. Dual inhibitors targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK signaling pathways were used in vitro studies, also with promising results. The main aim of this review is to present GC incidence and risk factors and the dysregulations of the two protein kinase complexes together with their specific inhibitors.

Extended autologous tracheal replacement by a novel pedicled thoraco-chondro-costal flap: a cadaveric proof of concept.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to report an anatomic model of an autologous flap based on the internal thoracic blood supply: the pedicled thoraco-chondro-costal flap; and establish the feasibility of various types of extended tracheal replacement with this novel flap, according to a newly proposed topographic classification. METHODS: In a cadaveric model, a cervicotomy combined with median sternotomy was performed. The incision was extended laterally to expose the chest wall. The internal thoracic pedicle was freed from its origin down to the upper limit of the delineated flap to be elevated. The perichondria and adjacent periostea were incised longitudinally to remove cartilages and adjacent rib segments, preserving perichondria and periostea. A full-thickness quadrangular chest wall flap pedicled on internal thoracic vessels was then elevated and shaped into a neo conduit to replace the trachea with the pleura as an inner lining. RESULTS: Various types of extended non-circumferential and full-circumferential tracheal replacements were achieved with this composite flap. No anastomosis tension was noticed despite the absence of release manoeuvres. CONCLUSIONS: This model could represent a suitable autologous tracheal substitute, which is long, longitudinally flexible and eventually transversely rigid. No microsurgical vascular anastomoses are required. The technique is reproducible. The perichondria and periostea would regenerate vascularized neo-cartilaginous rings, potentially decreasing the need for long-term stenting. The inner pleural lining could potentially transform into ciliated epithelium as shown in previous preclinical studies.

Combined semirigid and flexible ureterorenoscopy for the treatment of large renal stones.

Ureteroscopy is recognized as a minimally invasive and readily accessible method with low morbidity, favorable outcomes, and rapid post-interventional recovery. Recent advancements in rigid and flexible ureteroscopes have enhanced their efficiency, durability, and capability to accommodate accessory instruments. In this retrospective analysis, we evaluated 75 consecutive patients with large renal stones (stone burden between 2 and 4 cm) treated using a combination of semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2021. Stone properties and anatomical information were collected from the image archives derived from computed tomography (CT) and/or KUD radiography. Multiple ureteroscopy sessions were required for bigger stones. The length of the hospital stay, operation time, stone-free rate, preoperative and postoperative complications, and complication rates were examined. The average age of the patients was 52.7 years, with a mean stone burden of 31.45 mm. Most stones were in the renal pelvis, followed by the upper calyx. The average operative time was 56.2 minutes. After the initial ureteroscopy session, the stone clearance rate was 76%, which increased to 92% after two ureteroscopy sessions. Complication rates were evaluated using the Clavien-Dindo modified system, with an overall complication rate of 18.4%. Most of the complications were Clavien Grades I and II, with no grade V complication encountered. Large renal stones can be treated by combining semirigid and flexible ureteroscopy to reduce the operative time and protect the flexible ureteroscope.

Clinical relevance of circulating ESR1 mutations during endocrine therapy for advanced hormone-dependent endometrial carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Endocrine therapy is frequently administered in patients with hormone dependent (HR+) metastatic endometrial cancer. ESR1 mutations have emerged as a key mechanism of aromatase inhibitor (AI) resistance in HR + metastatic breast cancer and can be monitored using circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). The aim of this study was to explore the incidence and clinical relevance of circulating ESR1 mutations in patients treated by AI or megestrol acetate (M) for advanced endometrial carcinoma. METHODOLOGY: This single-center retrospective study was performed at the Henri Becquerel Center (Rouen) and looked for circulating ESR1 gene mutations by droplet digital PCR (E380Q, L536R, Y537S, Y537N, Y537C, D538G, S463P) in patients with advanced HR + endometrial carcinoma treated between 2008 and 2020 for at least 30 days by AI or M. Analyses were performed before exposure and at progression/during endocrine therapy. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were included: 13 were treated with AI, 12 of whom progressed; 9 patients were treated with M, 8 of whom progressed. 68.1% of the patients had low-grade endometrial carcinoma and 54.5% had received chemotherapy in the metastatic setting. The median duration of treatment was 152 days (min 47 - max 629) with AI and 155 days (min 91-max 1297) with M. Under AI, there was no ESR1 mutation at baseline, and one Y537C mutation at progression with a variant allele frequency (VAF) of 0.14%. Under M, one patient had a Y537C (VAF 0.2%) at baseline that disappeared during treatment. Another patient had a Y537S mutation emergence at progression after 91 days of treatment (VAF 1.83%). There was no significant difference between the circulating DNA concentration before and after hormone therapy (p = 0.16). CONCLUSION: ESR1 mutations do not seem to be involved in the mechanisms of resistance to AI or M in HR+ endometrial cancer. The clinical relevance of their detection is not demonstrated.

Double J Stents and Reno-Ureteral Lithiasis: Dynamic Changes in Management during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

PURPOSE: To provide an evidence-based review of the use of ureteral stents in managing reno-ureteral lithiasis during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A literature search was conducted between 2020 and 2023 using the PubMed and SCOPUS databases. As a part of the search query, we entered "ureteral stents" OR "double J stent" AND "renal colic" OR "ureteral obstruction" OR "reno-ureteral lithiasis" AND "COVID-19 Pandemic" OR "SARS-CoV-2 infection". RESULTS: Patients with lithiasis should be categorized into low priority, intermediate priority, high priority, and emergency under the COVID-19 pandemic scenario to manage their delay and save resources, including healthcare professionals, beds, and ventilators. However, immediate interventions are necessary for individuals at risk of life-threatening septic complications. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the feasibility of conducting or resuming elective activity depended on local circumstances, the accessibility of beds and ventilators, and the execution of screening protocols. If lithiasis surgery is delayed, consequences and increased effort will be inevitable. It is possible that teleconsultation could help guide these patients and cut down on unnecessary visits and exposure. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 has shifted treatment options for urinary stones, with ureteral stents being a safe, efficient, and cost-effective option for managing urolithiasis. Decompression is essential in emergency situations, while ureteral stents reduce the risk of infection and hospital visits.

Variability of Sentinel Lymph Node Location in Patients with Trunk Melanoma.

(1) Background: Melanoma is one of the most aggressive types of neoplasia, and the management of this pathology requires a correct staging, as well as a personalized modern oncological treatment. The main objective of the study is to determine the variability of the lymphatic drainage for patients with melanomas located on the trunk and, secondarily, to determine the features of individuals who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) depending on the exact location on the trunk. (2) Methods: This retrospective, observational, single-center study included 62 cases of trunk melanoma operated between July 2019 and March 2023, in which SLNB was performed and a total of 84 lymph nodes were excised. (3) Results: Patients had a median age of 54.5 (33-78) years, with 58.1% being male; the melanomas had a median Breslow index of 2.3 (0.5-12.5) mm. Approximately 64.3% of the cohort had melanoma on the upper part of the trunk (54 cases) and 35.7% had it on the lower part (30 cases). The type of anesthesia chosen was general anesthesia in 53 cases and spinal anesthesia in 9 cases (85.5% vs. 14.5%, p < 0.001). The number of sentinel lymph nodes excised was 54 for melanomas located on the upper part of the trunk (8 cervical and 46 axillary) and 30 sentinel lymph nodes for melanomas of the lower part of the trunk (16 at the axillary level and 14 at the inguinal level). Out of the 54 LNs identified in patients with melanoma on the upper part of the trunk, 13 were positive, with a total of 12 positive lymph nodes (LNs) from the axillar basin, and only one from the cervical region. Additionally, the incidence of patients with a minimum of two identified sentinel lymph nodes was 32.2%, with a total of seven having LN involvement in two basins, and only one of these cases showed positivity for malignancy. (4) Conclusions: SLNBs were more frequent in the axillary region overall, and had more positive SLNs. Moreover, melanoma on the upper part of the trunk had a higher rate of positive SLNs compared to the lower part. Tumors located on the lower part of the truck had more positive SLNs in the axillary region than in the inguinal one.

Diagnosis and Treatment Difficulties in a Case of Synchronous Colon Cancer with Ovarian Metastasis and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis.

We present the case of a 46 year old female patient, with a personal history of breast abscess and total thyroidectomy for multiple thyroid cysts, who was investigated in a different healthcare facility for loss of appetite and weight loss. She was referred to our hospital with a suspicion of stage IIIC ovarian cancer, based on the paraclinical investigations which were made: a pelvic MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) and the ROMA score (23,16%). The colonoscopy done at the Clinical Emergency Hospital of Bucharest after admitting the patient revealed a circumferential tumor with an ulcerative and infiltrative aspect, which occupied in totality the lumen of the colon, near the splenic flexure. Biopsies were taken at this level. The histopathology result describes a welldifferentiated colorectal adenocarcinoma. A surgical intervention with complete cytoreduction was performed. Immunohistochemistry and histopathology reports of the tissue provided confirmed the origin of the tumor as being colonic, concluding that the primary tumor was a colonic mucinous adenocarcinoma with multiple peritoneal and bilateral ovarian metastases.

Identification of Predictive Factors for Pathologic Complete Response in Rectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Neoadjuvant Treatment: A Retrospective Study.

Background: Colorectal cancer is a serious illness, with rectal cancer accounting for thirty percent of all cases. For patients diagnosed with rectal cancer, neoadjuvant downstaging chemoradiotherapy is often necessary due to advanced disease at presentation. However, for certain patients, neoadjuvant chemotherapy can result in a complete response, leading to the possibility of overtreatment during subsequent definitive surgery. Methods: In order to identify predictors for clinical or pathologic complete response, we conducted a retrospective study on 231 patients diagnosed with locally advanced rectal cancer who underwent neoadjuvant treatment. Results: Our results indicate that tumor characteristics remain the primary predictive factors for treatment response in rectal cancer patients. Specifically, we found that a complete pathologic response was more likely in patients with stage I/II disease compared to stage III/IV. However, we did not identify any statistically significant associations between radiotherapy characteristics (such as fractionation, treatment technique or total dose) and complete response rates. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study highlights the importance of tumor stage in predicting pathologic complete response following neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer patients. Other clinical and pathologic factors, such as tumor size, may also be important predictors of treatment response and should be explored in future studies.

The Evolving Landscape of Immunotherapy in Uterine Cancer: A Comprehensive Review.

Endometrial cancer affects the uterus and is becoming increasingly common and deadly. Although surgery and adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy can often cure the disease when it is contained in the uterus, patients with metastatic or recurrent disease have limited response rates to chemotherapy, targeted agents, and hormonal therapy. To address this unmet clinical need, innovative treatment strategies are needed, and a growing focus on the immunomodulation of the tumor microenvironment has arisen. Current data suggest that active and/or passive immunotherapy may be promising for the treatment of endometrial cancer.

Double-J stent versus percutaneous nephrostomy for emergency upper urinary tract decompression.

Urinary tract obstruction is a serious condition that can cause significant morbidity in patients with acute obstructive uropathy. Prompt urinary diversion is necessary to prevent further damage to the kidneys. Retrograde ureteral stenting (RUS) and percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) are the two main treatment options for this condition in many hospitals. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness and safety of PCN and RUS for treating acute obstructive uropathy. We conducted a retrospective study of 1500 consecutive patients who presented to the emergency room between January 2017 and December 2021 and underwent either double-J stenting or percutaneous nephrostomy. Patient characteristics and anatomic data were evaluated using abdominal ultrasonography, computed tomography, blood tests, and/or KUB radiography. Out of the 1500 patients, 1172 patients underwent double-J stenting, while 328 patients received percutaneous nephrostomy initially. In 54 cases where double-J stenting was inefficient, subsequent percutaneous nephrostomy was performed. The majority of cases were efficiently treated with double-J stenting. Double-J stenting was an effective method of urinary drainage in most cases of acute obstructive uropathy.

Single-use versus conventional reusable flexible ureteroscopes - an evaluation of the functional parameters.

The purpose of single-use flexible ureteroscopes (su-fURS) was to overcome the limitations of conventional reusable ureteroscopes in terms of maneuverability and maintenance. We aimed to perform a systematic literature review on available su-fURS performance versus conventional reusable fURS focusing on clinical data. A systematic research using Pubmed was performed evaluating single-use fURS and reusable fURS in urinary tract stone disease, including prospective assessments and case series. This review aimed to provide an overview of single-use and disposable flexible ureteroscopes and to examine and compare their capabilities (deflection, irrigation, optical properties). We included 11 studies, where the single-use fURS were compared to the reusable fURS. The studies with single-use ureteroscopes included data on LithoVue (Boston Scientific), The Uscope UE3022 (Pusen, Zhuhai, China), NeoFlex-Flexible, (Neoscope Inc San Jose, CA), 23 YC-FR-A (Shaogang). For reusable ureteroscopes, data were included on three models, two digital (Karl Storz Flex-XC and Olympus URF-Vo) and one fiber optic (Wolf-Cobra). There were no significant differences in stone-free rate, procedure duration, or functional capabilities between single-use fURS and reusable fURS. The systematic literature review analyzed operative time, functional capabilities, stone-free rates, and postoperative complications of the ureteroscopes, and a special chapter about renal abnormalities to emphasize that they are a good choice having a high proportion of stone-free rates and few risks, particularly in treating difficult-to-access calculi. Single-use fURS demonstrate a comparable efficacy with reusable fURS in resolving renal lithiasis. Further studies on clinical efficacy are needed to determine whether single-use fURS will reliably replace its reusable counterpart.

Validation of a New Prognostic Score in Patients with Ovarian Adenocarcinoma.

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the impact of clinical prognostic factors and propose a prognostic score that aids the clinician's decision in estimating the risk for patients in clinical practice. Materials and Methods: The study included 195 patients diagnosed with ovarian adenocarcinoma. The therapeutic strategy involved multidisciplinary decisions: surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy (80%), neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery (16.4%), and only chemotherapy in selected cases (3.6%). Results: After a median follow-up of 68 months, in terms of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 1 and 2 vs. 0 (hazard ratio-HR = 2.71, 95% confidence interval-CI, 1.96-3.73, p < 0.001 for PFS and HR = 3.19, 95%CI, 2.20-4.64, p < 0.001 for OS), menopausal vs. premenopausal status (HR = 2.02, 95%CI, 1.35-3,0 p < 0.001 and HR = 2.25, 95%CI = 1.41-3.59, p < 0.001), ascites (HR = 1.95, 95%CI 1.35-2.80, p = 0.03, HR = 2.31, 95%CI = 1.52-3.5, p < 0.007), residual disease (HR = 5.12, 95%CI 3.43-7.65, p < 0.0001 and HR = 4.07, 95%CI = 2.59-6.39, p < 0.0001), and thrombocytosis (HR = 2.48 95%CI = 1.72-3.58, p < 0.0001, HR = 3.33, 95%CI = 2.16-5.13, p < 0.0001) were associated with a poor prognosis. An original prognostic score including these characteristics was validated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (area under the curve-AUC = 0.799 for PFS and AUC = 0.726 for OS, p < 0.001). The median PFS for patients with none, one, two, three, or four (or more) prognostic factors was not reached, 70, 36, 20, and 12 months, respectively. The corresponding median overall survival (OS) was not reached, 108, 77, 60, and 34 months, respectively. Conclusions: Several negative prognostic factors were identified: ECOG performance status ≥ 1, the presence of ascites and residual disease after surgery, thrombocytosis, and menopausal status. These led to the development of an original prognostic score that can be helpful in clinical practice.

Comparison between Retrograde Flexible Ureteroscopy and Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy for the Treatment of Renal Stones of 2-4 cm.

Background and objectives: Renal stones are widespread, with a lifetime prevalence of 10% in adults. Flexible ureteroscopy enables urologists to treat lower calyx stones or even complex renal stones through the natural orifice and achieve an acceptable stone-free rate. Hence, we analyzed the effectiveness and safety of FURS versus PCNL in treating renal stones between 20 and 40 mm in diameter. Materials and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 250 consecutive patients with large renal solitary stones (stone burden between 2 and 4 cm) from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups: group 1 (125 patients), in which the patients were treated by a retrograde flexible ureteroscopic approach, and group 2 (125 patients), in which we used percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Stone characteristics and anatomical data were observed based on the computed tomography (CT) and/or KUB (Kidney-ureter-Bladder) radiography imaging archive. Results: The mean stone burden was 26.38 ± 4.453 mm in group 1 and 29.44 ± 4.817 mm in group 2. The stone-free rate after the first ureteroscopy was higher for the PNL(percutaneous nephrolithotomy) group (90.4%) than the F-URS group (68%). After two sessions of ureteroscopy, the SFR was 88.8% in the first group, and after three procedures, the SFR rose to 95.2%. The overall complication rate was higher in group 1 than in group 2 (18.4% vs. 16.8%), but without statistical relevance (p > 0.5). Furthermore, we encountered more grade III and IV complications in the PNL group (8.8% vs. 4.8%, p < 0.05). Conclusion: Flexible ureteroscopy proves to be efficient in treating renal stones over 2 cm. However, the patients must be informed that more than one procedure might be necessary to overcome the entire stone burden.

Chronic Pelvic Puzzle: Navigating Deep Endometriosis with Renal Complications.

This case report delves into the intricacies of a challenging clinical scenario involving deep pelvic endometriosis, which manifested with renal complications. Endometriosis, a complex gynecological condition, is explored in this case, highlighting its multifaceted nature. The patient presented with a complex interplay of symptoms, including chronic pelvic pain, urinary tract issues, and severe deep adenomyosis. The diagnostic journey was protracted, emphasizing the need for early recognition and intervention in such cases. A thorough evaluation, including laparoscopic examination and histopathological analysis, revealed the extensive presence of endometriotic lesions in various pelvic and renal structures, ultimately leading to left hydronephrosis. The report underscores the significance of timely diagnosis and surgical intervention to prevent irreversible renal damage. This case provides valuable insights into the management of deep endometriosis with renal involvement and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration. Understanding the complexities of this condition can aid in improving patient outcomes and enhancing the quality of care provided.

The Impact of the Double J Stent on Health and Sexual Life.

Double J stents are commonplace tools used in modern urology, serving as a vital aid in the drainage of the upper urinary system. Along with the numerous advantages of these catheters, numerous negative consequences have also been addressed throughout time. Among the most common symptoms associated with ureteral catheters are those associated with LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms), such as dysuria, urinary urgency, pollakiuria, the feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, urinary incontinence, or even urinary tract infections (UTIs). Complications associated with sexual dysfunction, including dyspareunia and pain during sex, which can lead to erectile dysfunction or loss of orgasm, are less discussed in the literature. This small review tries to focus on the most important aspects of low urinary symptoms that affect the general quality of life and those related to the quality of sexual life, which are less discussed but of particular importance in the lifestyle of any patient with such ureteral device.