Recovery of pad-free continence in elderly men does not differ from younger men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy for aggressive prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: To analyze urinary continence outcome following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for aggressive prostate cancer in men aged ≥ 70 and < 70 years. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of prospectively collected long-term data from a monocentric cohort of 350 men with D'Amico high-risk prostate cancer undergone robot-assisted radical prostatectomy at a single institution between 2005 and 2016. The association between time since operation and zero-pad urinary continence recovery was comparatively analyzed by separate pre-operative and post-operative Cox proportional-hazard regression models. RESULTS: Median age in the age group ≥ 70 years was 73 years compared with 62 years in the < 70 year age group. Distribution of men receiving adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy/hormonal therapy was similar in both age groups. Urinary continence recovery rate at 12, 24, and 36 months after surgery of men aged ≥ 70 years was 66, 79 and 83%, respectively, and statistically similar to that of men < 70 years: 71, 81, and 85% (log-rank test p = 0.24). Multivariable analyses demonstrated no significant difference in return to continence between the two age groups (p = 0.28 and p = 0.17). In addition, clinical stage and type of nerve sparing (unilateral, bilateral or non-nerve sparing) were found to be independently predictive of pad-free continence recovery. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of age, return to continence in men with aggressive prostate cancer undergoing RARP continues to improve way beyond the first 12 months after surgery. Considering the dire effects of post-operative radiotherapy on continence in this aggressive cancer cohort, advanced age alone should not discourage recommending multimodal therapy involving RARP.

Is Nonoperative Management the Best First-line Option for High-grade Renal trauma? A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: The management of high-grade (Grade IV-V) renal injuries remains controversial. There has been an increase in the use of (NOM) but limited data exists comparing outcomes with open surgical exploration. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to determine if NOM is the best first-line option for high-grade renal trauma in terms of safety and effectiveness. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched for all relevant publications, without time or language limitations. The primary harm outcome was overall mortality and the primary benefit outcome was renal preservation rate. Secondary outcomes included length of hospital stay and complication rate. Single-arm studies were included as there were few comparative studies. Only studies with more than 50 patients were included. Data were narratively synthesised in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Seven nonrandomised comparative and four single-arm studies were selected for data extraction. Seven hundred and eighty-seven patients were included from the comparative studies with 535 patients in the NOM group and 252 in the open surgical exploration group. A further 825 patients were included from single-arm studies. Results from comparative studies: overall mortality: NOM (0-3%), open surgical exploration (0-29%); renal preservation rate: NOM (84-100%), open surgical exploration (0-82%); complication rate: NOM (5-32%), open surgical exploration (10-76%). Overall mortality and renal preservation rate were significantly better in the NOM group whereas there was no statistical difference with regard to complication rate. Length of hospital stay was found be significantly reduced in the NOM group. Patients in the open surgical exploration group were more likely to have Grade V injuries, have a lower systolic blood pressure, and higher injury severity score on admission. CONCLUSIONS: No randomised controlled trials were identified and significant heterogeneity existed with regard to outcome reporting. However, NOM appeared to be safe and effective in a stable patient with a higher renal preservation rate, a shorter length of stay, and a comparable complication rate to open surgical exploration. Overall mortality was higher in the open surgical exploration group, though this was likely due to selection bias. PATIENT SUMMARY: The data of this systematic review suggest nonoperative management continues to be favoured to surgical exploration in the management of high-grade renal trauma whenever possible. However, comparisons between both interventions are difficult as patients who have surgery are often more seriously injured than those managed nonoperatively, and existing studies do not report on outcomes consistently.

The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and penile size issues, especially seen in Peyronie's disease (PD), are candidates for more invasive penile prosthesis insertion techniques that aim for penile length and girth reconstruction. AIM: To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on the so-called multiple-slit technique (MUST) for patients with severe ED and significant penile shortening with or without PD. METHODS: From July 2013 through January 2016, 138 patients underwent the MUST. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction were completed. OUTCOMES: Outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, penile curvature correction, intra- and postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS: 138 patients underwent the procedure (103 malleable and 35 inflatable devices). Etiologies of penile shortening and narrowing were PD, severe ED, post-radical prostatectomy, and androgen-deprivation therapy with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy for prostate cancer, and post-penile fracture in 60.1%, 24.6%, 10.1%, 3.6%, and 2.2%, respectively. In PD cases, the mean deviation of the penile axis was 55° (range = 0-90°). Mean subjective penile length loss reported was 3.2 cm (range = 1-5 cm), and shaft constriction was present in 44.9%. Median follow-up was 15.2 months (range = 6-36 months). Mean penile length gain was 3.1 cm (range = 2-5 cm). No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. One glans necrosis was encountered. The average IIEF score increased from 22 points at baseline to 66 points at 6-month follow-up. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The MUST helps address penile size issues in cases of severe ED with concomitant conditions that impair penile length or girth. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strength of the study is its applicability to provide surgeons with a solution for cases in which patients have severe ED and penile size impairment owing to underlying conditions such as PD. The study is limited by the relatively short follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The MUST is an effective, safe, and viable treatment option for a selected patient cohort. Because of the potential complications, proper counseling should take place and only experienced surgeons should perform this type of surgery. Egydio PH, Kuehhas FE. The Multiple-Slit Technique (MUST) for Penile Length and Girth Restoration. J Sex Med 2018;15:261-269.

Outcomes of Early Endoscopic Realignment Versus Suprapubic Cystostomy and Delayed Urethroplasty for Pelvic Fracture-related Posterior Urethral Injuries: A Systematic Review.

CONTEXT: The evidence base for optimal acute management of pelvic fracture-related posterior urethral injuries needs to be reviewed because of evolving endoscopic techniques. The current standard of care is suprapubic cystostomy followed by delayed urethroplasty. OBJECTIVE: To systematically review the evidence base comparing early endoscopic realignment with cystostomy and delayed urethroplasty regarding stricture rate, the need for subsequent procedures, and functional outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic search in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Review, and www.clinicaltrials.gov without time or language limitations. Both medical subject heading and free text terms as well as variations of root word were searched. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), nonrandomised comparative studies and single-arm case series were included, as long as ≥10 patients were enrolled. Data were narratively synthesised in light of methodological and clinical heterogeneity. The risk of bias of each included study was assessed. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: No RCTs were found. Six nonrandomised comparative studies and met inclusion criteria and were selected for data extraction. Noncomparative studies with more than 10 participants were included resulting in seven eligible studies. From the comparative papers the results of 219 patients were reported: 142 in the realignment group and 77 in the group undergoing cystostomy with delayed repair. The noncomparative studies reported on a further 150 cases. An overall stricture rate of 49% was evident in the endoscopic realignment group. Of these patients, 50% (28.1% overall) could be managed by endoscopic procedures and 40.3% (18.5% of intervention group) required anastomotic repair. CONCLUSIONS: No RCTs were found and the included nonrandomised studies have heterogeneous populations and a high degree of bias. About half of the patients were free of stricture and thus did not undergo delayed urethroplasty in case early endoscopic realignment had been performed. PATIENT SUMMARY: This systematic review of literature of urethral trauma revealed there are no well conducted comparative studies of newer endoscopic treatments versus standard treatments which include more extensive surgery. The results of the reports we selected based on specific characteristics are often influenced by variable factors. After careful analysis of these results we can conclude that the newer endoscopic techniques might resolve the risk of urethral injury due to pubic fractures in about half of the patients. Because of various confounders we cannot identify those patients who would benefit from this procedure or who might be possibly harmed.

A prospective multicentric international study on the surgical outcomes and patients' satisfaction rates of the 'sliding' technique for end-stage Peyronie's disease with severe shortening of the penis and erectile dysfunction.

OBJECTIVES: To report the results from a prospective multicentric study of patients with Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with the 'sliding' technique (ST). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2010 to January 2014, 28 consecutive patients affected by stable PD with severe penile shortening and end-stage erectile dysfunction (ED) were enrolled in three European PD tertiary referral centres. The validated International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire, the Sexual Encounter Profile (SEP) Questions 2 and 3, and the Peyronie's disease questionnaire (PDQ) were completed preoperatively by all patients. At the follow-up visits (at 3, 6 and 12 months), the IIEF, the SEP Questions 2 and 3, the PDQ, and the Erectile Dysfunction Inventory of Treatment Satisfaction (EDITS) were completed. The outcome analysis was focused on penile length restoration, and intra- and postoperative complications classified according the Clavien-Dindo Classification. RESULTS: The mean (range) follow-up was 37 (9-60) months. A malleable penile prosthesis (PP) was implanted in seven patients, while an inflatable three-pieces PP was placed in the remainder. In the case of inflatable PP implantation, porcine small intestinal submucosa and acellular porcine dermal matrix were used to cover the tunical defects. While in patients undergoing malleable PP implantation, collagen-fibrin sponge was used. The mean operative time was 145 min in the inflatable PP group and 115 min in the malleable PP group. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative complications included profuse bleeding requiring a blood transfusion in one patient (3.5%) on anticoagulation therapy for a mechanical heart valve (Grade II) and PP infection requiring the removal of the device (7%) (Grade III). There were no late recurrences of the shaft deformation. The postoperative functional data showed a progressive improvement in the score of all questionnaires, peaking at 12 months postoperatively. The mean (range) penile lengthening was 3.2 (2.5-4) cm and no patient reported recurrence of the curvature. CONCLUSIONS: The present series suggests that, in the hands of experienced high-volume surgeons, penile length restoration with the use of the ST represents an effective option for end-stage PD associated with ED and severe shortening of the shaft. Larger series and longer follow-up will be required to fully establish the efficacy of this procedure.

The Egydio geometrical procedure for managing penile curvature using a single relaxing incision: A single-centre experience with 330 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To present our 3-year experience with the Egydio's geometrical procedure for managing penile curvature with some modifications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 330 patients (mean age 51 years) that underwent the Egydio's procedure as day cases were included in this study. RESULTS: The mean penile curvature was 45° and 27.3% of the patients reported mild erectile dysfunction (ED) preoperatively. Partial excision of the calcified plaque was performed in 12.1% of the patients. Partial glans necrosis was recorded in one patient, while haematoma was recorded in 9%, and delayed wound healing in 3%. There was residual curvature (mean 20°) requiring reoperation in 8.2% of the patients. In all, 10% of the patients were dissatisfied with their results, while of the remainder, 75.2% were totally satisfied and 14.8% partially satisfied. ED was reported in 31.8% of the patients (moderate: 17.3% and significant: 2.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The Egydio geometrical technique for the treatment of penile curvature seems to be a simple, reproducible, safe, and efficient operation.

Focused Dual-energy CT Maintains Diagnostic and Compositional Accuracy for Urolithiasis Using Ultralow-dose Noncontrast CT.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of a new energy and radiation dose-reduced protocol for noncontrast computed tomography (NCCT) with dual-energy CT (DECT) analysis and its potential for the compositional analysis of uric acid (UA)- or non-uric acid (N-UA)-containing calculi. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation was carried out in 61 patients who underwent dose-reduced DECT (tube A: 140 kV/55 mAs; tube B: 80 kV/303 mAs) with a tube current 38.8% lower than that set by the manufacturer. A protocol combining low-dose CT and targeted DE scans was used. Urinary stones were detected and classified as UA- or N-UA-containing or mixed based on DE software results. The accuracy of the compositional analysis was controlled by correlation with conventional infrared-based analysis. RESULTS: The compositional stone differentiation was correct in 58 of 61 (95.1%) patients. The sensitivity of detecting pure UA-containing and pure N-UA-containing stones was 100%. The specificity of detecting UA- and pure N-UA-containing stones was 100% and 78.57%, respectively, as 3 of 7 mixed urinary stones (small fragments <4 mm) were classified as N-UA calculi. The total radiation dose in patients with body mass index <25 and >25 kg/m(2) was 1.2 and 2.5 mSv, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lowering the DECT tube current by up to 38% of the manufacturer's recommendations allows a reduced radiation dose without impairing detection accuracy and stone compositional analysis. Compared with previous studies, this protocol might significantly decrease patient radiation exposure without affecting the quality of results.

Sexual function after surgical treatment for penile cancer: Which organ-sparing approach gives the best results?

INTRODUCTION: We compared the postoperative sexual function of patients who underwent wide local excision (WLE) and glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty for penile cancer. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed clinical data of 41 patients affected by superficial, localized penile cancer (≤cT2a) between 2006 and 2013. Patients with severe erectile dysfunction and not interested in resuming an active sexual life were selected for penile partial amputation. Patients with preoperative satisfying erectile function and concerned about the preservation of their sexual potency were scheduled for WLE (Group A) or glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty (Group B). Sexual function was assessed with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire and the Sex Encounter Profile (SEP). At 1 year, patients were asked to complete the questionnaires again and were questioned about their genital sensibility and ejaculatory reflex persistence. Postoperative complications were reported according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Statistical analysis was performed by two-tailed test: Student t-test and chi-square. RESULTS: Among the 41 patients enrolled, 12 underwent WLE (29.2%), 23 glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty (56%) and 6 with penile partial amputation (14.6%). A decrease in postoperative IIEF was recorded in both groups, but was statistically significant only in Group B (p = 0.003). As for the SEP, while no significant changes were recorded postoperatively in Group A, a marked reduction was reported for Group B, with a statistically significant decrease in the possibility of achieving penetrative intercourse (p = 0.006) and in the perceived satisfaction during sexual activity (p = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: WLE lead to better sexual outcomes and less postoperative complications as compared to glansectomy with urethral glanduloplasty.

Long-Term Results of Reconstructive Surgery for Peyronie's Disease.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease (PD) is an acquired benign connective tissue disorder that involves the tunica albuginea of the penis and can cause penile deformity and shortening. Because this condition is frequently associated with cardiovascular risk factors, a degree of erectile dysfunction is frequently present. The surgical management of PD should be offered once the acute phase of the disease has settled and the deformity is stable. AIM: To critically review the most recent literature published on the surgical management of PD. METHODS: A nonstructured PubMed-based review of the literature published in the last 10 years, searching for the words "Peyronie's disease," "erectile dysfunction," "plication," "grafting," "plaque," and "penile prosthesis," has been carried out. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome of the various surgical procedures is reported. RESULTS: Surgery represents at present the gold standard treatment for PD. The type of procedure should be decided according to the degree of deformity, the quality of the erection, and penile length. CONCLUSIONS: Surgery still represents the gold standard treatment in patients with PD and aims at obtaining a penis straight, rigid, and long enough for penetrative sexual intercourse. Adequate preoperative patient's selection, counselling and the choice of the right type of procedure according to the degree of penile shortening, the type of deformity and the quality of the erection are paramount to achieving satisfactory results. Garaffa G, Kuehhas FE, De Luca F, and Ralph DJ. Long-term results of reconstructive surgery for Peyronie's disease. Sex Med Rev 2015;3:113-121.

Penile lengthening and widening without grafting according to a modified 'sliding' technique.

OBJECTIVE: To present the feasibility and safety of penile length and girth restoration based on a modified 'sliding' technique for patients with severe erectile dysfunction (ED) and significant penile shortening, with or without Peyronie's disease (PD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2013 and January 2014, 143 patients underwent our modified 'sliding' technique for penile length and girth restoration and concomitant penile prosthesis implantation. It is based on three key elements: (i) the sliding manoeuvre for penile length restoration; (ii) potential complementary longitudinal ventral and/or dorsal tunical incisions for girth restoration; and (iii) closure of the newly created rectangular bow-shaped tunical defects with Buck's fascia only. RESULTS: In all, 143 patients underwent the procedure. The causes of penile shortening and narrowing were: PD in 53.8%; severe ED with unsuccessful intracavernosal injection therapy in 21%; post-radical prostatectomy 14.7%; androgen-deprivation therapy, with or without brachytherapy or external radiotherapy, for prostate cancer in 7%; post-penile fracture in 2.1%; post-redo-hypospadias repair in 0.7%; and post-priapism in 0.7%. In patients with ED and PD, the mean (range) deviation of the penile axis was 45 (0-100)°. The mean (range) subjective penile shortening reported by patients was 3.4 (1-7) cm and shaft constriction was present in 53.8%. Malleable penile prostheses were used in 133 patients and inflatable penile prostheses were inserted in 10 patients. The median (range) follow-up was 9.7 (6-18) months. The mean (range) penile length gain was 3.1 (2-7) cm. No penile prosthesis infection caused device explantation. The average International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) score increased from 24 points at baseline to 60 points at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: Penile length and girth restoration based on our modified sliding technique is a safe and effective procedure. The elimination of grafting saves operative time and, consequently, decreases the infection risk and costs associated with surgery.

Review of the current management of lower urinary tract injuries by the EAU Trauma Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: The most recent European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urologic trauma were published in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2014 version of the EAU guidelines on urologic trauma of the lower urinary tract with an emphasis on diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The EAU Trauma Panel reviewed the English-language literature via a Medline search for lower urinary tract injury (LUTI) up to November 2013. The focus was on newer publications and reviews, although older key references could be included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A full version of the guidelines is available in print (EAU Guidelines 2014 edition, ISBN/EAN 978-90-79754-65-6) and online (www.uroweb.org). Blunt trauma is the main cause of LUTI. The preferred diagnostic modality for bladder and urethral injury is cystography and urethrography, respectively. In the treatment of bladder injuries, it is important to distinguish between extra- and intraperitoneal ruptures. Treatment of male anterior urethral injuries depends on the cause (blunt vs penetrating vs penile-fracture-related injury). Blunt posterior urethral injuries can be corrected by immediate/early endoscopic realignment. If this is not possible, such injuries are managed by suprapubic urinary diversion and deferred (>3 mo) urethroplasty. Treatment of female urethral injuries depends on the location of the injury and is usually surgical. CONCLUSIONS: Correct treatment of LUTIs is important to minimise long-term urinary symptoms and sexual dysfunction. This review performed by the EAU trauma panel summarises the current management of LUTIs. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients with trauma to the lower urinary tract benefit from accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment according to the nature and severity of their injury.

Review of the current management of upper urinary tract injuries by the EAU Trauma Guidelines Panel.

CONTEXT: The most recent European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines on urological trauma were published in 2014. OBJECTIVE: To present a summary of the 2014 version of the EAU guidelines on upper urinary tract injuries with the emphasis upon diagnosis and treatment. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The EAU trauma guidelines panel reviewed literature by a Medline search on upper urinary tract injuries; publication dates up to December 2013 were accepted. The focus was on newer publications and reviews, although older key references could be included. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A full version of the guidelines is available in print and online. Blunt trauma is the main cause of renal injuries. The preferred diagnostic modality of renal trauma is computed tomography (CT) scan. Conservative management is the best approach in stable patients. Angiography and selective embolisation are the first-line treatments. Surgical exploration is primarily for the control of haemorrhage (which may necessitate nephrectomy) and renal salvage. Urinary extravasation is managed with endourologic or percutaneous techniques. Complications may require additional imaging or interventions. Follow-up is focused on renal function and blood pressure. Penetrating trauma is the main cause of noniatrogenic ureteral injuries. The diagnosis is often made by CT scanning or at laparotomy, and the mainstay of treatment is open repair. The type of repair depends upon the severity and location of the injury. CONCLUSIONS: Renal injuries are best managed conservatively or with minimally invasive techniques. Preservation of renal units is feasible in most cases. This review, performed by the EAU trauma guidelines panel, summarises the current management of upper urinary tract injuries. PATIENT SUMMARY: Patients with trauma benefit from being accurately diagnosed and treated appropriately, according to the nature and severity of their injury.

International multicentre psychometric evaluation of patient-reported outcome data for the treatment of Peyronie's disease.

OBJECTIVE: To compare patient-reported outcomes (PROs) of surgical correction of Peyronie's disease (PD) with the Nesbit procedure, plaque incision and grafting, and the insertion of a malleable penile implant after surgical correction of penile curvature. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of men who underwent surgical correction of PD between January 2010 and December 2012 at six international centres. Treatment-related PROs and satisfaction were evaluated with a non-validated questionnaire. RESULTS: The response rate to the questionnaire was 70.9%, resulting in a study cohort of 206 patients. The Nesbit procedure, plaque incision with grafting, or implantation of a malleable penile prosthesis was performed in 50, 48, and 108 patients, respectively. Overall, 79.1% reported a subjective loss of penile length due to PD preoperatively (range 2.1-3.2 cm). Those patients treated with a malleable penile implant reported the greatest subjective penile length loss, due to PD. A subjective loss of penile length of >2.5 cm resulted in reduced preoperative sex ability. Postoperatively, 78.0%, 29.2% and 24.1% patients in the Nesbit, grafting, and implant groups reported a postoperative, subjective loss of penile length (range 0.4-1.2 cm), with 86.3%, 78.6%, and 82.1% of the patients in each group, respectively, being bothered by the loss of length. CONCLUSIONS: Penile length loss due to PD affects most patients. Further penile length loss due to the surgical correction leads to bother among the affected patients, irrespective of the magnitude of the loss. The Nesbit procedure was associated with the highest losses in penile length. In patients with PD and severe erectile dysfunction, a concomitant lengthening procedure may be offered to patients to help overcome the psychological burden caused by the loss of penile length.

Single-Incision Transumbilical Surgery (SITUS) versus Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery and conventional laparoscopic surgery: a prospective randomized comparative study of performance with novices in a dry laboratory.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the Single-Incision Transumbilical Surgery (SITUS) technique as compared to an established laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) technique (Single-Port Laparoscopic Surgery, SPLS) and conventional laparoscopy (CLS) in a surgical simulator model. METHODS: Sixty-three medical students without previous laparoscopic experience were randomly assigned to one of the three groups (SITUS, SPLS and CLS). Subjects were asked to perform five standardized tasks of increasing difficulty adopted from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery curriculum. Statistical evaluation included task completion times and accuracy. RESULTS: Overall performances of all tasks (except precision cutting) were significantly faster and of higher accuracy in the CLS and SITUS groups than in the SPLS group (p = 0.004 to p < 0.001). CLS and SITUS groups alone showed no significant difference in performance times and accuracy measurements for all tasks (p = 0.048 to p = 0.989). CONCLUSIONS: SITUS proved to be a simple, but highly effective technique to overcome restrictions of SPLS. In a surgical simulator model, novices were able to achieve task performances comparable to CLS and did significantly better than using a port-assisted LESS technique such as SPLS. The demonstrated advantages of SITUS may be attributed to a preservation of the basic principles of conventional laparoscopy, such as the use of straight instruments and an adequate degree of triangulation.

Diagnosis of renal tumors by in vivo proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the diagnostic potential of choline measurements by in vivo magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MR spectroscopy) for diagnosis of renal masses. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with 29 renal lesions underwent prospectively preoperative 3 T MR spectroscopy of renal masses before diagnostic tissue confirmation. A respiratory-triggered single-voxel MR spectroscopy was performed in these masses using the point-resolved spectroscopy (TR, 2,000 ms, TE, 135 ms) sequence. The spectra were analyzed for choline resonances at 3.23 ppm, which were normalized by the noise outside the diagnostic range of the spectra. Image and spectra analyses were conducted blinded to all patient-related data. Histological results of the surgical resection or image-guided biopsy specimen were defined as the standard of reference. Appropriate statistical tests were used. RESULTS: Seventeen lesions were histopathologically malignant, and 12 lesions were benign. Mean choline SNR in malignant lesions was 2.9 and 1.33 in benign lesions (P = 0.019). ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.721 and SE 0.0763 with a P value of 0.0038. A Cho SNR ≥2 as cutoff for malignancy resulted in a sensitivity and specificity of 52.9 % (95 % CI 27.8-77.0 %) and 91.7 % (61.5-99.8 %), respectively. Although not significant, choline was observed more regularly in G3 (4 out of 5) compared with G2 (5 out of 12) RCC (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We could demonstrate the potential role of in vivo MR spectroscopy as a tool for differentiating benign from malignant masses with a high positive predictive value of 90 %. Furthermore, choline may be a biomarker of RCC aggressiveness.