Anatomical feasibility of a 'semi-custom' unibody single-branch endograft in previous zone 2 thoracic endovascular aortic repair.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a subclavian unibody single-branch endograft among patients treated with thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in landing zone 2 (LZ2). METHODS: This is a pre-clinical, single-centre, real-world, all-comers, retrospective cohort study. Patients treated with TEVAR in LZ2 with an available preoperative computed tomography angiography were included. The primary outcome was the anatomical feasibility of the Castor endograft in patients receiving endovascular treatment in LZ2 between 1999 and 2022. Secondary outcomes were: a comparison of feasible and unfeasible patients; frequencies and description of exclusion causes; non-feasibility risk factor analysis; and analysis of the stent graft configurations necessary to treat 75% of the patients. A logistic regression model was used to find associations between baseline morphological data and non-feasibility. RESULTS: A total of 473 procedures were performed and 72 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included. The mean distance between the left carotid artery and left subclavian artery (or between innominate artery and bovine trunk) was 12.4 ± 5.2 mm and its average diameter was 33.0 ± 10.6 mm. The pre-vertebral left subclavian artery's diameter and length were 11.3 ± 2.5 and 38.7 ± 10.8 mm. Forty-nine (68.1%) patients were suitable for Castor implantation. Twenty-one configurations were required to treat 75% of feasible patients and might be lowered to 12 configurations applying less strict criteria. CONCLUSIONS: The Castor endograft was anatomically feasible in several patients requiring TEVAR in LZ2. Three-quarters of feasible patients could be treated with a reasonable number of configurations, paving the path for future off-the-shelf applications.

Two Decades of Abdominal Aortic Endovascular Repair With the Anatomical FiXation at the Aortic Bifurcation in a Large Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of new endograft models improved long-term results of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endovascular repair (EVAR), but most of them maintained an old and unchanged design: a short body and long legs shifting up the flow divider. This study assessed the long-term results of EVAR with unimodular endoprosthesis fixed at the aorto-iliac bifurcation (Anatomical FiXation), in a large, unselected cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a single-center, retrospective cohort study, 623 patients selectively treated between 1999 and 2016, were analyzed. Follow-up protocol included at least a computed tomography angiography within 3 months and a duplex ultrasound and clinical exam yearly. All enrolled patients were analyzed by 2020. The primary outcomes were technical success, clinical success, and survival. Secondary outcomes included survival-free from late-open-conversion (LOC), reintervention, and endoleaks. RESULTS: Median age was 74±11 years and the follow-up 93±54 months. The technical success was achieved in 99.4% and the 30-day clinical success was 98.4%. A 5-year clinical success of 97.7% was registered and at 10 years success was 96.7%. The overall survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 92.4%, 79.5%, 64.9%, and 45.5%, respectively. Six (0.98%) AAA-related death were registered, 3 caused by infection of the endograft and 3 for secondary rupture. LOCs were 9 (1.47%) and reintervention-free survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years were 88.4%, 78.0%, 76.2%, and 74.6%, respectively. Freedom from endoleaks was 88.8% at 1 year and 72.7% at 15 years. A total of 63 high-flow endoleaks were registered (43 type I, 7 type IIIa, 12 type IIIb, and 1 type Ib+IIIb). No migrations were recorded, and the graft limb thrombosis rate was 1.14%. From a multivariate analysis resulted that long-term clinical success appeared to be reduced in patients affected by diabetes [odds ratio (OR) 0.24; p=0.04] and in presence of calcified and thrombotic iliac accesses (OR 0.16; p=0.006). CONCLUSION: EVAR with the Anatomical FiXation was confirmed to be safe, feasible, and effective to prevent AAA rupture in the long term as well. However, the overall survival remains afflicted by cardiovascular accident. The original concept of unibody bifurcated design allowed a very low rate of graft thrombosis and zeroed the risk of migration and related reintervention.

Endoleak outcomes with different stent-graft generations in a 25-years thoracic endovascular aortic repair experience.

INTRODUCTION: To compare endoleak outcomes after thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair (TEVAR) with different stent-graft generations into long-term follow-up. DESIGN: retrospective, observational, and single-center cohort study. METHODS: TEVAR procedures performed between November 1995 and December 2020 were analyzed. The primary endpoint of this study was the freedom from endoleak (type I/III) in four stent-graft generations during the follow-up period. The first generation (GEN1) included: Vanguard; AneuRx and Talent; Stentor; Excluder; Endologix; EndoFit. The second generation (GEN2) included: TAG and TX. The third (GEN3) included: Relay Plus; Valiant Captivia; Zenith Alpha and custom-made. The fourth (GEN4) included: Relay Pro; Conformable C-TAG; Navion; E-Vita; Najuta; Nexus; standard and custom-made thoraco-abdominal devices. Nonaortic and aorta-related survival was considered as secondary outcome. RESULTS: A total of 509 TEVAR were included with a 44.3 ± 42.5 months mean follow-up. Freedom from endoleak at 5 years was 65.6%, 61.4%, 76.2%, and 69.1% for GEN1, GEN2, GEN3, and GEN4, respectively (p = 0.368). The first two generations demonstrated a higher endoleak rate when compared with the two most recent ones (27.2 vs 18.2%, respectively; p = 0.043). GEN1 was an independent risk factor (p = 0.014) and GEN4 was an independent protective factor (p = 0.001) for endoleak. GEN1 was found to be a risk factor for type-Ia endoleak (p = 0.059). GEN4 demonstrated a protective association regarding type-Ib endoleak (p = 0.012). Overall survival was 75.3%, 44.4%, 27.2%, and 17.6% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively. Survival distinguished as non-related versus aortic-related was 86.7% vs 23.5%, 52.7% vs 9.8%, 32.9% vs 2.0%, 21.2% vs 0% at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years, respectively (p< 0.000). CONCLUSION: Endoleak occurred in a non-negligible percentage of TEVAR patients. A significant reduction of endoleak incidence over evolving stent-grafts generations was registered. Newer stent-graft generations demonstrated better long-term endoleak. Data about long-term outcomes require ongoing updates to prove both the reliability and the durability of newer stent-graft generations.

Intravascular Ultrasound in Branched and Fenestrated Endovascular Aneurysm Repair: Initial Experience in a Single-Center Cohort Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) safety and efficacy to detect visceral stenting issues during complex endovascular aneurysm repair through branched and fenestrated repair (B-FEVAR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective analysis of 33 bridging stents assessed intraoperatively using IVUS between January and September 2020 was performed. Ten aortic aneurysm patients [7 thoracoabdominal / 1 pararenal / 2 juxtarenal; 3 females; mean age 73 years [range 70-77 years]) were included. Eight BEVAR (5 standard; 2 custom-made) and 2 FEVAR (custom-made) were performed. The study assessed the safety and efficacy of IVUS utilization to detect immediate branch instability after visceral stenting in the case of B-FEVAR. The primary safety endpoint was defined as the absence of IVUS-related adverse events. The primary efficacy endpoint was defined as the composite of technical success of the IVUS-assessment in each target visceral vessels (TVVs), the rate of IVUS-findings divided as prompting additional maneuvers or not, and the incidence of postoperative computed tomography angiography findings compared with intraoperative assessment. RESULTS: There were no IVUS-related adverse events. The technical success of the IVUS-assessment was achieved in all TVVs. No technical issues compromised the evaluation of the intended vessel. Among the 7 findings identified by IVUS, 3 were suspected at the angiography. In all, 57% (4/7) had normal final angiography. IVUS was able to detect a 12% (4/33) intraoperative branch instability not identified/suspected at the completion angiography. The IVUS assessment led to an immediate revision in 5 (15%) vessels. A total of 57% (4/7) of the issues were detected in patients undergoing primary BEVAR. The remaining 43% (3/7) was detected in patients undergoing secondary intervention for branch instability. CONCLUSION: IVUS was safe as an adjunctive imaging technique to assess completion after B-FEVAR. It demonstrated efficacy in the detection of intraoperative issues missed by angiography. Further investigations are required to validate these promising results.

Conservative treatment of upper urinary tract carcinoma in patients with imperative indications.

BACKGROUND: To report our experience for endoscopic treatment of upper urinary tract carcinoma (UTUC) in patients with imperative indications for management. METHODS: Retrospective data were collected for all patients who underwent endoscopic management of UTUC for imperative situations, from September 2013 to January 2019. Comorbidity was determined by using the age-adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). The primary endpoint of the study was overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were recurrence-free survival (RFS) rates, complication rates and global renal function. RESULTS: A total of 29 patients were enrolled in the study. The median age was 69.0 (IQR 63.0-79.0) years and the median CCI was 6 (IQR 4-8). Overall, 137 endoscopic procedures were performed; 117 (85.4%) had no complication. Clavien-Dindo grade III and IV complications were 3 (2.2%) and 1 (0.7%) respectively. The median follow-up of 23 months (IQR 14-35). During the follow-up, 2 (6.9%) patients died for cause not related to cancer. Recurrence of UTUC occurred in 18 patients (61.1%). The 24-month OS was 96.4±3.5% and the 24-month RFS was 31.7±9.4%. Lower RFS rates were found in high grade tumor patients (22.2±13.9%) compared to low grade tumor patients (35.6±12.3%) (P=0.237). There was statistical difference in creatinine and eGFR values when comparing baseline to last follow-up (P=0.018 and P=0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management of UTUC in patients with imperative indications appears to be a reasonable alternative to nephroureterectomy. However, stringent endoscopic follow-up is necessary due to the high risk of disease recurrence.

Thulium:YAG Versus Holmium:YAG Laser Effect on Upper Urinary Tract Soft Tissue: Evidence from an Ex Vivo Experimental Study.

Introduction: There are limited data regarding the effect of thulium laser (Tm:YAG) and holmium laser (Ho:YAG) on upper urinary tract. The aim of this study was to compare soft tissue effects of these two lasers at various settings, with a focus on incision depth (ID) and coagulation area (CA). Materials and Methods: An ex vivo experimental study was performed in a porcine model. The kidneys were dissected to expose the upper urinary tract and the block samples containing urothelium and renal parenchyma were prepared. The laser fiber, fixed on a robotic arm, perpendicular to the target tissue was used with a 100 W Ho:YAG and a 200 W Tm:YAG. Incisions were made with the laser tip in contact with the urothelium and in continuous movement at a constant speed of 2 mm/s over a length of 1.5 cm. Total energy varied from 5 to 30 W. Incision shape was classified as follows: saccular, triangular, tubular, and irregular. ID, vaporization area (VA), CA, and total laser area (TLA = VA + CA) were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS V23 package, p-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 216 experiments were performed. Incision shapes were saccular (46%), triangular (38%), and irregular (16%) with the Ho:YAG, while they were tubular (89%) and irregular (11%) with the Tm:YAG. ID was significantly deeper with the Ho:YAG (p = 0.024), while CA and TLA were larger with the Tm:YAG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.005). Conclusion: ID was deeper with Ho:YAG, whereas CA and TLA were larger with the Tm:YAG. Considering surgical principles for endoscopic ablation of upper tract urothelial carcinoma, these results suggest that Tm:YAG may have a lower risk profile (less depth of incision) while also being more efficient at tissue destruction. Future in vivo studies are necessary to corroborate these findings.

Holmium laser for RIRS. Watts are we doing? / Laser holmium para ureteroscopia flexible retrograda. ¿Qué estamos haciendo?

OBJECTIVE: To review recent and relevant information regarding the use of high-power (HPL) and low-power (LPL) Holmium:YAG lasers (Ho:YAG) in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for lithotripsy. METHODS: A PubMed/Embase search was conducted and recent and relevant papers on Ho:YAG for RIRS were reviewed. RESULTS: Settings for Ho:YAG are pulse energy (PE), pulse frequency (PF), and pulse width. Currently, the majority of LPL can also adjust pulse-width but cannot reach PF as high as HPL, however, the higher energy outputs reached by HPL are rarely useful in lithotripsy. Higher PE might enhance ablation but generates larger fragments and higher retropulsion. Pulse width does not affect energy output but delivers energy for a longer time-length. Dusting and basketing are complementary techniques. Dusting seeks to pulverize stones into particles ≤250 µm avoiding the use of instruments for stone retrieval, whereas in fragmenting, the stones are break into smaller pieces which are then retrieved. Dusting can prevent the use of supplies such as access sheaths and baskets and also prevent the complications related to their use. However, is not always feasible in clinical practice to fully ablate a stone into dust, then the use of this supplies and popcorn technique are helpful for rendering a patient stonefree. The energy gap between HPL and LPL is wide and leaves room for a mid-power laser classification, which can overcome the main drawback of LPL, the expenses of HPL, and still holding its versatility for other procedures beyond stones. CONCLUSIONS: HPL and LPL have similar effectiveness, but long-term cost-effectiveness comparisons are underexplored. Newer HPL would need to be compared to emerging technologies as the thulium fiber, and prove superiority to mid-power laser to determine how powerful is enough for Ho:YAG in the years to come.

OBJETIVO: El láser Holmio:YAG (Ho:YAG) es el de elección para litotricia en cirugía retrógrada intrarenal (RIRS). Los equipos láser de alto poder (HPL) y bajo poder (LPL) tienen diferentes características, por lo tanto, pueden tener diferente desempeño. En el presente trabajo tuvimos el objetivo de revisar evidencia sobre el uso de HPL y LPL en RIRS. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed/Embase y la información reciente y relevante sobre HPL y/o LPL en RIRS fue evaluada para una revisión monográfica. RESULTADOS: Los HPL y algunos LPL más recientes permiten al cirujano ajustar la duración del pulso, por lo tanto, al configurar un pulso largo, alta frecuencia y baja energía, se puede lograr una verdadera pulverización. Los LPL no pueden alcanzar la misma emisión de energía que los HPL. La retropulsión aumenta si la energía de pulso es mayor, entonces, se previene la retropulsión al incrementar la emisión total de energía mediante el incremento de la frecuencia. El costo de adquisión de los HPL es considerablemente mayor que el de los LPL, sin embargo, el costo a largo plazo pudiera ser similar pues los procedimientos pueden abaratarse al disminuir el uso de insumos para recuperar los litos, preservar la punta de las fibras reutilizables y disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia no favorece la efectividad de los HPL o LPL de modo abrumador. Ambos dispositivos son efectivos y seguros. No cabe duda de que los HPL alcanzan mayor emisión de energía que los LPL, pero los dispositivos de 50-80 Watts, tienen emisiones de energía que rara vez se alcanzan para litotricia y por lo tanto pudiera considerarse demasiada energía. A medida que nuevas tecnologías han surgido, la brecha entre LPL y HPL se amplía, dejando espacio para una clasificación de poder intermedio (36-55 Watts) y la comparación entre estos dispositivos sería más justa. Asimismo, los HPL aún necesitan ser contrastados en el escenario clínico, con las nuevas tecnologías disponibles, tal como la fibra de laser tulio.

Holmium laser for RIRS. Watts are we doing? / Laser holmium para ureteroscopia flexible retrograda. ¿Qué estamos haciendo?

OBJECTIVE: To review recent and relevant information regarding the use of high-power (HPL) and low-power (LPL) Holmium:YAG lasers (Ho:YAG) in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for lithotripsy. METHODS: A PubMed/Embase search was conducted and recent and relevant papers on Ho:YAG for RIRS were reviewed. RESULTS: Settings for Ho:YAG are pulse energy (PE), pulse frequency (PF), and pulse width. Currently, the majority of LPL can also adjust pulse-width but cannot reach PF as high as HPL, however, the higher energy outputs reached by HPL are rarely useful in lithotripsy. Higher PE might enhance ablation but generates larger fragments and higher retropulsion. Pulse width does not affect energy output but delivers energy for a longer time-length. Dusting and basketing are complementary techniques. Dusting seeks to pulverize stones into particles ≤250 μm avoiding the use of instruments for stone retrieval, whereas in fragmenting, the stones are break into smaller pieces which are then retrieved. Dusting can prevent the use of supplies such as access sheaths and baskets and also prevent the complications related to their use. However, is not always feasible in clinical practice to fully ablate a stone into dust, then the use of this supplies and popcorn technique are helpful for rendering a patient stonefree. The energy gap between HPL and LPL is wide and leaves room for a mid-power laser classification, which can overcome the main drawback of LPL, the expenses of HPL, and still holding its versatility for other procedures beyond stones. CONCLUSIONS: HPL and LPL have similar effectiveness, but long-term cost-effectiveness comparisons are underexplored. Newer HPL would need to be compared to emerging technologies as the thulium fiber, and prove superiority to mid-power laser to determine how powerful is enough for Ho:YAG in the years to come

OBJETIVO: El láser Holmio:YAG (Ho:YAG) es el de elección para litotricia en cirugía retrógrada intrarenal (RIRS). Los equipos láser de alto poder (HPL) y bajo poder (LPL) tienen diferentes características, por lo tanto, pueden tener diferente desempeño. En el presente trabajo tuvimos el objetivo de revisar evidencia sobre el uso de HPL y LPL en RIRS. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda en PubMed/Embase y la información reciente y relevante sobre HPL y/o LPL en RIRS fue evaluada para una revisión monográfica. RESULTADOS: Los HPL y algunos LPL más recientes permiten al cirujano ajustar la duración del pulso, por lo tanto, al configurar un pulso largo, alta frecuencia y baja energía, se puede lograr una verdadera pulverización. Los LPL no pueden alcanzar la misma emisión de energía que los HPL. La retropulsión aumenta si la energía de pulso es mayor, entonces, se previene la retropulsión al incrementar la emisión total de energía mediante el incremento de la frecuencia. El costo de adquisión de los HPL es considerablemente mayor que el de los LPL, sin embargo, el costo a largo plazo pudiera ser similar pues los procedimientos pueden abaratarse al disminuir el uso de insumos para recuperar los litos, preservar la punta de las fibras reutilizables y disminuir el tiempo quirúrgico. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia no favorece la efectividad de los HPL o LPL de modo abrumador. Ambos dispositivos son efectivos y seguros. No cabe duda de que los HPL alcanzan mayor emisión de energía que los LPL, pero los dispositivos de 50-80 Watts, tienen emisiones de energía que rara vez se alcanzan para litotricia y por lo tanto pudiera considerarse demasiada energía. A medida que nuevas tecnologías han surgido, la brecha entre LPL y HPL se amplía, dejando espacio para una clasificación de poder intermedio (36-55 Watts) y la comparación entre estos dispositivos sería más justa. Asimismo, los HPL aún necesitan ser contrastados en el escenario clínico, con las nuevas tecnologías disponibles, tal como la fibra de laser tulio

Hospital care in Departments defined as COVID-free: A proposal for a safe hospitalization protecting healthcare professionals and patients not affected by COVID-19.

The COVID-19 pandemic influenced the normal course of clinical practice leading to significant delays in the delivery of healthcare services for patients non affected by COVID-19. In the near future, it will be crucial to identify facilities capable of providing health care in compliance with the safety of healthcare professionals, administrative staff and patients. All the staff involved in the project of a Covid-free hospital should be subjected to a diagnostic swab for COVID-19 before the beginning of healthcare activity and then periodically in order to avoid the risk of contamination of patients during the process of care. The modifications of various activities involved in the process of care are described: outpatient care, reception of inpatients, inpatient ward and operating room. For outpatient care, modality of appointment procedure, characteristics of waiting room and personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare professionals and administrative staff are presented. Reception of inpatients shall be conditional on a negative swab for COVID-19 obtained with a drive-in procedure. The management of the operating room represents the most crucial step of the patient's care process. The surgical team should be restricted and monitored with periodic swabs; surgical procedures should be performed by experienced surgeons according to standard procedures; surgical training experimental treatments and research protocols should be suspended. Adequate personal protective equipment and measures to reduce aerosolization in the operating room (closed circuits, continuous cycle insufflators, fume extraction) should be adopted. Prevention of possible transmission of the virus during procedures in open, laparoscopic and endoscopic surgery is to use a multi-tactic approach, which includes correct filtration and ventilation of the operating room, the use of appropriate PPE (FFP3 plus surgical mask and protective visor for all the staff working in the operating room) and smoke evacuation devices with a suction and filter system.   on behalf of the UrOP Executive Committee Giuseppe Ludovico, Angelo Cafarelli, Ottavio De Cobelli, Ferdinando De Marco, Giovanni Ferrari, Stefano Pecoraro, Angelo Porreca, Domenico Tuzzolo.

Semirigid Ureteroscopy: Step by Step.

This article aims to demonstrate a step-by-step technique of semirigid ureteroscopy (URS) for the treatment of ureteral stones, urothelial tumors, and ureteral stenosis. Operating room setup, camera settings, access to the bladder, and negotiation of the ureteral orifice, lasertripsy, basketing of the stone fragments, endoscopic treatment of ureteral tumors and ureteral stenosis, flexible URS at the end of semirigid URS, and Double-J stent placement are described step by step.

Endourologic Treatment of Late Migration of Embolization Causing Nephrolithiasis in Two Patients.

Background: Selective renal artery angioembolization is the first treatment option in case of significant bleeding after percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Migration of embolization material into the collecting system is extremely rare. The treatment of this condition is not standardized, but manual extraction, ultrasound fragmentation, and holmium laser lithotripsy have been described. Case presentation: We report the laser extraction of these coils in two patients at our center with two different approaches: retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS). They were young male patients aged 25 and 29 years at the time of surgery, and they were 2-5 years postembolization when they presented to our center for symptoms such as hematuria and passage of small stone fragments. The first patient was managed solely with RIRS, whereas the second patient required ECIRS because of significant bleeding after coil removal, which necessitated hemostasis using a resectoscope. Conclusion: For patients who present with recurrent stones or other symptoms such as pain, hematuria, or flank pain, the diagnosis of migrated embolization coils should be considered. Management can be via the retrograde or percutaneous approach, but in the setting of significant amount of migrated coils or significant bleeding after their removal, percutaneous access may allow more definitive hemostasis.

Twenty years outcomes in a single center experience after endovascular aneurysm repair with unibody endograft and anatomical fixation.

BACKGROUND: To assess the long-term safety and effectiveness of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) treatment with unibody endograft deployed on aortic bifurcation (anatomical fixation). METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center study of patients treated from 1999 to 2002 with unibody bifurcated endograft. Follow-up protocol required clinical and doppler-ultrasound at 1 and 6 months and annually thereafter, computed tomography angiography at 1-, 6- and 12-months and then every year. Primary endpoints included technical and treatment success, survival and freedom from late EVAR failure; secondary endpoints were freedom from late open conversion (LOC), freedom from late re-interventions and endoleaks. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients, mean age of 73±6 years were enrolled. Median follow-up was 6±0.5 years. Technical success was 98.6% (N.=71/73; causes of failure: 1 open conversion and 1 type Ib endoleak). A treatment success of 96% (N.=69/72) was recorded due to endoleaks (N.=2; 1 type Ia and 1 type Ib) and limb occlusion (N.=1). Survival at 1, 5, 10, 15 and 18 years was 90%, 58%, 40%, 32% and 23% respectively. One aneurysm-related death for infection of the endograft was registered. EVAR failure was 14% (N.=10/71). Three LOC were recorded and freedom from reinterventions at 1, 5, 10 and 18 years was 99%, 91%, 86% and 86%. Fourteen endoleaks were recorded: Ia (N.=6; 42.8%), Ia+Ib (N.=1; 7.1%), Ib (N.=2; 14.2%) and II (N.=5; 35.6%). Four endoleaks were observed, 9 endovascular correction and 1 LOC were required. Endoleaks free survival of 90% at 1-year and 75% at the end of the study. Aneurysm sac shrinkage was observed in 79% (N.=56/71). CONCLUSIONS: This small, retrospective cohort of anatomically fixed EVAR demonstrated long-term safety and effectiveness. The design of the unibody graft did not substantially change and newer generation should guarantee the same performance.

Supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy: tips and tricks.

This paper aims to give an exhaustive overview of supine percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) illustrating some tips and tricks in order to optimize its execution in full safety. Critical review of Pros and cons of supine PCNL is accomplished to allow the urologist to experience the beauty of this position while being ready to overcome its minimal shortcomings.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty with the use of the Contour™ stent: description of the technique and analysis of outcomes after the first 30 cases.

INTRODUCTION: We present a technical variation of robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) using the Contour™ stent that allows a minimal incision of the retroperitoneum. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The main difference from the standard robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) is the preventive retrograde insertion of a Contour™ stent, which is a single J stent subsequently easily convertible in a double J stent. RESULTS: The mean operative time was 141.2 minutes. Blood losses were negligible, median length of stay was 4 days. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a Contour™ stent showed to be a safe and feasible technical variation while performing a RAP.

'En Bloc' HoLEP with early apical release in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: HoLEP represents an excellent treatment option for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Recently, 'en bloc' techniques resulting in improved visualization, shorter surgical times, and easier recognition of the dissection plane have been described. In this paper we describe the 'En bloc' HoLEP technique with early apical release. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2015 and March 2017, 137 consecutive patients were subjected to this technique by a single surgeon. The following parameters were measured pre- and post-procedure: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), maximum flow rate (Qmax), post-void residual urine (PVR) and PSA. Complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean (SD; range) age was 66 years (8.0; 51-84), mean PSA was 4.8 ng/ml (7.0; 0.3-70), mean prostate volume was 75.63 ml (42.1; 37-253), mean volume of prostatic tissue removed was 65.9 ml (35.8; 30-217). Mean surgical duration was 47.58 min (21.3; 15-120 min): enucleation 31.5 min (14.9; 5-80 min), morcellating 6.9 min (6.6; 1-60 min). Mean hospitalization duration was 1.2 days (range 1-3), mean catheterization time was 1.2 days (range 1-5). The rate of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) was 5.8, 1.5 and 0.7% at 1, 3, and 6 months post-operation, respectively. Compared to pre-operative values, IPSS, Qmax, and PVR showed significant improvements at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months following the operation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 'En Bloc' HoLEP with early apical release is a safe technique that allows for easier recognition of the surgical plane and preserves the external sphincter's mucosa to provide low rates of post-operative stress incontinence and significant functional results.

Influence of Type of Fixation and Other Characteristics on Outcome after Endovascular Repair of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular treatment nowadays represents a valuable option in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). The aim of this study is to evaluate a 15-year, single-center experience with endovascular treatment of rAAAs and the role of the type of fixation in outcome. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive hemodynamically stable and unstable patients with a diagnosed rAAA treated at this hospital with an endovascular procedure between December 1999 and January 2015 was conducted. Patients with symptomatic aneurysms and impending ruptures were excluded. Predictive factors of immediate and overall major complications and survival were investigated. Study end points included technical and clinical success, mortality, and major adverse events. RESULTS: This study included 142 patients. Technical success was 97.1% within 30 days, 60 major adverse events were reported in 43 patients (30.3%), including 40 deaths (28.2%). Clinical success at 30 days was 59.9%. Predictive factors of 30-day mortality were chronic renal disease (odds ratio [OR] 3.44, P = 0.006), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 2.42, P = 0.032), hemodynamic instability at presentation (OR 4.57, P = 0.001), and the use of an aortic balloon (OR 23.4, P < 0.001). The use of local anesthesia (OR 0.38, P = 0.017) had a protective influence. One-year survival was 52%. At a median follow-up of 44 months (range 0.5-152), overall survival was 39% (95% CI 30-48), with a median overall survival of 13 month (95% CI 6-36). Five-year survival was 23%. Predictive factors of long-term mortality were advanced age (>85 years) (hazard ratio [HR] 2.0, P = 0.002), hemodynamic instability at admission (HR 1.90, P = 0.005), and the use of an aortic balloon (HR 4.56, P < 0.001). The implantation of an anatomically fixated (AFIX) device was found to be protective against mortality (OR 0.41, P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: In this series, satisfactory rates of complications and survival were observed after endovascular repair of rAAAs. In addition to the well-known predictors of outcome, the type of fixation also seems to play a significant role, and the AFIX device was associated with improved longer term survival when its use was deemed feasible.

Endovascular aneurysm sealing with the Nellix endograft in hemodynamically-unstable ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm with challenging anatomy.

BACKGROUND: To assess immediate and midterm outcomes of hemodynamically-unstable patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) treated with the Nellix endovascular sealing system (EVAS). METHODS: From June 2014 to June 2017, 21 hemodynamically-unstable rAAA patients with challenging anatomies were treated with EVAS. The mean AAA diameter and neck length measured 73±15 mm and 14±10 mm, respectively. All the patients presented an advance trauma life support (ATLS) hemorrhage class ≥1 confirming a compromised hemodynamic status. Primary endpoints include technical success, treatment success, primary safety and 30-day survival. Secondary endpoints include re-intervention rate and time free-from-reintervention. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 95% (N.=20/21); one patient was converted intraoperatively to open surgery due to ongoing hemorrhage. Seven re-interventions were performed within 30-days and one during the follow-up; treatment success rate of 67% and re-intervention rate of 33%. Early endoleaks were diagnosed in 5 patients (24%). Primary safety was 52%. After a mean follow-up of 11±10 months, survival rates were 81%, 62% and 57% at 1, 6 and 12 months, respectively. Time free-from-reintervention was 15±11 months. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency-EVAS (eEVAS) appeared feasible and useful, especially in hemodynamically-unstable patients with challenging anatomies. There are some limitations in this cohort study and larger, prospective and comparative studies are required to confirm eEVAS as part of an emergency treatment protocol for rAAA.

New Conception of Relining in the Endovascular Aneurysm Sealing Era: A Monocentric Case Series Study.

Over 20 years from the first endovascular aortic repair, endoleaks still represent a common problem, even with newer endograft generation. Numerous procedures can be adopted to manage these complications; relining of the endoprosthesis is a rational technique to treat type III and IV endoleaks. The absence of dedicated materials for these procedures forces the vascular surgeon to perform complex hybrid or endovascular interventions. In this case report, we aimed to evaluate our relining experience using the Nellix device in 5 consecutive cases.