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Aim: The purpose of this study is to identify the clinical outcomes of patients during acute phase of Peyronie's disease (PD) treated with daily Tadalafil 5 mg associated with non-surgical treatments such as intra-plaque verapamil injections (IVI), vacuum erection devices (VED) or extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Methods: 445 patients with PD in acute stage were treated as it follows: Group 1(G1) 117 men with only Tadalafil 5 mg once a day for 3 months; Group 2(G2) 106 men with IVI plus Tadalafil 5 mg for a period of 12 weeks; Group 3(G3) 124 men that received ESWT for 6 weeks plus Tadalafil with the same protocol of G1; Group 4(G4) 98 men with VED plus Tadalafil 5 mg for 3 months. There were assessed at baseline and follow-up: Erectile dysfunction (ED), presence and severity of painful erections, penile plaque size and penile curvature degree. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3,6,12 months. Results: Not statistically significant differences emerged between the two groups at baseline, except for higher presence of patients with ED in in G3(7.4%) vs other groups(p < 0.001). Three months after the treatment in G3 men had a significant reduction of penile curvature degrees after 1 year by treatments, whereas pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 75% of the patients. Conclusions: Our study highlights that multimodal therapy has beneficial long-term effects not only in the decrease of ED symptoms, but also in the relief of the penile curvature and the quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To assess the clinical effectiveness of extra corporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) administration compared with ESWT plus a low-intensity laser diode therapy (LILDT) in the management of Peyronie's disease (PD) stable stage. Methods: In this study, 214 patients affected by PD in stable stage (≥ 12 months), were divided into two groups. Group 1 (G1) counted 111 patients treated only with ESWT; Group 2 (G2) consisted of 103 patients that received ESWT with the same protocol of G1 plus LILDT for six weeks. The patients of both groups were assessed at baseline and follow-up for erectile function, painful erections, penile plaque size and penile curvature. The results were evaluated at baseline and 3, 6, 12 months after the treatment. Results: Three months after the treatment in G2 pain in an erection or during intercourse was resolved completely in 78.6% of the patients, whereas in 55.8% cases of G1 (p < 0.003). G2 patients had a reduction of curvature degree after the 3 months treatment (p < 0.002). However, mean plaque size decreased in both groups without statistically differences with baseline values. Mean ± SD IIEF-5 score further improved significantly in the group treated with ESWT plus LILDT (p < 0.001). There were no permanent adverse sequelae after treatments. Conclusion: This study demonstrates an interesting therapeutic strategy when combined to the synergistic action of a shock wave therapy with low-intensity laser therapy on the stable plaques with significant benefits in terms of pain perception, penile curvature and sexual activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, we have witnessed an expansion of robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) and thanks to the global adoption of high-resolution diagnostic imaging technologies, an increased incidence of newly diagnosed prostatic, renal and bladder cancers has been recorded with concurrent second primary urological cancer diagnoses increasing by 1.5%. Diverse authors have reported their findings concerning synchronous multi-visceral malignances robotic treatment within the scientific literature. The aim of this study is to comprehensively review all reported articles describing concurrent upper and lower RALS using a singular robotic port scheme within the same intervention for renal malignances and concomitant prostatic or bladder cancers. To the best of our knowledge and vigorous literature search, this is the first study that comprehensively evaluates and reports all combined upper and lower urinary tract surgeries published so far. In carefully selected patients, thanks to multidisciplinary preoperative assessment and surgical planning a combined robotic approach can reduce the morbidity, complications, hospital admissions and the overall length of hospitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Uretero-iliac artery fistulae (UIAF) are the consequence of chronic inflammatory events that create a fibrous and poorly vascularized uretero-vascular adhesion. They often occur in patients with a history of surgery, pelvic radiotherapy, and chronic ureteral stenting. The presentation is usually massive gross hematuria with acute anemia unto to hemorrhagic shock, representing a life-threatening condition. High mortality rate is reported (7–23%). Materials and methods: We present four cases in three patients, treated in our Institution from 2013 to 2018, and reviewed the published literature. UIAF was defined as the ratified presence of an abnormal communication between the ureter and any artery. In all patients, the UIAF was initially evaluated by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) angiography. The management strategy was defined individually based on the specific risk profile of each patient. Results: In all cases, ureteral-iliac artery fistula occurred in female patients with previous surgery or radiation and with presence of indwelling ureteral stent. In every case the hematuria was massive and life-threatening. Diagnosis was delayed because of the poor diagnostic accuracy of CT scan, leading to over-treatment. Angiography resulted the best diagnostic tool. The endovascular treatment proved good outcomes in terms of early complications, with no case of mortality. Conclusions: In case of gross hematuria during ureteral stent change in female patients with history of previous pelvic surgery and radiation, UIAF must be suspected and immediately treated, since it represents a urological emergency. Angiography can be useful to confirm the diagnosis and endovascular treatment with vascular endoprosthesis is the best therapeutic option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: At present, uniformity does not exist with regard to the indication criteria of seminal vesicle (SV) biopsies. The aim of this study was to define the ultrasonographic (US) patterns observed in SV invaded by prostate cancer (PCa), and propose an extended prostate biopsy protocol when SV invasion (SVI) is suspected. Methods: We reviewed 1.252 patients who underwent an initial transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy for suspicious PCa. We performed a 14-core biopsy scheme, as first intention, including 1 SV sample on each side when SVI is suspected: a nodule at the base of prostate (determined by digital rectal examination or US) and/or an US pattern that suggests a SVI. US patterns of SVs were classified as abnormal by a variation of the body anterior-posterior diameter, asymmetry of the volume, parietal thickness, distance between the SVs and the rectal surface, and altered echogenicity of SVs and the base of the prostate. Results: Of the 137 biopsies performed in SVs, the SVI by PCa was diagnosed in 66.5% of candidate patients. The overall prevalence of SVI was 28.5%. No significant difference was noted between the patients with SVI and without SVI, when comparing age, prostate volume, and total core length, except for preoperative PSA serum levels. The sensitivity of any abnormal finding on transrectal ultrasound for the presence of SVI by PCa is 90.8%, whereas the specificity is 96%. Conclusions: We believe that an extended prostate biopsy protocol to provide the possibility of taking one biopsy core of each SV when SVI is suspected should be considered a complementary procedure for PCa staging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ultrasound is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Ultrasound is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Journal of Ultrasound is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Pelvic congestion syndrome is an uncommon poorly understood and frequently misdiagnosed disorder of the pelvic venous circulation, which causes chronic pelvic pain in women in premenopausal age. This condition has typical features, such as pelvic varicosities, pelvic pain worsened by prolonged standing, coitus, menstruation, and pregnancy.Methods: The precise etiology of this syndrome remains uncertain, and it is probably multifactorial. Valvular insufficiency, venous obstruction, and hormones all may play a role in the development of congestion of the pelvic veins.Results: Pelvic pain and venous varices are often both present in premenopausal women, but not necessarily causally related. Furthermore, incompetent and dilated pelvic veins are a common finding in asymptomatic women. As such, it is challenging but important to determine which patients have chronic pelvic pain specifically related to pelvic congestion syndrome in order to treat them properly.Conclusions: Once the syndrome has been accurately diagnosed, medical, surgical, or minimally invasive endovascular treatments can improve symptoms in a high percentage of cases. This updated nonsystematic review of the literature explores the pathophysiology, clinical features, diagnostic investigations, and treatment option of this complex condition that affects young women with considerable implications for their daily social and psychological condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ultrasound is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Methods: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Results: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Conclusions: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Clinical relevance statement: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Key Points: To determine whether small, incidentally detected testicular lesions can be safely followed up, by assessing growth rate and volume threshold for benign vs. malignant lesions.This retrospective observational study includes a consecutive series of 130 testicular incidentalomas < 1 cm and with negative tumour markers identified from October 2001 to November 2022, which were initially followed up with ultrasound. A total of 39 cases proceeded to surgery during the study period, either due to lesion growth (n = 28) or patient preference/recommendation by the referring urologist (n = 11). For the lesions that were growing, specific growth rate (SGR) and doubling time (DT) were calculated assuming an exponential growth pattern. In addition, the velocity of increase of the average diameter (∆Dav) and of the maximum diameter (∆Dmax) were calculated.Of the 130 nodules that were initially followed up, six disappeared, eight were reduced in size, eighty-eight were stable, and twenty-eight increased in size. For operated nodules all 18 malignant tumours, 8/9 benign tumours, and 2/12 surgically proved non-neoplastic lesions were growing. The best cut-off values of the growth indicators to differentiate between malignant and non-malignant histology were 3.47 × 10−3%volume/day, ≤ 179 days, > 10 × 10−3 mm/day, and > 5 × 10−3 mm/day for SGR, DT, ∆Dmax, ∆Dav, respectively.Malignant and non-malignant small incidentalomas can be effectively differentiated based on growing parameters, even though overlap exists. An increase of the maximum diameter of about 1 mm and 2 mm in three months and in six months, respectively, suggests malignancy.Growing parameters allow an educated assessment of benign and malignant small testicular incidentalomas. Non-aggressive management is justified and safe when follow-up includes self-examination and tumour marker assessment to reduce the risk of interval tumour growth.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up.Small, non-palpable and asymptomatic testicular nodules < 1 cm are unexpectedly discovered during scrotal ultrasound.Growth indicators estimate the potential malignancy, even though overlap with non-malignant lesions exists.Non-growing incidentalomas can be safely followed up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]