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Introduction For many urological procedures the open approach is being replaced by the laparoscopic approach. Laparoscopy technique requires special training conditions. A well-designed, step-by step training program is significantly important for shortening the learning curve. Aim The purpose of the study was to evaluate urology residents' (UR) experience in laparoscopic procedures, training patterns and facilities available in departments of urology in Poland. Material and methods The survey developed by the authors included 18 questions concerning laparoscopy training and was distributed among UR who participated in 2 courses in laparoscopic surgery for UR in Poland in 2017. The survey consisted of questions regarding the number of laparoscopic procedures, acquired laparoscopic experience, laparoscopic simulation training and motivation for further learning. Results Of the 2017 invited UR in Poland, 108 (34%) completed the survey. Seventy-two (78%) UR from the study group have access to laparoscopic surgery in their department. Only 20 (25%) of urology departments are equipped with a laparoscopy box and a small number of UR perform regular training. As a primary operator basic (varicocele repair) and advanced (e.g. radical nephrectomy, radical prostatectomy, nephron-sparing surgery) laparoscopic procedures are performed respectively by 55 (71%) UR and 8 (10%) UR. Most residents evaluated their laparoscopic skills as poor (15, 19%), very poor (31, 40%) or absent (10, 13%), while only 22 (28%) evaluated them as at least satisfactory. Conclusions Laparoscopic technique is available in most Polish training centers. However, the majority of UR consider their skills unsatisfactory. Additionally, a large number of Polish UR do not have access to intensive training. UR considered that their availability of training courses and fellowships is low. Surgical exposure among Polish UR comprises mainly minor laparoscopic procedures.

Background In short-bowel syndrome (SBS) treated with parenteral nutrition (PN), multiple complications can occur. The etiology of kidney stones may be linked to the underlying disease thrombosis, surgical complications, complications of therapy for cancer, Crohn's disease, metabolic abnormalities resulting from morphological and functional changes in the gastrointestinal tract, and to treatment used. We analyzed all these parameters in a large cohort of patients receiving home PN (HPN), to define the incidence of stones and groups of patients particularly at risk of stone formation. One of the objectiveswas to develop a predictive model of urolithiasis. Methods This observational retrospective study included 459 patients with SBS recieving HPN in a single center. Patient records were evaluated for demographics, SBS etiology, and underlying disease, anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract, intestinal failure classification, nutrition regimen, and presence of urolithiasis. Results Kidney stones were diagnosed in 24% of patients. Nodifferences in incidence were noted between the various etiologic groups. The incidence in patients with a colon in continuity and those with an end stoma was similar. The length of residual small bowel did not play a role in stone formation. There were no differences between patients according to the severity of intestinal failure. In patients treated with PN and limited oral feeding, the risk of urolithiasis was twice as high as in patients receiving PN only. Conclusions Patients developed urolithiasis with no relation to the SBS etiology. The risk of kidney stone formation was higher in patients recieving PN with oral feeding.

Introduction Desmopressin is an effective and safe therapy for nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria. However, many physicians are unsure about the proper diagnosis of nocturnal polyuria and the identification of patients who may benefit from desmopressin treatment. Therefore, to support urologists in their routine clinical practice, the aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive paradigm for diagnosing nocturnal polyuria with recommendations for the use of desmopressin. Material and methods A multidisciplinary group of experts reviewed the available literature. Findings were compiled into a practice-based approach for workup and treatment. Results We designed the nocturia diagnostic pathway to confirm nocturnal polyuria, identify possible causes of nocturnal polyuria, and classify patients with indications and contraindications for desmopressin therapy. A bladder diary remains a basic diagnostic tool. Underlying conditions that may lead to nocturnal polyuria include mainly cardiac insufficiency, arterial hypertension, chronic kidney failure, obstructive sleep apnea, peripheral edema, and excessive fluid intake at night. Treatment for nocturia caused by nocturnal polyuria is based on conservative management and pharmacotherapy, but pharmacological treatment should not precede a prior attempt at conservative treatment. Before administration of desmopressin, patients should be assessed for serum sodium concentration and carefully educated about the symptoms of hyponatremia. Older individuals or persons with risk factors for the development of hyponatremia should be checked regularly for hyponatremia during desmopressin therapy. Conclusions People with nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria should be evaluated carefully before initiating desmopressin treatment. Patients treated with desmopressin should be followed for both clinical efficacy and treatment-related adverse effects.

Nowadays, the intensive cardiac care unit (ICCU) provides care for patients with acute coronary syndrome, acute and exacerbated chronic heart failure, cardiogenic shock, sudden cardiac arrest, electrical storm, as well as with indications for urgent cardiac surgical treatment. Most of these patients require the use of 1, 2, or frequently even 3 drugs that act on the blood coagulation pathway. While antithrombotic drugs prevent thromboembolic events, they are associated with a higher risk of bleeding. In this population of patients, bleeding may often have a worse impact on prognosis than the primary disease. In this expert opinion of the Association of Intensive Cardiac Care, we presented practical guidelines on the management of bleeding in patients hospitalized at the ICCU, including bleeding risk reduction and treatment recommendations. Because of multiple comorbidities and diverse organs that may be the source of bleeding, we provided also recommendations from specialists in other fields of medicine. We hope that this document will facilitate the management of one of the most challenging populations at the ICCU.

Urological consultation is an important step in the procedure of a patient's preparation before placing him/her on a waiting list for a renal transplant. Urological work-up aims to diagnose, treat, and optimize any preexisting urological disease. In the present paper we present the review of the literature together with the authors' conclusions based on literature and their experience. There is not enough data in current literature and urology manuals on the adequate sequence of the urological management with patients qualified for renal transplant and the literature needs an update. This study presents the crucial steps of the qualification and emphasizes the urge for a more standardized urological approach in patients qualified for a kidney transplantation.

Biopsy of the prostate is a common procedure with minor complications that are usually self-limited. However, if one considers that millions of men undergo biopsy worldwide, one realizes that although complication rate is low, the number of patients suffering from biopsy complications should not be underestimated and can be a clinically relevant problem for healthcare professionals. In this review, the authors present diagnosis and management of postbiopsy of prostate complications. Bleeding is the most common complication observed after prostate biopsy, but the use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is not an absolute contraindication to prostate biopsy. Emerging resistance to ciprofloxacin is the most probable cause of the increasing risk of infectious complications after prostate biopsy. Even though extremely rare, fatal complications are possible and were described in case reports.

In this paper we report the case of a nearly fatal hemorrhage in the artery of the renal upper pole that occurred in a 84-year-old woman on anticoagulation treatment in connection with aortic valve replacement 4 days prior to the incident. The artery was injured during the evacuation of a hematoma of the right pleural cavity. While the patient was in the intensive care unit recovering from cardiac valve surgery, the consulting urologist was summoned in order to cope with massive hematuria and acute urine retention. Unfortunately, conservative urological management based on catherization via a three-way catheter and constant transurethral lavage with saline was unsuccessful. Angio-computed tomography revealed a ruptured branch of the renal upper pole artery. A highly selective embolization using histoacryl injection during percutaneous angioplasty was performed. There were no complications in the following days. The patient was subject to postoperative follow-up at 3, 6 and 9 months and renal scintigraphy was performed at 6 months revealing symmetrical function of both kidneys without any changes in the upper pole of the right kidney.

All urological standards of care are based on the past definition of the clinical importance of macroscopic hematuria. The aim of the study was to assess the phenomenon of iatrogenic hematuria in current clinical practice and analyze its origins in patients receiving anticoagulant drugs. Retrospective analysis of clinical documentation of 238 patients that were consulted for hematuria in 2007–2009 by 5 consultant urologists was performed. In the group of 238 patients with hematuria, 155 (65%) received anticoagulants. Abnormalities of urinary tract were found in 45 (19%) patients. Estimated cost of a single neoplasm detection reached the value of 3252 Euro (mean 3-day hospitalization). The strong correlation between the presence of hematuria and anticoagulant treatment was observed. Authors suggest to redefine the present and future role of hematuria from a standard manifestation of serious urological disease to a common result of a long-term anticoagulant therapy.

Purpose Aggressive intervention against the bladder wall during transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) causes damage and leakage from blood vessels to the bladder lumen. The aim of this study was to determine whether TURBT could increase the level of circulating urothelial cells. Methods Expression of tumor markers, discriminative for nucleated blood cells and urothelium, was evaluated by quantitative (q) RT-PCR on RNA isolated from peripheral blood samples of 51 patients who underwent TURBT for ≥cT1c bladder tumors. Results Four of 14 studied genes, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Collagen α-1(I) chain, Mast/stem cell growth factor receptor (KIT) and CD47, exhibited significant differences in gene expression between controls and cancer patients. While TURBT did not significantly increase the number of PCR-positive results of any transcripts, positive RT-PCR detection for EGFR was significantly less frequent on day 30 compared to results obtained before surgery. Conclusions Although the results of our study do not provide evidence for increased tumor cell release into the peripheral blood after TURBT, they seem to indicate that EGFR mRNA measurement in the blood may provide useful information for urologists. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11255-011-0102-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Introduction: The development of endovision techniques and equipment miniaturization in urology make it possible to perform laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) nephrectomy. Radical nephrectomy due to renal cancer performed with LESS is not a standard procedure in urology. Aim: To present our preliminary results and operative technique of LESS radical nephrectomy. Material and methods: The study was carried out after team experience based on LESS radical nephrectomy performed from October 2009 to June 2010 in 11 cases. A single port with 3 working channels (Triport Access System, OLYMPUS®) and a 5 mm laparoscope 30° were used. The approach was created by minilaparotomy technique on the lateral margin of the rectus muscle, 4 cm above the umbilicus. The procedure was performed using standard laparoscopic instruments, bent or articulating graspers, and scissors. During the surgery metal and plastic clips were used, and a mechanical vascular stapler in two cases. In every case bipolar coagulation was used. The postoperative specimen was removed via single-port minilaparotomy. After surgery, one suction drain 14 F was left. Results: In all patients the procedure was performed without conversion to standard, open technique. In two cases accessory port (10 and 12 mm) placement was necessary, for organ retraction or insertion of a vascular stapler. Mean surgery time was 128 min (120-160 min). Mean blood loss was 155 ml (100-250 ml). There were no complications during surgery or the postoperative period. Mean hospitalization stay was 4 days (3-5 days). Clinical stage of renal cell cancer (RCC) was pT1a in 1, pT1b in 9, and pT3a in 1 patient. The results of histopathological examination show typical RCC in 10 cases, and papillary RCC in 1. Conclusions: LESS nephrectomy is effective but technically difficult. LESS nephrectomy is a considerably less invasive procedure than standard laparoscopic nephrectomy, unless accessory port placement is necessary. LESS offers a very good cosmetic effect, which can be an attribute of the single-site approach. LESS radical nephrectomy makes it possible to perform efficient and safe kidney excision and seems to be a valuable alternative to classic surgery in properly selected cases.

For more than a decade, laser technology has facilitated a minimally invasive surgical method to treat patients with bladder outlet obstruction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia. This article critically assesses the features of the GreenLight™ laser and its potential use in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia patients. Recently, a significant body of evidence in the literature on good clinical outcomes in 1-year follow-up periods has been enriched with the findings from a few randomized trials, in which this device is compared with other minimally invasive or standard approaches. In turn, very few patients in the GreenLight laser study groups reach the end point of a 3- or 5-year follow-up time. However, most patients who underwent GreenLight laser treatment were treated successfully with a good clinical outcome and a minor rate of peri- and post-operative complications. Furthermore, it can be implemented in high-risk patients who are undergoing anticoagulation therapy. Bearing in mind the inherent characteristics of using a laser for treatment, one obvious consequence is that no pathological specimen remains for further study. This implies the necessity of suitable patient selection in whom the risk of prostate cancer should be minimal. In terms of cost-effectiveness, one should consider applying this method when dealing with patients who have a moderately enlarged prostate volume.

INTRODUCTION Transurethral, cystoscopically-guided needle core biopsy (TUcoreBxBT) seems to be a less invasive diagnostic method than transurethral resection (TURBT) offering a simple way to confirm cancer infiltration of the bladder. The aim of this study was to assess the technique of TUcoreBxBT in the diagnosis of bladder cancer infiltrating the detrusor muscle. MATERIAL AND METHODS In every 96 pts the suspicion of invasive bladder cancer (IBC) was evaluated on the basis of radiological examinations, cystoscopy and bimanual examination. TUcoreBxBT were performed using a rigid cystoscope with a direct working channel and tru-cut automatic (COOK Quick-Core(®) Biopsy-Needle) 18 G/480 mm needle or self construction tru-cut 16 G/400 mm needle, adapted to work with a standard biopsy gun. At least three cores were taken in each patient, followed by regular TURBT. RESULTS There were no complications of the bladder biopsy procedure. The average size of cores was 15 mm (8-17 mm). In every case TUcoreBxBT revealed muscle infiltration and was in agreement with all microscopic examinations of TURBT. CONCLUSIONS TUcoreBxBT in cases of clear suspicion of invasive bladder cancer is a simple, short and safe procedure which makes it possible to collect reliable material for microscopic examination. TUcoreBxBT is less invasive than standard TURBT only in diagnosis and staging of invasive tumours, and seems to be effective in selected cases to confirm malignancy before radical cystectomy.

Patients with BCa may be diagnosed with superficial bladder cancer (SBC) or muscle invasive bladder cancer (IBC) bladder tumor; however, in the United States and Western Europe nearly 85% of patients present with the superficial form. 2,3

As it is well known from worldwide literature, an aggressive surgical approach is the most effective therapeutic option in patients with renal cell carcinoma at any level of tumor thrombus and offers a reasonable long-term survival results [1]. Even cytoreductive surgery appears to be beneficial for patients with metastatic disease, especially when consecutive therapy is performed. Nevertheless, doubts still remain concerning the best approach for surgical treatment of these patients. Minimal access techniques resulted in significantly shorter operating time compared with traditional median sternotomy [2]. The authors [3] presented a relatively small cohort of patients treated with a modified technique of cavoatrial thrombus removal without the need of cardiopulmonary bypass and hypothermic circulatory arrest. First of all, the technique with the use of Fogarty-like Foley catheter was previously described [4]. The safety of the presented method is definitely debatable and based on rather limited experience shown in the manuscript. As a consequence, it cannot be widely adopted without caution, as it can be highly morbid. There is always a risk of thrombus adherence to the atrial endocardium, which cannot be easily disintegrated. Furthermore, these manoeuvers can result in the sudden rupture of the distal part of the thrombus, forming a life-threatening embolus; in this case, the only solution would be an immediate open intrathoracic embolectomy via sternotomy approach. Hence, in the reviewer's opinion, the technique using a Foley catheter cannot be implemented in all cases. Additionally, the literature does not provide the answer in which particular cases this technique could be applied [5]. Most probably, the technique as described should be reserved for cases with “free atrial tail” of the thrombus documented on imaging studies. Of special value at the time of catheter insertion was the transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) [3]. Now, magnetic resonance imaging has become the gold standard for assessing the level of IVC thrombus when diagnosing the patient [8], but during surgery, TOE enables real-time visualization of the thrombus. Unexpectedly, the reported blood loss as it exceeded mean 3000 ml, seems to be relatively high in comparison to published data e.g. median 2500 ml in [6] or average 1300 ml (750–2500) in [7]. The presented follow-up period is rather short, therefore no oncological results can be obtained, especially as far as radically treated patients (n = 3 out of all 4) are concerned. The paper documents a continuous search for an optimal surgical approach, just as the earliest publication about the use of an aortic occlusion balloon to reduce inflow at the time of thrombectomy [9], or most current publications about successful robotic level III inferior vena cava thrombectomy [10, 11]. In summary, the paper represents an interesting concept of a multidisciplinary approach and should be considered as a valuable option for surgical treatment of inferior vena cava tumor thrombectomy without thoracotomy.

INTRODUCTION The traditional assessment of blood loss during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) is based on the blood volume collected intraoperatively in the suction device bottles. While this method is not perfect, analysis of changes in blood cell count (BCC) resulting from LRP is advisable. MATERIAL AND METHODS 71 men were submitted to LRP due to prostate cancer in our institution over an 18-month time period. From this group, we isolated 60 men with clinically minimal intraoperative blood loss (

Background: We analysed critically the potential usefulness of RNA- and DNA-based biomarkers in supporting conventional histological diagnostic tests for prostate carcinoma (PCa) detection. Methods: Microarray profiling of gene expression and DNA methylation was performed on 16 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and 32 cancerous and non-cancerous prostate samples extracted by radical prostatectomy. The predictive value of the selected biomarkers was validated by qPCR-based methods using tissue samples extracted from the 58 prostates and, separately, using 227 prostate core biopsies. Results: HOXC6, AMACR and PCA3 expression showed the best discrimination between PCa and BPH. All three genes were previously reported as the most promising mRNA-based markers for distinguishing cancerous lesions from benign prostate lesions; however, none were sufficiently sensitive and specific to meet the criteria for a PCa diagnostic biomarker. By contrast, DNA methylation levels of the APC, TACC2, RARB, DGKZ and HES5 promoter regions achieved high discriminating sensitivity and specificity, with area under the curve (AUCs) reaching 0.95−1.0. Only a small overlap was detected between the DNA methylation levels of PCa-positive and PCa-negative needle biopsies, with AUCs ranging between 0.854 and 0.899. Conclusions: DNA methylation-based biomarkers reflect the prostate malignancy and might be useful in supporting clinical decisions for suspected PCa following an initial negative prostate biopsy.

The papers by Alkan et al. [1] and by Drake et al. [2] represent the novel trend in endourology with the expansive use of flexible scopes. The flexible scopes with recent equipment advances, especially Holmium lasers, lead to great development of the RIRS technique (retrograde intrarenal surgery). RIRS combines the minimally invasive procedures of transurethral endoscopic treatment of urinary tract diseases, e.g. kidney and ureteric stones, tumors of the upper urinary tract, strictures as well as other abnormalities of the upper urinary tract [3]. Moreover, one uses the term RIRS when considering non-standarized techniques applied in patients with urinary diversions or in a post-transplant cohort [4]. Both papers are dealing with advanced endourogical methods, in which flexible ureterorenoscopes are used in the treatment of kidney stones. Authors documented high efficacy of the minimally invasive methods in both, bilateral disease [2], and multifocal uretero-renal stones [1] (92.8% and 88,9% stone free rate, respectively). In both papers, the number of patients treated with the RIRS procedure is limited (42 and 45, respectively), however, the conclusion is clear – both presented that the strategies are feasible, effective and safe. Interestingly, the authors provided different stone free rates (SFR)

We evaluated the feasibilty, safety and results of extraperitoneal laparoscopic Millin prostatectomy using finger enucleation through an additional 1 cm suprapubic incision.A total of 66 consecutive laparoscopic simple prostatectomies were performed with this technique in men with symptomatic bladder outflow obstruction and a prostate gland larger than 70 cc on transrectal ultrasound. Data such as operating time, intraoperative blood loss, transfusion rate, complications, catheterization period, hospitalization time and surgical specimen weight were prospectively collected and evaluated. Preoperative and 3-month postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score and urinary flow rates were used to assess the surgical outcome.Average operating time was 55 minutes with a mean estimated blood loss of 200 ml. No blood transfusion was necessary, and no conversion, complications or mortality was present. The mean postoperative catheterization period was 7.3 days with a mean hospital stay of 5.2 days. Mean enucleated tissue weight was 85.5 gm. At 3 months postoperatively the International Prostate Symptom Score improved to a mean of 5.8 (from a mean preoperative score of 29.5) while maximum urine flow improved to a mean of 18.5 ml per second (from a mean preoperative rate of 5.8 ml per second).This procedure is safe and fast with excellent functional outcomes. However, prolonged catheterization and hospitalization are still required.

Standard treatment of patients with coexisting cardiac and non-cardiac diseases includes two separate operations. We report a case of 55-year-old man with combined valvular heart disease and renal carcinoma infiltrating inferior caval vein, who underwent one-stage cardio-urologic procedure. In the first step, mitral and tricuspid valvuloplasty were performed by cardiac surgeons. Then, urologists performed radical nephrectomy and thrombectomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. In twelve months follow-up the patient shows no signs of reccurrence and he had no symptoms of cardiac disease. To the best of our knowledge such a case has never been reported before in the literature.

Introduction Renal function after renal surgery depends on the volume of renal parenchyma loss and improves in the postoperative period. However, the knowledge on kidney function after radical (RN) and partial (PN) nephrectomy is still insufficient. The aim of this study is to analyze the global renal function and compensatory hyperfunction of the non-operated kidney in patients with renal cancer after RN or PN. Methods Fifty-one patients of mean age 62.2 years with renal cancer were included. Thirty-three RN and eighteen PN were performed. We measured creatinine serum concentrations, and we estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) preoperatively and postoperatively at two time intervals: 3 and 12 months after surgery. Additionally, we assessed effective renal plasma flow (ERPF) in dynamic scintigraphy preoperatively and 12 months after surgery. Result At the baseline, all mean measured values were comparable in RN and PN groups (P > 0.05). Three months after surgery, creatinine level increased in both groups, more remarkably in RN group (128 mmol/l vs. 95 mmol/l; P 0.05). The mean ERPF of the operated kidney in PN group decreased by 24.7% (149 ml/min). Conclusion The deterioration of renal function after partial nephrectomy is nearly insignificant clinically. In 1-year postoperative observation, the renal function does not improve. This causes potential compensatory mechanisms to be insufficient.