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Background Lombardy has been the first and one of the most affected European regions during the first and second waves of the novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 [SARS-CoV-2]). Objective To evaluate the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on all urologic activities over a 17-wk period in the three largest public hospitals in Lombardy located in the worst hit area in Italy, and to assess the applicability of the authorities’ recommendations provided for reorganising urology practice. Design, setting, and participants A retrospective analysis of all urologic activities performed at three major public hospitals in Lombardy (Brescia, Bergamo, and Milan), from January 1 to April 28, 2020, was performed. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Join-point regression was used to identify significant changes in trends for all urologic activities. Average weekly percentage changes (AWPCs) were estimated to summarise linear trends. Uro-oncologic surgeries performed during the pandemic were tabulated and stratified according to the first preliminary recommendations by Stensland et al (Stensland KD, Morgan TM, Moinzadeh A, et al. Considerations in the triage of urologic surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Urol 2020;77:663–6) and according to the level of priority recommended by European Association of Urology guidelines. Results and limitations The trend for 2020 urologic activities decreased constantly from weeks 8–9 up to weeks 11–13 (AWPC range –41%, –29.9%; p, Take Home Message Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic urologic recommendations redefined treatment options and timing of urological surgical activities to support urologists during this healthcare crisis to avoid delaying life-saving treatments. These recommendations should be adapted according to hospital resources and local incidence of the pandemic.

Background Over the years, several techniques for performing robot-assisted prostatectomy have been implemented in an effort to achieve optimal oncological and functional outcomes. Objective To provide an evidence-based description and video-based illustration of currently available dissection techniques for robotic prostatectomy. Design, setting, and participants A literature search was performed to retrieve articles describing different surgical approaches and techniques for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and to analyze data supporting their use. Video material was provided by experts in the field to illustrate these approaches and techniques. Surgical procedure Multiple surgical approaches are available: extraperitoneal, transvesical, transperitoneal posterior, transperitoneal anterior, Retzius sparing, and transperineal. Surgical techniques for prostatic dissection sensu strictu are the following: omission of the endopelvic fascia dissection, bladder neck preservation, incremental nerve sparing by means of an antegrade or retrograde approach, and preservation of the puboprostatic ligaments and dorsal venous complex. Recently, techniques for total or partial prostatectomy have been described. Measurements Different surgical approaches and techniques for robotic prostatectomy have been analyzed. Results and limitations Two randomized controlled trials evaluating the extraperitoneal versus the transperitoneal approach have demonstrated similar results. Level I evidence on the Retzius-sparing approach demonstrated earlier return to continence than the traditional anterior approach. The question whether Retzius-sparing RARP is associated with a higher rate of positive surgical margins is still open due to the intrinsic bias in terms of surgical expertise in the available comparative studies. This technique also offers an advantage in patients who have received kidney transplantation. Retrospective evidence suggests that the more the anatomical dissection (eg., more periprostatic tissue is preserved), the better the functional outcome in terms of continence. Yet, two randomized controlled trials evaluating the different techniques of dissection have so far been produced. Partial prostatectomies should not be offered outside clinical trials. Conclusions Several techniques and approaches are available for prostate dissection during RARP. While the Retzius-sparing approach seems to provide earlier return to continence than the traditional anterior transperitoneal approach, no technique has been proved to be superior to other(s) in terms of long-term outcomes in randomized studies. Patient summary We have summarized available approaches for the surgical treatment of prostate cancer. Specifically, we described the different techniques that can be adopted for the surgical removal of the prostate using robotic technology.

OBJECTIVE: Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RSP) is a novel approach for radical prostatectomy that was described by our group for the first time in 2010 and is spreading all around the world. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of surgical experience (SE) on perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes during the first 50 RSP cases performed by a naive surgeon for this novel approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the initial cases operated by 14 surgeons in 12 different international centers. Pre-, peri- and post- operative features of the first 50 patients operated by each surgeon in all the participating centers were collected. The effect of the SE on perioperative, functional and oncological outcomes was firstly evaluated after stratification of surgical experience in initial (≤25) and expert cases (>25) and after using locally weighted scatter-plot smoother (LOWESS) function to graphically explore the relationship between SE and the outcomes of interest. RESULTS: We evaluated 626 patients. Median follow-up was 13 months in the first group and 9 months in the second (p=0.002). Preoperative features were overlapping between the two groups. Lower console time (140 min vs 120 minutes, p=0.001) and a trend for lower complications rates (13 vs 5.5%, p=0.038) were observed in the second group. The relationship between SE and console time, immediate urinary continence recovery and Clavien Dindo complications ≥2 was linear without reaching a plateau after 50 cases. Conversely, a non-linear relationship was observed between SE and PSMs. CONCLUSIONS: We reported the first multi-center experience of Retzius-sparing RARP during the learning curve. We found that console time, immediate urinary continence recovery and postoperative complications are optimal from the beginning and further quickly improve during the learning process, while PSMs rates did not clearly enhance over the first 50 cases.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE:There has been a significant development of minimally invasive surgical techniques (MISTs) for the treatment of BPH. Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) is one of the mos...

Background: To date, few series on robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) have been published. Purpose: To report the experience of two referral centers adopting two different RARP approaches in KTRs. Surgical, oncological and functional results were primary outcomes evaluated in the study. Material and methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 9 KTRs who underwent transperitoneal RARP or Retzius-sparing RARP for PCa from October 2012 to April 2016. Data were reported as median and interquartile range (IQR). Pre- and postoperative outcomes were compared by non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Significant differences were accepted when p ≤ 0.05. Overall survival was assessed using Kaplan-Meier method. Results: Four KTRs underwent a T-RARP and 5 a RS-RARP. Patient median age was 60 (56-63) years. Charlson comorbidity index was 6 (5-6). Preoperative median PSA was 5.6 (5-15) ng / mL. Preoperative Gleason score (GS) was 6 in 5 patients, 7 (3 + 4) in 3, and 8 (4 + 4) in one. Pre- and postoperative creatinine were 1.17 (1.1; 1.4) and 1.3 (1.07; 1.57) mg / dL (p = 0.237), while eGFR was 66 (60-82) and 62 (54-81) mL / min / 1.73m2 (p = 0.553), respectively. One (11.1%) Clavien-Dindo grade II complication occurred. Two extended template lymphadenectomies were performed, both with nodal invasion. These two patients experienced a biochemical recurrence and were subjected to RT. Two patients (22.2%) had PSMs. Median follow-up was 42 months. Seven patients (77.8%) were continent, 5 (55.6%) were potent. Two (22.2%) patients died during follow-up for oncologic unrelated causes. Conclusions: Our series suggests that both RARP approaches are safe and feasible techniques in KTRs for PCa.

The technological evolution from open surgery to laparoscopy and finally to robot-assisted surgery has dramatically changed the approach to prostate cancer. From an anatomical point of view, the robotic technology allowed to increase the understanding of the structures involved during prostatic surgery. In this chapter, we will describe the most important anatomical landmarks that are found during robot assisted radical prostatectomy, approached from three different points of view: perineal, retropubic, Retzius-sparing. With this aim, we will describe the key steps of radical prostatectomy according to the three different anatomical perspectives: bundles, seminal vesicles, bladder neck, apex, vesico-urethral anastomosis.

Several authors claimed that the Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) needs a prolonged learning curve, and outcomes during this phase could be suboptimal.To verify the safety and outcomes of RS-RARP performed by young surgeons during the learning curve.We conducted a retrospective analysis of the pre-, intra-, and postoperative features of all the patients who underwent RS-RARP from 2013 to 2017. We divided our patients into two groups: patients operated by two experienced surgeons (ESs) with100 procedures and patients operated on by five younger surgeons in the learning curve (LCSs). LCSs had no previous experience in radical prostatectomy, and the very first RS-RARP procedures of each LCS case are included in the analysis.Perioperative, oncological, and functional data were analyzed. Short-term oncological results were reported as positive surgical margins (PSMs) and 1-yr disease-free survival. Complications were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo system. Potency was defined as erections sufficient for intercourse; continence was defined as no pad or one safety liner. A propensity score-matching analysis was used to adjust the difference in baseline preoperative parameters between the groups.We obtained two homogeneous groups of 256 patients each. After the matching, preoperative variables were similar in the two groups. The mean console time was longer for younger surgeons (98 vs 122 min, p0.001). Postoperative course, complications, and functional results were similar in the two groups; the final pathological analysis showed a worse T stage in the ES group (p = 0.017). PSMs and 1-yr disease-free survival did not differ between the groups.RS-RARP can be safely performed by inexperienced surgeons who have received adequate training.Surgeons in the learning curve can perform Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy safely, with similar early oncological results and functional outcomes.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to evaluate differences in discomfort, complications and functional results after Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RS-RARP) according to different urinary drainage: suprapubic tube (SPT) and standard urethral catheter (UC). METHODS Prospective, comparative, consecutive, non-randomized study. In all patients with a water-tight anastomosis, no hematuria, obesity, previous suprapubic surgery or history of bladder cancer, a SPT (two-way Foley 14-Fr catheter) was positioned instead of a Foley 18-Fr UC. One week after surgery, an institutional self-compiled questionnaire was administered. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of UC or SPT and were compared concerning pain, perioperative results, complications, functional outcomes. RESULTS Fifty-six patients with UC and 135 with SPT agreed to participate to the study. Median postoperative pain score was 3 (IQR: 2-5) in UC and 3 (IQR: 1-5) in SPT group (P=0.324); urinary drain-related pain scores were 3 (IQR: 1-5) in UC and 1 (IQR: 0-3) in SPT groups (P

The objective of our study is to evaluate the effect of prostatic volume on the outcomes of Retzius-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RSP).All the consecutive patients undergoing RSP up to January 2015 were included. The series was divided into three groups based on prostate weight at radical prostatectomy specimen (40 g, 40-60 g,60 g). Perioperative, oncological and functional data were prospectively recorded. Potency was defined as erections sufficient for penetration; continence as no pad or one safety liner. Oncological results were reported as positive surgical margins (PSMs) and 1-year biochemical disease-free survival (PSA0.2 ng/mL).We evaluated 750 patients (366 with40 g prostates, 272 with 40-60 g prostates, 112 with60 g prostates). Median follow-up was 22 months; PSA was higher in larger prostates (6.6 vs. 6.8 vs. 8 ng/mL). Nerve-sparing and bladder-neck sparing procedures were in similar percentages. Larger prostates required longer surgeries (90 vs. 100 vs. 100 minutes, P=0.002). Perioperative results were similar (blood loss, discharge, complications, catheter removal). Larger prostates had more frequently localized disease (pT2 in 49.5% vs. 60.7% vs. 68.5%; P=0.001); PSMs were similar both in pT2 (15.5% vs. 9.4% vs. 11.8%) and in pT3 cases (40.1% vs. 42% vs. 34%). In the three study groups, immediate continence was reached by 88%, 89.5% and 81.3% (P=0.045), while no differences were observed concerning continence (93.4%, 94.1%, 94.7%; P=0.892) or potency after follow-up.RSP is feasible in patients with prostates of any volume, with similar oncological and functional outcomes. Despite being inferior to the figures obtained in low volume prostates, the very high immediate continence rates observed in larger prostates encourage the use of this approach also in larger prostates.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) is currently the standard surgical treatment for localized prostate cancer. Since 2010, Dr. Aldo Bocciardi has developed a new anatomical approach through the rectovesical pouch at Niguarda Hospital in Milan.

The Retzius-sparing approach for Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP) was born in 2010 at Niguarda Hospital in Milan from an original idea of Aldo Bocciardi. Since then, more than 1200 cases have been operated at Niguarda, and several hundreds in many centers throughout the world.

We read with interest the article by Song and colleagues (1) recently published on European Urology regarding the evaluation of a brand-new intraoperative method to monitor and map the cavernous nerve during robot assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

To prospectively assess discontinuation of indwelling bladder catheterization (IBC) and relief of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) following prostate artery embolization (PAE) in poor surgical candidates.Patients ineligible for surgical intervention were offered PAE after at least 1 month of IBC for management of urinary retention secondary to BPH; exclusion criteria for PAE included eligibility for surgery, active bladder cancer or known prostate cancer. Embolization technical and clinical success were defined as bilateral prostate embolization and removal of IBC, respectively. Patients were followed for at least 6 months and evaluated for International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life, prostate size and uroflowmetric parameters.A total of 43 patients were enrolled; bilateral embolization was performed in 33 (76.7%), unilateral embolization was performed in 8 (18.6%), and two patients could not be embolized due to tortuous and atherosclerotic pelvic vasculature (4.7%). Among the patients who were embolized, mean prostate size decreased from 75.6 ± 33.2 to 63.0 ± 23.2 g (sign rank p = 0.0001, mean reduction of 19.6 ± 17.3%), and IBC removal was achieved in 33 patients (80.5%). Clavien II complications were reported in nine patients (21.9%) and included urinary tract infection (three patients, 7.3%) and recurrent acute urinary retention (six patients, 14.6%). Nine patients (22.0%) experienced post-embolization syndrome.PAE is a safe and feasible for the relief of LUTS and IBC in highly comorbid patients without surgical treatment options.

To summarize the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of standard mid-urethral sling (SMUS) operations for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (SUI).A non-systematic literature review was carried out in order to collect the available evidence concerning efficacy and safety of SMUS operations for the treatment of SUI. According to the data of our prior meta-analysis, patients receiving SMUS had significantly higher overall and objective cure rates than those receiving Burch colposuspension, although they had a higher risk of bladder perforations. Patients undergoing SMUS and pubovaginal slings had similar cure rates, although the latter were slightly more likely to experience storage lower urinary tract symptoms and had a higher reoperation rate. Patients treated with retropubic SMUS had slightly higher objective cure rates than those treated with transobturator tape (TOT); however, subjective cure rates were similar, and patients treated with TOT had a much lower risk of some complications. Meta-analysis demonstrated similar outcomes for TOTs. With regard to the novel mini-sling, another meta-analysis from Abdel-fattah et al. demonstrated that repeat continence surgery and de novo urgency incontinence were significantly higher in the patients treated with mini-slings.Patients treated with retropubic tape (RT) experienced slightly higher continence rates than those treated with Burch colposuspension, but they faced a much higher risk of intraoperative complications. RT and pubovaginal slings were similarly effective. The use of RT was followed by objective cure rates slightly higher than TOT and by higher risk of complications. The novel mini-slings do not seem to be more effective than the SMUS.

Port placement and docking of the da Vinci(®) Surgical System is fundamental in robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). The aim of our study was to investigate learning curves for port placement and docking of robots (PPDR) in RALP. This manuscript is a retrospective review of prospectively collected data looking at PPDR in 526 patients who underwent RALP in our institute from April 2005 to May 2010. Data included patient-factor features such as body mass index (BMI), and pre-, intra- and post-operative data. Intra-operative information included operation time, subdivided into anesthesia, PPDR and console times. 526 patients underwent RALP, but only those in whom PPDR was performed by the same surgeon without laparoscopic and robotic experience (F.D.M.) were studied, totalling 257 cases. The PPDR phase revealed an evident learning curve, comparable with other robotic phases. Efficiency improved until approximately the 60th case (P 0.001), due more to effective port placement than to docking of robotic arms. In our experience, conversion to open surgery is so rare that statistical evaluation is not significant. Conversion due to robotic device failure is also very rare. This study on da Vinci procedures in RALP revealed a learning curve during PPDR and throughout the robotic-assisted procedure, reaching a plateau after 60 cases.

Study Type – Therapy (outcomes research) Level of Evidence 2c What’s known on the subject? and What does the study add? The ideal outcome following radical prostatectomy includes presence of undetectable PSA, and full recovery of urinary continence and erectile function (the so called trifecta outcome). Very few studies are indeed available on the trifecta outcome following retropubic radical prostatectomy and a single one reported trifecta outcome following robot-assisted radical prostatectomy. We found that 1-year after surgery 89% of the patients were continent, 60% were potent and 95.5% were with undetectable PSA and without adjuvant therapies. On the whole, trifecta outcome was achieved by 57% of the patients. On multivariable analysis, patients age at surgery and preoperative erectile function were independent predictors of trifecta. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the trifecta outcome and its preoperative predictors in a series of consecutive patients who underwent robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP). PATIENTS AND METHODS We collected prospectively the clinical data of 242 consecutive patients with a minimum 12-month follow-up undergoing RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer. International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire–Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF) and the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-6 were used to evaluate the functional outcomes. Patients receiving adjuvant therapies or with a PSA at follow-up >0.2 ng/mL were censored for the biochemical recurrence-free analysis. Logistic regression was used to perform univariable and multivariable analyses. RESULTS Twelve months after surgery, 216 patients (89%) were continent and 145 (60%) were potent. At a median follow-up of 14 mo, 11 patients (4.5%) had either adjuvant radiation therapies within 3 months of surgery, when PSA was still undetectable (n= 6, 2.5%), or salvage radiation or hormone plus radiation therapy for PSA relapse (n= 5, 2%). A trifecta outcome was achieved by 137 patients (57%). On univariable regression analysis, patients’ age at surgery (P < 0.001), body-mass index (P= 0.028), preoperative IIEF-6 score (P < 0.001) and prostate volume (P= 0.036) were significantly associated with trifecta rates. On multivariable analysis, only patients’ age at surgery (odds ratio 1.095; P= 0.005) and preoperative IIEF-6 score (odds ratio 0.803; P < 0.001) were independent predictors of trifecta rates. CONCLUSION Using validated questionnaires to assess functional outcomes, we found that 57% of our patients undergoing nerve-sparing RALP achieved the trifecta outcome 12 months after surgery. Patient age at surgery and preoperative erectile function were the only independent predictors of trifecta rates.

Most newly diagnosed kidney cancers present at localized stages. With appropriate treatments, the cancer-specific survival rates of such patients are extremely high, which makes patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) a relevant issue. To date, most of the available studies on HRQoL have been biased by the absence of baseline HRQoL assessments and by retrospective designs.To evaluate the baseline HRQoL of patients with kidney cancer, comparative HRQoL during the first year after surgery, and the prognostic factors predictive of HRQoL recovery.We prospectively collected the data of all patients undergoing surgery for kidney tumors at a tertiary academic referral center from February 2006 to September 2007.Patients underwent nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) or radical nephrectomy (RN).Patients were invited to self-complete the validated, Italian version of the RAND 36-Item Health Survey 1.0 (SF-36) before surgery, 6 mo after surgery, and 12 mo after surgery.Overall, 129 consecutive patients were evaluated. No significant differences were found between the baseline scores of our patients and age- and sex-matched normative data for the Italian general population. Comparing the baseline SF-36 scores to those at 6 mo and 12 mo, there was statistically significant worsening in the physical domains and improvement in the emotional domains (all p0.05). About 50-80% of patients returned to baseline scores 6 mo and 12 mo after surgery. Age, body mass index (BMI), educational level, occupational status, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, tumor mode of presentation, pathologic stage, size, and histologic subtype were associated with 6-mo and 12-mo return to the baseline HRQoL scores. The main limitation of the study was the lack of a disease-specific questionnaire.Most patients returned to preoperative HRQoL within 12 mo after RN or NSS. Several patient features, clinical variables, and pathologic tumor variables predict the return of HRQoL.

Context: Anticholinergic drugs are commonly used in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) who do not achieve symptom relief and quality of life improvement with conservative management. Several drugs, with different doses, formulations, and routes of administration are currently available, making the choice quite difficult. Objective: To evaluate efficacy and safety of different doses, formulations, and route of administration of the available anticholinergic drugs. Evidence acquisition: A systematic review of the literature was performed in August 2007 using Medline, Embase, and Web of Science. Efficacy (micturitions per 24 h, volume voided per micturition, urgency urinary incontinence episodes per 24 h, incontinence episodes per 24 h) and safety (mainly, adverse events and withdrawal rates) end points were evaluated in the randomized control trials (RCTs) assessing the role of anticholinergic drugs in non-neurogenic OAB. Meta-analysis of RCTs was conducted using the Review Manager software 4.2 (Cochrane Collaboration). Evidence synthesis: Our systematic search identified 50 RCTs and three pooled analyses. Tolterodine immediate release (IR) had a more favorable profile of adverse events than oxybutynin IR. Regarding different dosages of IR formulations, dose escalation might yield some limited improvements in the efficacy but at the cost of significant increase in the rate of adverse events. In the comparisons between IR and extended-release (ER) formulations, the latter showed some advantages, both in terms of efficacy and safety. With regard to the route of administration, use if a transdermal route of administration does not provide significant advantage over an oral one. Conclusion: Many of the available RCTs have good methodological quality. ER formulations should be preferred to the IR ones. With regard to IR formulations, dose escalation might yield some improvements in the efficacy with significant increase in the AE. More clinical studies are needed to indicate which of the drugs should be used as first-, second-, or third-line treatment.

Purpose of review The purpose of the review is to highlight the latest developments in the surgical treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. Recent findings Total vaginal mesh has been developed with the intent to improve the outcome of pelvic floor reconstructive surgery. Two interesting papers were published in 2006. At the short follow up available, the data appear interesting, although the rate of erosions is quite high. Two American teams reported their experience in robotic surgery for the management of sacrocolpopexy and hysterectomy. The published data on the use of the da Vinci system are interesting, although they need to be reproduced and improved in other centers. A randomized controlled trial suggests the efficacy of Burch colposuspension as an antiincontinence procedure in patients undergoing sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse. Summary Total vaginal mesh and robotic surgery are major innovations in the field of urogynecology. Also, Burch colposuspension has proved to be an effective antiincontinence procedure in patients undergoing sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse. Further studies are needed, however, with longer follow-up periods.

Introduction: Spermatic cord tumors represent 4% of scrotal tumors. The most common neoplasms are lipomas. Spermatic cord sarcomas (SCS) of the genitourinary tract account for 2% of all urological tumors. Herein we presented our experience in the treatment of these tumors and a review of the literature. Patients and Methods: A review of the literature was performed using the Medline database with no restriction on language and date of published papers. The literature search used the following terms: epidemiology, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and spermatic cord sarcomas. Four cases treated from December 2009 to May 2010 are described. Results: All patients were treated with radical orchiectomy. The final pathological report showed different types of sarcomas. Two of the patients were treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. 12 months after surgery, 2/4 patients were alive without signs of relapse. Conclusion: SCS are very rare tumors with a poor prognosis. SCS’s prognostic factors have been identified in grading, size, depth of invasion and surgical margin status. Age and performance status of the patient are however very important. Lymphatic and hematogenous dissemination is uncommon. Surgery is the most important treatment both in the first approach and in local relapse. The role of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation therapy is still debated.

Context Recurrent stress urinary incontinence (R-SUI) represents a management dilemma; however, only a limited number of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) have assessed the various surgical procedures used for its treatment. Objective To assess the effectiveness and complications of various surgical procedures for the treatment of female R-SUI. Evidence acquisition A prospective peer-reviewed protocol was prepared a priori. A systematic literature review of all published RCTs comparing surgical procedures for treatment of R-SUI was performed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis statement. Data were analysed using RevMan 5. Evidence synthesis We conducted a literature search from 1945 to February 2013. Data were available for a total of 350 women in 10 RCTs with a mean follow-up of 18.1 mo. Meta-analysis was possible for the comparison of retropubic tension-free vaginal tape (RP-TVT) versus transobturator tension-free vaginal tape (TO-TVT) in five RCTs ( n = 135). There was no statistically significant difference between RP-TVT and TO-TVT in the patient-reported improvement (odds ratio [OR]: 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.41–1.69) or objective cure/improvement (OR: 1.75; 95% CI, 0.86–3.54). One RCT showed a trend towards a higher rate of patient-reported and objective cure/improvement with the inside-out TO-TVT compared with the outside-in; however, it was not statistically significant (OR: 3.00; 95% CI, 0.85–10.57, and OR: 3.32; 95% CI, 0.96–11.41, respectively). There was no significant difference between Burch colposuspension and RP-TVT (one RCT) in patient-reported improvement (OR: 0.33; 95% CI, 0.01–8.57) or objective cure/improvement (OR: 0.52; 95% CI, 0.13–2.05). Conclusions This meta-analysis shows no evidence of a significant difference in patient-reported and objective cure/improvement rates between RP-TVT and TO-TVT in the surgical treatment of women with R-SUI. However, due to the relatively low number of patients, the analysis might be underpowered. This review highlights the poor level of evidence in this field and the need for well-designed clinical trials to address this important clinical dilemma.

Of serum prostate specific antigen variability 40% depends on inherited factors. We ascertained whether the knowledge of KLK3 genetics would enhance prostate specific antigen diagnostic performance in patients with clinical suspicion of prostate cancer.We studied 1,058 men who consecutively underwent prostate biopsy for clinical suspicion of prostate cancer. At histology prostate cancer was present in 401 cases and absent in 657. Serum total prostate specific antigen and the free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio were determined. Four polymorphisms of the KLK3 gene (rs2569733, rs2739448, rs925013 and rs2735839) and 1 polymorphism of the SRD5A2 gene (rs523349) were studied. The influence of genetics on prostate specific antigen variability was evaluated by multivariate linear regression analysis. The performance of total prostate specific antigen and the free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio alone or combined with a genetically based patient classification were defined by ROC curve analyses.For prostate cancer diagnosis the free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio index alone (cutoff 11%) was superior to total prostate specific antigen (cutoff 4 ng/ml) and to free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio reflex testing (positive predictive value 61%, 43% and 54%, respectively). Prostate specific antigen correlated with KLK3 genetics (rs2735839 polymorphism p = 0.001, and rs2569733, rs2739448 and rs925013 haplotype combination p = 0.003). In patients with different KLK3 genetics 2 optimal free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio cutoffs (11% and 14.5%) were found. For free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio values between 11% and 14.5% the prostate cancer probability ranged from 30.0% to 47.4% according to patient genetics.The free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio is superior to total prostate specific antigen for prostate cancer diagnosis, independent of total prostate specific antigen results. Free-to-total prostate specific antigen ratio findings below 11% are positively associated with prostate cancer and those above 14.5% are negatively associated with prostate cancer, while the interpretation of those between 11% and 14.5% is improved by patient KLK3 genetic analysis.

A 54-year-old man with a history of prostate cancer and clear cell renal cell carcinoma of the left kidney underwent concomitant robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and radical prostatectomy. We report, to our knowledge, the first case of a concomitant retroperitoneal robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy and extraperitoneal radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case of acute urinary retention due to bladder hypotonia during ranolazine treatment. CASE SUMMARY: An 81-year-old male with multiple cardiovascular diseases was hospitalized for worsening angina and heart failure symptoms. Ranolazine 375 mg twice daily was started, in addition to ongoing therapy (clopidogrel 75 mg once daily, diltiazem 60 mg 3 times daily, isosorbide mononitrate 40 mg 3 times daily, carvedilol 6.25 mg twice daily, rosuvastatin 20 mg once daily, enoxaparin 5000 IU once daily, pentoxifylline 600 mg twice daily, pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily, enalapril 20 mg twice daily, furosemide 150 mg once daily, and spironolactone 37 mg once daily). Two months later, the ranolazine dose was increased to 500 mg twice daily; shortly thereafter, acute urinary retention occurred and persisted despite institution of α-lytic (alfuzosin) and antiandrogenic (dutasteride) therapy. A urodynamic study revealed that urinary retention was caused by severe hypocontractility of the detrusor muscle. Ranolazine was withdrawn and, within 2 days, the patient recovered his ability to void spontaneously; a second urodynamic study confirmed that detrusor contractility was substantially improved. Drug rechallenge was not performed due to the patient's clinical condition. Nevertheless, a phenotyping test to assess the activity of the cytochrome isoenzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 (responsible for ranolazine metabolism) was performed, with dextromethorphan used as the probe drug. The urinary metabolic ratios indicated relatively low activity for CYP3A4 and intermediate activity for CYP2D6. DISCUSSION: The causal role of ranolazine in our case of bladder hypotonia is probable according to the Naranjo criteria. The mechanism of bladder dysfunction is tentatively ascribed to blockage of late sodium current in smooth muscle cells. Although drug plasma concentrations were not measured, they were probably elevated, since the metabolic activity of CYP3A4 was at the lower end of the reference range. Enzyme inhibition produced by diltiazem may have contributed to decreasing CYP3A4 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Acute urinary retention in elderly men taking ranolazine may be due to drug-induced bladder hypotonia.

Background We describe our 20-year experience with a posterior transrectal approach (York-Mason procedure) to treat recto-urinary fistula (RUF). Most RUFs are secondary to lower urinary or intestinal tract surgery. Spontaneous closure is infrequent, and operative treatment is often mandatory. Several surgical approaches have been proposed. Methods We reviewed retrospectively the medical records of 14 patients presenting with RUF in our Department between 1988 and 2010. In 10 patients, RUFs developed after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP); in the other 4 patients, RUFs resulted after other surgical interventions. All patients were treated with the York-Mason approach. A temporary colostomy and suprapubic cystostomy were performed in all patients except one. Results All patients were treated successfully. After fistulectomy, colostomies were closed after 4 mo, and patients reported fecal continence and no postoperative anal strictures. The colostomy was left in place permanently in 1 patient due to the simultaneous presence of Crohn’s disease, in another with ulcerative rectocolitis, and in a third scheduled for adjuvant radiotherapy for relapse after RRP. In 1 patient, daily medications were essential because of wound infection. In the patient with Crohn’s disease, the fistula recurred 11 years after first repair. Two patients died of metastatic prostate cancer 1 year after repair of the RUF. Conclusion The posterior sagittal transrectal approach allows easy access and good surgical exposure, facilitating identification of the fistulous tract. In our opinion, the York-Mason approach guarantees the greatest success rate with the least morbidity.

To date, no study has analyzed the predictors of potency recovery in a robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) series. A novel risk stratification for erectile function recovery after retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) has been proposed recently by Briganti et al. from the University Vita-Salute San Raffaele in Milan, Italy.To evaluate the potency rate in a series of consecutive patients who underwent bilateral nerve-sparing RALP, to identify the preoperative predictors of erectile function recovery, and to validate the risk-group stratification of Briganti et al.The clinical records of all patients who underwent RALP for clinically localized prostate cancer between April 2005 and April 2009 were prospectively collected in the Prostate Cancer Padua Database. For the present study, we extracted all consecutive cases receiving a bilateral nerve-sparing technique with a minimum follow-upor =12 months.Twelve-month potency rate after RALP, defined as an International Index of Erectile Function 6 (IIEF-6) scoreor =18.Data showed that 129 out of 208 enrolled patients (62%) were potent 12 months after surgery. Age (hazard ratio [HR]: 2.8; P0.001), Charlson score (HR: 2.9; P = 0.007), and baseline IIEF-6 score (HR: 0.8; P0.001) were independent predictors of potency recovery at multivariate analysis. According to Briganti et al.'s risk-group stratification, the 12-month potency rate following RALP was 81.9% in the low-risk group, 56.7% in the intermediate-risk group, and 28.6% in the high-risk group (P0.001).In the era of robotic surgery, the key point for the success of the nerve-sparing technique remains the accurate selection of patients. Ageor =65 years, absence of associated comorbidities, and good preoperative erectile function are the most important preoperative factors to select those patients for whom bilateral nerve-sparing RALP can achieve the best results.

Very few studies have evaluated the risk of complications following robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RARP), and all were flawed by several methodological biases.To evaluate the prevalence of early complications and risk factors following RARP, reporting complications in agreement with the standardised Martin criteria.All 415 patients who underwent surgery for clinically localised prostate cancer from April 2005 to April 2009 at a single tertiary academic centre were prospectively studied.RARP was performed by two surgeons with the same technique.Complications were collected and reported according to the standardised Martin criteria.One hundred and two complications were observed in 90 patients (21.6%), with bleeding (5.3%), lymphorrhoea (4.3%), and pelvic haematoma (2.4%) the most common ones. According to the modified Clavien system, 41 patients (10%) had grade 1, 37 (9%) had grade 2, 11 (3%) had grade 3, and 1 (0.2%) had grade 4 complications. On multivariable analysis, prostate volume (odds ratio: 0.985; p0.001) and the number of cases performed (p0.001) were independent predictors of the occurrence of any grade complications. Considering grade 3 to 4 complications, only the number of cases performed by the surgeons was significantly associated with major complications in a univariable analysis (p0.001). The major limitation of the study is represented by the relatively small number of patients and events included in the analysis, resulting in the study being underpowered to identify some factors predicting any or high-grade complications.Applying standardised criteria to collect and report complications, we identified early complications in about 22% of our patients undergoing RARP. Although most of the patients experienced minor complications, 3% of them did experience grade 3 or 4 complications. Prostate volume and number of RARP performed by the surgeons were independent predictors of the occurrence of complications.