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Purpose. To compare the efficacy and safety of flexible ureteroscopic suctioning lithotripsy (FURS) using patented designed intelligent irrigation and suctioning intraluminal pressure-control platform and integrated pressure-measuring suctioning ureteral access sheath versus minimally invasive suctioning percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPCNL) in treating renal calculi at 2 to 3 cm in size. Methods. Ninety-one patients who met the criteria were included in the study. Among these, 46 patients underwent transurethral flexible ureteroscopic lithotripsy and the other 45 patients underwent MPCNL. We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data for the 2 groups and parameters including stone clearance rate, complication rate, average operative time, average postoperative hospitalization duration, and average postoperative hemoglobin level decrease were compared. Results. The hospitalization time for the FURS group was 3.53 ± 1.25 days, which was statistically shorter than that of the MPCNL group, which was 6.54 ± 2.36 days. There was significantly more patients needing pain medication postoperatively in the MPCNL group with statistical difference between the 2 groups (P = .015). Also, there was more significant hemoglobin level drop in the MPCNL group with statistical difference between the 2 groups. However, there were no statistical differences between the 2 groups on average operative time and stone clearance rate. Conclusion. Both the operative methods are safe and efficacious in treating solitary renal calculus at 2 to 3 cm in size. However, FURS has more advantages including shorter hospital stay, less complication, and less bleeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: COVID-19 disrupted access to critical healthcare and resources for many, especially affecting patients at safety-net hospitals who rely on regular care for multiple complex conditions. Students realized they could support patients from the sidelines by helping navigate abrupt healthcare changes and proactively addressing needs at home., Aim: To comprehensively identify and meet the clinical and social needs of Atlanta, Georgia's patients at highest risk, left without their usual access to healthcare, through proactive telephonic outreach., Setting and Patients: Medical and Physician's Assistant students from Emory and Morehouse Schools of Medicine partnered with Grady Health System, Atlanta's safety-net hospital. Artificial intelligence prioritized over 15,000 patients by risk of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19., Program Description: In this novel program, students performed telephonic outreach to thousands of patients at highest risk of poor outcomes from COVID-19. Students used a custom REDCap form that served as both a call script and data collection tool. It provided step-by-step guidance to (1) screen for COVID-19 and educate on prevention; (2) help patients navigate health system changes to fill gaps in care; and (3) identify and address social needs. Based on patients' responses, the form prompted tailored reminders for next steps and connections to medical and social resources., Program Evaluation: In the program's first 16 months, students made 7,988 calls, of which 3,354 were answered. Over half (53%) of patients had at least one need requiring action: 48% health and 16% social., Discussion: This proactive, novel initiative identified substantial clinical and social need among patients at highest risk for poor outcomes and filled a pressing health system gap exacerbated by COVID-19. Simultaneously, interprofessional students gained applied exposure to health systems sciences. This program can serve as a model for rapid, cost-effective, high-yield outreach to promote patient health at home both during and beyond the pandemic., (© 2021. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Society of General Internal Medicine.)

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Copyright of Journal of Urological Surgery is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI 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.)

Renal cryoablation has become accepted as treatment for small renal tumors as an alternative to surgery. However, parallel with the increase in the use of this therapy, there also has been increases in the number of reports of complications related to renal cryoablation. One potential complication is injury to important non‐renal structures adjacent to the ablated renal tumor, such as the colon, duodenum, ureter, psoas muscle and so on. To prevent injury of adjacent organs, separating organs from the tumor is desirable. Over the past 15 years, several techniques have been developed to protect against injury of organs adjacent to renal tumors that are targets of cryoablation. The most commonly used technique for this purpose has been hydrodissection. Others include dissection with gas, balloon dissection and probe traction. To avoid injury of a ureter running near the renal tumor, pyeloperfusion is known to be useful. The rate of cases necessitating avoidance of organ injury by using these techniques is relatively high. In some cases, more than two techniques are combined. In the present review, we provided an overview of techniques currently available to protect against organ injuries, and discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic prostatitis (CP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is one of the four category prostatitis, and the prevalence is over 90–95% in prostatitis. Because of its pain and obstructive voiding difficulties, it severely affects the quality of life of the patient. However, the standard treatment is still unclear. Given the lack of proven efficacy of conventional therapies (such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and alpha-blockers), many patients have turned to phytotherapy and other alternative treatments. In recent years, phytotherapy and physical therapy have advanced a lot because of the safety, efficacy and high compliance. This review covers phytotherapy (quercetin, bee pollen, pumpkin seed oil, eviprostat, terpene mixture) and physical therapy (acupuncture, shock wave, thermobalancing, transurethral needle ablation, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation sono-electro-magnetic therapy) commonly used in chronic prostatitis to help the clinician and researchers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacillus Calmette–Guerin (BCG) instillations are considered as a gold standard of therapy in high- and intermediate-risk non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). Unfortunately, up to 40% of patients might experience treatment failure and even 15% of patients initially diagnosed with NMIBC will progress to muscle-invasive disease. Since patients, who fail to respond to BCG, are at particular risk of progression, immediate radical cystectomy (RC) is currently recommended to provide cancer control. However, immunotherapy in NMIBC management still evolves. Immune checkpoint inhibitors emerge as new immunotherapeutics, which in the future might be combined with BCG and may serve as an alternative to radical cystectomy in patients, who failed to respond to BCG alone or are at particular a priori risk of BCG failure, especially if RC is not a safe option. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify NMIBC patients that will not benefit from BCG therapy and demand radical cystectomy. In the following review, we attempt to focus on several clinical and molecular factors and demonstrate the efforts directed to unravel their significance in BCG-failure risk assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the last years, pharmaceutical innovations in primary care are dramatically less frequent and will be even more rare in the next future. In this context, preclinical and clinical research oriented their interest toward natural compounds efficacy and safety, supporting the development of a new "nutraceutical" science. Medicinal plants, in the form of plant parts or extracts of them, are commonly used for the treatment of prostate diseases such as benign hypertrophy, prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The pharmacological properties searched for the treatment of prostatic diseases are anti-androgenic, anti-estrogenic, antiproliferative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The most studied and used medicinal plants are Serenoa repens, Pygeum africanum and Urtica dioica. Other promising plants are Cucurbita pepo, Epilobium spp, Lycopersum esculentum, Secale cereale, Roystonea regia, Vaccinium macrocarpon. In parallel, epidemiological studies demonstrated that diet may play an important role on incidence and development of prostatic diseases. The Mediterranean diet is rich of elements with anti-oxidant properties that act as a protective factor for prostatic cancer. Similarly, low intake of animal protein, high intake of fruits and vegetable, lycopene and zinc are a protective factor for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Serenoa repens in the treatment of symptoms of BPH has been tested either alone or, more frequently, in combination with other medicinal plants, alpha-blockers and inhibitors of 5- alpha reductase (5-ARI). Recent meta-analyses found the effectiveness of Serenoa repens similar or inferior of that of finasteride and tamsulosin but clearly higher than that of placebo in the treatment of mild and moderate low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), nocturia and discomfort. Clinical trials showed potential synergistic effect of Serenoa repens with other medicinal plants and drugs. In addition to Serenoa repens, there are many other medicinal plants for which clinical evidence is still controversial. Urtica dioica, Pygeum africanum and Curcubita pepo can be considered as an adjunct to the common therapies and their use is supported by studies showing improvement of symptoms and flowmetric indices. Lycopene and selenium are natural products with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action. The combination of lycopene and selenium with Serenoa repens was able to reduce inflammation in histological prostate sections and to further improve symptom scores and urinary flow in patients with BPH on tamsulosin treatment. Similar effects could be obtained with the use of other carotenoids, such as astaxanthin, and/or zinc. Efficacy on symptoms of patients with BPH of some polyphenols such as quercitin, equol and curcumin have been demonstrated by clinical studies. Pollen extract is a mixture of natural components able to inhibit several cytokines and prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis resulting in a potent anti-inflammatory effect. Pollen extracts significantly improve symptoms, pain, and quality of life in patients affected by chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic prostatitis. Beta-sitosterol is a sterol able to improve urinary symptoms and flow measures, but not to reduce the size of the prostate gland. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is an endogenous fatty acid amide-signaling molecule with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects that can have an interesting role in the management of chronic pelvic pain syndrome and chronic urological pain. Finally, several plant-based products have been subjected to preclinical, in vitro and in vivo, investigations for their potential pharmacological activity against prostate cancer. Some epidemiological studies or clinical trials evaluated the effects of beverages, extracts or food preparations on the risk of prostate cancer. Some plant species deserved more intense investigation, such as Camelia sinensis (green or black tea), Solanum lycopersicum (common tomato), Punica granatum (pomegranate), Glycine max (common soy) and Linum usitatissimum (linen). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: A medical device containing xyloglucan-gelose-hibiscus-propolis (referred to hereafter as xyloglucan + gelose) acts as a mucosal barrier protector and urinary acidifier. The safety and efficacy of this device were investigated as adjuvant therapy to first-line antimicrobials for treatment of uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) in adults. Patients and Methods: In this multicentre, randomised, parallel group, double-blind, phase IV study, xyloglucan + gelose (n = 20) or placebo (n = 20) were administered orally in combination with an antimicrobial agent (e.g., ciprofloxacin) for 5 days, then alone for 5 days, then beginning on Day 30 of the study for 15 days per month for 2 months. Results: Frequency of adverse events (AEs) was 5 and 45% in the xyloglucan + gelose and placebo groups respectively. All AEs were unrelated to study products. Xyloglucan + gelose reduced uroculture positivity (defined as a bacterial count ≥103 CFU/mL) from 100% of patients at baseline to 0% at Day 11, with recurrence in 3 patients (15%) by Day 76. Corresponding results with placebo were 100% uroculture positive patients at baseline reduced to 45% at Day 11, with recurrence in 14 patients (70%) by Day 76. Xyloglucan + gelose significantly reduced the frequency of urinary incontinence and urgency of micturition compared with placebo (both p < 0.05), with symptom resolution in all patients by Day 90. Conclusions: The xyloglucan + gelose medical device was safe, well tolerated, and it reduced bacteriological and symptomatic parameters in adults with uncomplicated UTI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Small renal masses (SRMs; ≤4 cm) account for two-thirds of new diagnoses of kidney cancer, the majority of which are incidental findings. The natural history of the SRM seems largely indolent. There is an increasing concern regarding surgical overtreatment and the associated health burden in terms of morbidity and economy. Observational data support the safety and efficacy of percutaneous cryoablation but there is an unmet need for high-quality evidence on non-surgical management options and a head-to-head comparison with standard of care is lacking. Historical interventional trial recruitment difficulties demand novel study conduct approaches. We aim to assess if a novel trial design, the cohort embedded randomised controlled trial (RCT), will enable carrying out such a comparison. Methods and analysis Single-centre prospective cohort study of adults diagnosed with SRM (n=200) with an open label embedded interventional RCT comparing nephron sparing interventions. Cohort participants will be managed at patient and clinicians' discretion and agree with longitudinal clinical data and biological sample collection, with invitation for trial interventions and participation in comparator control groups. Cohort participants with biopsy-proven renal cell carcinoma eligible for both percutaneous cryoablation and partial nephrectomy will be randomly selected (1:1) and invited to consider percutaneous cryoablation (n=25). The comparator group will be robotic partial nephrectomy (n=25). The primary outcome of this feasibility study is participant recruitment. Qualitative research techniques will assess barriers and recruitment improvement opportunities. Secondary outcomes are participant trial retention, health-related quality of life, treatment complications, blood transfusion rate, intensive care unit admission and renal replacement requirement rates, length of hospital stay, time to return to pre-treatment activities, number of work days lost, and health technologies costs. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval has been granted (UK HRA REC 19/EM/0004). Study outputs will be presented and published. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is represented by a heterogeneous group of symptoms that can cause an important impairment of daily quality of life for patients. Diagnosis of CP/CPPS is often not clear and treatment can be challenging, as it varies according to the different causative factors and derived symptoms. Differently from approaches used in the past, the diagnosis and subsequent treatment rely on separating this entity from chronic bacterial prostatitis and considering it as a multifactorial disease. Autoimmunity and inflammation, myofascial tenderness, neuroinflammation, and psychological causes have been clearly related to this disease, and therefore CPPS should not only be considered as related to benign prostatic enlargement. A multitude of different symptoms related to urinary, genital, rectal, and perineal areas can be attributed to this condition and therefore should be routinely investigated in patients, as well as possible differential diagnoses which can cause the same symptoms, such as pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome. The aim of this narrative review is to focus on CPPS after an infectious cause has been excluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in renal cancer and to compare it with contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Methods: A systematic search was performed to recruit eligible original studies published until December 2017. Two reviewers independently extracted data. A meta‐analysis was performed, and the pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios, positive and negative predictive values, diagnostic odds ratio, summary receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve were calculated. The extent and potential sources of heterogeneity were further explored. Moreover, a head‐to‐head comparison was also performed to compare the diagnostic value between CEUS and CECT in renal cancer. Results: Twenty‐two studies were included in this meta‐analysis. The summary sensitivity and specificity of CEUS for detecting renal cancer were 0.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.94–0.97) and 0.82 (95% CI, 0.74–0.88), respectively. The summary diagnostic odds ratio was 102.04 (95% CI, 49.55–210.13). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.97 (95% CI, 0.95–0.98). In the head‐to‐head comparison, CEUS showed higher diagnostic sensitivity than CECT (0.94 versus 0.85) for renal cancer, whereas the specificities were comparable between CEUS and CECT (0.77 versus 0.75). Conclusions: Contrast‐enhanced US has high sensitivity and moderate specificity in the differential diagnosis of renal cancer. The diagnostic sensitivity of CEUS in renal cancer was higher than that of CECT, suggesting that CEUS could be used as a preferred diagnostic tool for renal cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since its inception, robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has developed into a familiar surgical modality with improved perioperative outcomes including decreased hospital stay for localized prostate cancer patients. Experience with outpatient RARP has been reported as early as 2010. In this study, we evaluate the safety and feasibility of outpatient RARP by comparing perioperative outcomes between patients undergoing outpatient RARP to patients discharged on the day following surgery. This is a single-institution retrospective cohort study. Patients with localized disease who underwent RARP without pelvic lymph node dissection from September 2017 to January 2018 were included. T tests and Chi-squared analysis were used to compare demographic and perioperative characteristics of patients who were discharged on the same day of surgery (outpatient RARP) to patients discharged on the day after surgery (inpatient RARP). Of the 51 patients included in the study, 26 underwent outpatient RARP while 25 underwent inpatient RARP. There was no significant difference in mean age (61.4 vs 65.8 years, p = 0.05), BMI (27.1 vs 28.3 kg/m2, p = 0.35), ethnicity, tobacco use (8 vs 15%, p = 0.41), PSA (8.7 vs 8.4 ng/dL, p = 0.77), biopsy Gleason score distribution, prostate size (51.8 vs 57.7 cc, p = 0.26) or preoperative hemoglobin (14.3 vs 13.4 g/dL, p = 0.06), respectively. There was no significant difference between operative time (95.3 vs 101 min, p = 0.16), EBL (52.8 vs 66.5 cc, p = 0.08), postoperative change in hemoglobin (− 1 vs − 1.1 g/dL, p = 0.62), pathologic stage distribution or complication rate (4 vs 8%, p = 0.58) between patients who underwent outpatient vs inpatient RARP, respectively. Outpatient RARP offers similar or improved perioperative outcomes when compared to inpatient RARP. We advocate outpatient RARP as a safe and feasible alternative to inpatient RARP for appropriately selected prostate cancer patients. Furthermore, we introduce an outpatient model that can be applied to other institutions seeking to implement outpatient RARP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To describe the evolution of robotic laparoendoscopic single-site radical prostatectomy (R-LESS-RP) performed with the daVinci Single-Site Platform® and a home-made multiport aimed to overcome classical drawbacks of LESS, still present with this platform. Between 09/2015 and 06/2017 12 patients underwent R-LESS RP for clinical localized prostate cancer. Following a "phase 1 (development-stage)" innovation, development, exploration, assessment, long-term study (IDEAL) framework, different solutions were drawn to overcome drawbacks of daVinci Single-Site Platform®, included 3 (A, B, and C) multi-ports developed and evaluated in term of advantages/drawbacks concerning ergonomy. The end points of this study were: feasibility, safety, efficacy, by reporting rational description of multiports configuration, demographics, perioperative variables, functional and oncological results. Semi-flexible robotic 5-mm needle-holder instead of Maryland forceps, 30° lenses up and barbed-suture allowed overcoming limits of robotic-platform. Multiport-C (GelPOINT Advanced-Access® and an extra 8-mm robotic trocar outside the multiport) showed the best compromise to ensure both surgeon and bed-side assistant to reproduce a standard robotic procedure. No conversion to either standard robotic or open technique or intraoperative complications occur in any case. Two patients experienced "high-grade" Clavien-Dindo complications. After 12.4 months follow-up, all patients were continent without any sign of biochemical relapse and among 5 preoperative potent patients submitted to nerve-sparing dissection, 4 reported good erectile-function. R-LESS-RP is feasible and safe in the hands of experienced minimally-invasive surgeons. Do date, we recommend a hybrid solution with a home-made multiport and use of an additional standard robotic trocar which allows the use endowrist® technology instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rational use of antibiotics and strict adherence to practice guidelines is essential to prevent antibiotic resistance. The best surgical prophylaxis protocol requires tailoring of the available guidelines in accordance to the local bacterial flora. We designed a protocol for surgical prophylaxis to check the rampant abuse of antibiotics in the department of urology and evaluated its feasibility. Materials and Methods: Patients admitted for elective major surgeries under a single unit of our department over a period of 5 months were included in the study. A protocol for antibiotic prophylaxis was designed based on the European Association of Urology guidelines and the local hospital antibiogram. Single-dose intravenous cefuroxime was administered to the patients undergoing clean and clean-contaminated surgeries. Extended protocols were formulated for contaminated surgeries. Postoperative course and complications were recorded. Effectiveness was defined as adherence to the protocol (without an addition or a change in antibiotic regimen) along with an uneventful postoperative course. Prospectively maintained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Data of 277 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 48.37 ± 17.39 years and 27.1% had comorbidities. Majority of the surgeries were clean contaminated (81%), and 60.3% of the total were endoscopic. The protocol was effective in 89.5% of the patients (248/277). The failure rate was higher for the contaminated procedures (41.7%) (odds ratio -- 6.43; confidence interval = 1.51--27.2, P < 0.001). Post-operative sepsis with or without shock was the commonest cause (16/29, 55.2%) of protocol failure. Fourteen out of the 16 patients who developed sepsis had undergone endourological surgeries. Conclusions: Protocol-based perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis in urological surgeries is feasible. Similar protocols should be developed and validated at other major centers to limit the unnecessary use of antibiotics and prevent the emergence of antibiotic resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Recent studies have shown that using minimally invasive surgical techniques (conventional laparoscopy or robotic) for prostatectomy is associated with lower perioperative complication rates compared with open radical retropubic prostatectomy. However, differences in infectious complications between these minimally invasive approaches are not well characterized. To study this further, we performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis of the infectious complications of prostatectomy, comparing robotic prostatectomy (RP) with conventional laparoscopic prostatectomy (LP). Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL, CDSR, and EMBASE through September 2018 for studies evaluating minimally invasive prostatectomy and infectious complications. We employed random-effect models to obtain pooled odds ratio (pOR) estimates. Heterogeneity was evaluated with I2 estimation and the Cochran Q statistic. pORs were calculated separately based on the indication for prostatectomy. Results: Fifteen studies were included in the final review for the meta-analysis with 14,121 patients undergoing minimally invasive prostatectomy. There was no statistically significant difference in the number of infectious complication events between RP and LP (pOR 0.94; 95% CI 0.50, 1.76). When we performed a stratified analysis, similar results were found with no statistically significant difference in infectious complications comparing RP with LP among patients with prostate cancer (pOR 0.73; 95% CI 0.43, 1.24). We observed that infectious complications were nearly threefold higher with the robotic approach in earlier studies (published between 2007 and 2012, pOR 2.81; 95% CI 1.07, 7.39), but no significant difference was found in later studies (between 2013 and 2018, pOR 0.80, 95% CI 0.40, 1.57). Conclusions: The rate of infectious complications associated with RP was no different than that associated with conventional LP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To compare partial nephrectomy (PN), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (CRA) and microwave ablation (MWA) regarding oncologic, perioperative and functional outcomes.Material and Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE and COCHRANE libraries were searched for studies comparing PN, RFA, CRA or MWA and reporting on any-cause or cancer-specific mortality, local recurrence, complications or renal function. Network meta-analyses were performed.Results: Forty-seven studies with 24,077 patients were included. Patients receiving RFA, CRA or MWA were older and had more comorbidities compared with PN. All-cause mortality was higher for CRA and RFA compared with PN (incidence rate ratio IRR = 2.58, IRR = 2.58, p < 0.001, respectively). No significant differences in cancer-specific mortality were evident. Local recurrence was higher for CRA, RFA and MWA compared with PN (IRR = 4.13, IRR = 1.79, IRR = 2.52, p < 0.05 respectively). A decline in renal function was less pronounced after RFA versus PN, CRA and MWA (mean difference in GFR MD = 6.49; MD = 5.82; MD = 10.89, p < 0.05 respectively).Conclusion: Higher overall survival and local control of PN compared with ablative therapies did not translate into significantly better cancer-specific mortality. Most studies carried a high risk of bias by selecting younger and healthier patients for PN, which may drive superior survival and local control. Physicians should be aware of the lack of high-quality evidence and the potential benefits of ablative techniques for certain patients, including a superior complication profile and renal function preservation.Key Points: • Patients selected for ablation of small renal masses are older and have more comorbidities compared with those undergoing partial nephrectomy. • Partial nephrectomy yields lower all-cause mortality, which is probably biased by patient selection and does not translate into prolonged cancer-free survival. • The decline of renal function is smallest after radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is critical situation for human and animal health worldwide. The inappropriate antimicrobial use is one of the risk factors of AMR. Intriguingly, an increase of antimicrobial resistance bacteria was recently evident in companion animals. Since such circumstance strongly implied the contribution of inappropriate antimicrobial use in veterinary clinics and hospitals to the problems, this study aimed to categorize and evaluate antimicrobials prescribed in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Thailand. From 6,200 animal patients, there were total 8,093 antimicrobial prescriptions for animal treatments. The antimicrobials were prescribed for parenteral administrations 3,346 prescriptions (41.3%) and oral administrations 4,747 prescriptions (58.7%), respectively. During 2012-2015, the most antimicrobial prescriptions were enrofloxacin (33.9%, p<0.001) with significantly difference from amoxicillin/clavulanate (24.1%) and doxycycline (15.2%). Enrofloxacin was highest prescribed in both parenteral and oral administrations (41.2% and 28.8%, respectively). Surgical procedure was topmost of parenteral antimicrobial prescriptions (16.5%, p<0.05), especially for neutering cases, followed with gastrointestinal system (14.6%) and dermatological system (9.5%). The most oral antimicrobial prescriptions were used for treatments of dermatological system (16.3%, p<0.05), gastro-intestinal system (11.1%) and surgical procedures (8.9%). These study revealed the pattern of antimicrobial use in companion animals to fulfill the associated picture with AMR problem in Thailand, and underline requirement of better solving plan based on one health approach with more concern of antimicrobial use in veterinary fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To report robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) outcomes from a single tertiary hospital in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed consecutive cases of patients undergoing RPN at King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between January 2008 and January 2018. The study reports patient's demographics, tumor characteristics, operative details, and perioperative outcomes, using descriptive statistics of median and range values. Results: One hundred and one patients underwent RPN during the study period. Average tumor size was 3 (1.3-6.4) cm and average radius exophytic nearness anterior/posterior location (RENAL) score was 6 (4-10). Perioperative parameters were blood loss 200 (5-1500) ml and warm ischemia time 17 (8-40) minutes, excluding off-clamp surgery in 12 (11.9%); operative time was 166 (66-381) minutes. Conversion to open partial nephrectomy occurred in 9 (8.9%) patients, major complications in 3 (3%) patients, positive surgical margins in 5 (5%) patients, and the hospital stay was 4 (2-14) days. A total of 73 (73%) patients achieved a trifecta of freedom from any complication, negative surgical margins, and ischemia time ≤25 minutes. Study limitations included the retrospective design and small cohort size. Conclusions: The initial experience of robotic partial nephrectomy was associated with a surgical outcome comparable to that reported by higher-volume centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: With the advent of novel genomic and transcriptomic technologies, new urinary biomarkers have been identified and tested for bladder cancer (BCa) surveillance. To summarize the current status of urinary biomarkers for the detection of recurrence and/or progression in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive BCa patients, and to assess the value of urinary biomarkers in predicting response to intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) therapy.Methods and materials: A medline/pubmed© literature search was performed. The performance of commercially available and investigational biomarkers has been reviewed. End points were cancer detection (recurrence), cancer progression, and response to BCG therapy.Results: The performance requirements for biomarkers are variable according to the clinical scenario. The clinical role of urinary biomarkers in the follow-up of non-muscle invasive BCa patients remains undefined. The FDA-approved tests provide unsatisfactory sensitivity and specificity levels and their use is limited. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) has been shown to be useful in specific scenarios, mostly as a reflex test and in the setting of equivocal urinary cytology. FISH and immunocytology could conceivably be used to assess BCG response. Recently developed biomarkers have shown promising results; upcoming large trials will test their utility in specific clinical scenarios in a manner similar to a phased drug development strategy.Conclusions: Current commercially available urinary biomarker-based tests are not sufficiently validated to be widely used in clinical practice. Several novel biomarkers are currently under investigation. Prospective multicenter analyses will be needed to establish their clinical relevance and value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Topical therapy (TT) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) has been explored as a kidney sparing approach to treat carcinoma in situ (CIS) and as adjuvant for endoscopically treated Ta/T1 tumors. In bladder cancer, data support use of salvage TT for repeat induction. We investigate the outcomes of salvage TT for UTUC in patients ineligible for or refusing nephroureterectomy.Methods: A single-center retrospective review on patients receiving salvage TT via percutaneous nephrostomy tube or cystoscopically placed ureteral catheters was performed. Primary outcome was response to therapy based on International Bladder Cancer Group criteria.Results: 51 patients with 58 renal units (RUs) received TT. Of these, 17 patients with 18 RUs received the second-line TT, with a median follow-up of 36.5 months (IQR 24.5-67 months). 44% (8/18) received salvage TT for refractory disease and 56% (10/18) as reinduction. 5 RUs with CIS were unresponsive to initial TT and went on to receive salvage TT, of which 20% (1/5) responded. 13 RUs recurred or relapsed following initial TT and received salvage TT for papillary tumors, with 62% (8/13) responding.Conclusion: Our data provide preliminary clinical rationale for the second-line TT for refractory and recurrent, endoscopically managed papillary UTUC in patients ineligible for or refusing nephroureterectomy. However, refractory upper tract CIS appears to have poor response to salvage TT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Laparoscopic reoperative anti-reflux surgery (ARS) has a significantly higher morbidity than laparoscopic primary ARS; however, it is not known whether the same pattern exists within the robotic approach. We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of robotic reoperative ARS in comparison with primary robotic ARS.Methods: A retrospective review of patients undergoing primary or reoperative robotic ARS at a tertiary referral center between 2012 and 2017 was performed. Perioperative outcomes and long-term symptom resolution were evaluated.Results: A total of 200 patients were included (38 reoperative and 162 primary ARS). Baseline characteristics were comparable across groups. Seven (18.4%) of the reoperative patients had two or more prior foregut operations. Patients in the reoperative group had a longer operative time (226 vs. 180 min, p < 0.001). There were no conversions to open technique, and one patient in the reoperative group (2.6%) had an intraoperative perforation. Twenty of the 38 reoperative patients (52.6%) were discharged within 24 h as compared to 109/162 primary patients (64.9%) (p = 0.09). The readmission rate and postoperative complication rates were 6 and 3%, respectively, and did not differ between groups. At a mean follow-up of 1 year, complete or partial resolution of preoperative symptoms was achieved in 97% of primary patients and 100% of reoperative patients (p = 0.4).Conclusion: The robotic approach allows for minimal morbidity, short length of stay, and excellent functional outcomes in patients undergoing reoperative ARS when compared to patients undergoing primary ARS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess changes in sexual function after 980-nm diode laser vaporization of the prostate. Methods: A total of 82 benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients underwent 980-nm diode laser vaporization from May 2013 to December 2016, and were followed up for 12 months. The following outcomes were assessed at baseline, 6, and 12 months postoperatively: international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL) score, maximum urinary flow rate (Qmax), five-item version of international index of erectile dysfunction questionnaire (IIEF-5), male sexual health questionnaire ejaculatory function domain Short Form (MSHQ-EjD Short Form), and retrograde ejaculation. Results: Significant improvements at 6 and 12 months were noted postoperatively using IPSS, QoL, and Qmax compared with the preoperative values. Considering both patients and subgroups, the mean postoperative IIEF-5 scores at 6 and 12 months were unchanged compared with baseline. Regarding the MSHQ-EjD Short Form, at 6 and 12 months follow-up, postoperative total score of ejaculation function was decreased because the volume of ejaculation was decreased significantly. The frequency of ejaculation and force of ejaculation were also decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant. No significant difference in ejaculation bother item was observed after the operation. Patients with retrograde ejaculation at 6 and 12 months follow-up increased from 6/82 (7.3%) to 38/82 (46.3%), 42/82 (51.2%). Conclusion: The sexual function of patients could be maintained after 980-nm diode laser vaporization of prostate with the exception of reduction of ejaculatory volume and retrograde ejaculation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Chronic prostatitis (CP)/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) represents a challenge for the urologist, since the therapeutic efficacy does not always result in a satisfactory quality of life for the patients. Often the side effects of the medications used (anti-inflammatories, antibiotics, alpha blockers) far outweighs the benefits gained with their admission. The choice of nutraceutical medications is preferred for their effectiveness, that has been accepted and proven by the scientific community, and for the low incidence of side effects. The objective of this study to compare the therapeutic efficacy of the flower pollen extracts (Deprox®) versus Bioflavonoids in terms of reduction of symptoms, and in the average waiting time of the variation of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and to evaluate the quality of life improvement of the patients affected by CP/CPPS. Methods: Among the 68 patients presented with prostatic symptoms to the Hospital “Umberto I” in Rome, Italy between March 2016 and June 2016, 54 patients met the clinical diagnosis of CP/CPPS (class IIIa or IIIb according to the NIH classification). The patients were assigned to either treatment with Deprox® or quercetin based on a randomization scheme previously determined.The NIH- CPSI, IPSS, QoL questionnaires were administered. Every patient underwent bacterial cultures and trans-rectal ultrasound. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement of the NIH-CPSI score and QoL in the Deprox® group (p = < 0.0001 and p = 0.003 respectively). The average waiting time of the variation of the National Institute of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI) was statistically significant (p = 0.0019). In the absence of efficacy of the “conventional” medications, which also carries significant side effects, the dietary supplements may represent a valid alternative. Conclusions: DEPROX® has demonstrated a significant improvement of the symptoms and quality of life of patients diagnosed with by CP/CPPS. Furthermore, there was a statistical difference in the average waiting time of the variation of the NIH-CPSI) score without side effects as compared to the bioflavonoids complex with quercetin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare outcomes at a 5‐year median follow‐up among different partial nephrectomy (PN) approaches: robot‐assisted (RAPN), laparoscopic (LPN) and open partial nephrectomy (OPN). Patients and Methods: We retrospectively analysed 1 308 patients who underwent PN (RAPN, n = 380; LPN, n = 206; OPN, n = 722) between 2006 and 2012 at one of four academic centres. We performed 1:1:1 propensity‐score‐matching adjustment based on confounding variables among groups, and 366 patients (122 in each group) were included in the final analysis. Survival rates were analysed using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results: The median follow‐up periods were 60, 59.8 and 64.1 months for RAPN, LPN and OPN, respectively. In the matched groups, RAPN resulted in significantly lower mean estimated blood loss compared with LPN (P = 0.025) and OPN (P = 0.040), while LPN was associated with a longer mean operating time compared with RAPN (P = 0.001) and OPN (P = 0.001). The hospital stay was shorter in the RAPN group (P = 0.008). Regarding the oncological outcomes, there were no significant differences among the three groups in local recurrence rate (P = 0.882), distant metastasis rate (P = 0.816) or deaths from cancer (P = 0.779). At latest follow‐up, the incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) upstaging was significantly lower in RAPN compared with LPN (20.55% vs 32%; P = 0.035) and OPN (20.5% vs 33.6%; P = 0.038). The 5‐year CKD free‐survival rate was significantly higher (78.4%) in the RAPN group compared with 58.8% and 65.8% in the LPN and OPN groups, respectively (log‐rank P = 0.031). Conclusions: In the present study, RAPN, LPN and OPN had similar local recurrence, distant metastasis and cancer‐related death rates at a 5‐year median follow‐up. In terms of functional outcomes, RAPN was associated with a lower incidence of CKD upstaging compared with OPN and LPN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic primary pelvic pain syndrome in men (CPPPSm) can be associated with urogenital pain, urinary symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and emotional disturbance. Its clinical heterogeneity and incompletely understood pathogenesis make it more difficult to treat. This article is intended to familiarize the reader with basic aspects of the manifestations, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, differential diagnosis, and treatment of this condition. Method: This article is based on relevant publications retrieved by a selective search of the literature, including the current guidelines of the European Association of Urology. The features of this disease pertaining to urology, psychosomatic medicine, and pain medicine are illuminated from an interdisciplinary perspective. Results: Chronic pelvic pain appears to arise through a complex interaction of inflammatory, infectious, neurological, musculoskeletal, and psychosomatic factors. A comprehensive diagnostic work-up should be carried out to evaluate and exclude the numerous differential diagnoses. Treatment strategies are based on the clinical phenotype. Randomized controlled trials have shown that significant relief can be achieved with a variety of drugs and non-pharmacological treatments, selected according to the manifestations of the condition in the individual case. Attention must be paid to treatment-specific adverse effects. Conclusion: The management of patients with CPPPSm should consist of a comprehensive differential diagnostic evaluation and an individually oriented treatment strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a very common and difficult condition to evaluate, as it is a clinical diagnosis, without a measurable diagnostic "gold standard". The aim of this scoping review is to synthesize all the available data for seminal fluid biomarkers used to assess patients with CP/CPPS., Methods: A systematic search to identify all relevant publications was conducted on October 22, 2020 across five databases: Ovid Medline, Ovid EMBASE, PubMed, CCRT, and the CINAHL. Two independent authors screened all articles and extracted relevant data., Results: A total of 27 articles met the eligibility criteria. A majority of studies were case-control (15), with 6 observational cohorts and 6 comparative interventional studies. The total number of pooled patients included 585 patients with CP/CPPS (unspecified subtype), 371 patients with inflammatory CP/CPPS, 387 patients with non-inflammatory CP/CPPS, 354 patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis, and 432 healthy controls. Inflammatory seminal biomarkers were the most frequently studied, with IL6, IL8, TNFα and IL1β being the most promising candidates., Conclusions: There are a number of very promising seminal biomarkers to help categorize and monitor therapies in CP/CPPS. Large multicentre studies using a shared protocol for measuring seminal biomarkers with the primary intention of biomarker validation are needed prior to clinical implementation. Identification of biomarker(s) will facilitate the etiological categorization of patients with chronic prostatitis and provide an objective framework to tailor specific therapies according to the biomarker family., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Limited.)

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Purpose: The widespread use of abdominal imaging has affected the epidemiology of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Despite this, over 25% of individuals with RCC have evidence of metastases at presentation. Screening for RCC has the potential to downstage the disease.Methods: We performed a literature review on the epidemiology of RCC and evidence base regarding screening. Furthermore, contemporary RCC epidemiology data was obtained for the United Kingdom and trends in age-standardised rates of incidence and mortality were analysed by annual percentage change statistics and joinpoint regression.Results: The incidence of RCC in the UK increased by 3.1% annually from 1993 through 2014. Urinary dipstick is an inadequate screening tool due to low sensitivity and specificity. It is unlikely that CT would be recommended for population screening due to cost, radiation dose and increased potential for other incidental findings. Screening ultrasound has a sensitivity and specificity of 82-83% and 98-99%, respectively; however, accuracy is dependent on tumour size. No clinically validated urinary nor serum biomarkers have been identified. Major barriers to population screening include the relatively low prevalence of the disease, the potential for false positives and over-diagnosis of slow-growing RCCs. Individual patient risk-stratification based on a combination of risk factors may improve screening efficiency and minimise harms by identifying a group at high risk of RCC.Conclusion: The incidence of RCC is increasing. The optimal screening modality and target population remain to be elucidated. An analysis of the benefits and harms of screening for patients and society is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To describe and quantify the rate of detection of renal cancer on unenhanced CT.Methods: This retrospective, HIPAA-compliant study was approved by the Institutional Review Board. Electronic health records for all patients who underwent unenhanced abdominal CT at our institution between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed to identify patients subsequently diagnosed with renal cancer during a follow-up period of up to 12 years. Images were reviewed to determine if the cancer was visible at index (first) unenhanced CT and their findings recorded. Original radiology reports were reviewed to determine whether the renal cancer was reported; Fisher’s Exact Test compared imaging features of detected and missed cancers. Clinical outcomes including time until diagnosis and stage at diagnosis were used to assess the potential impact of missed cancers.Results: Of 15,695 patients, 82 (0.52%) were diagnosed with renal cancer. Of these, 43/82 (52%) cancers were retrospectively detectable on index unenhanced CT. Among retrospectively detectable cancers, 63% (27/43) were originally detected and reported on index CT and 37% (16/43) were missed. Size was the only feature associated with detection; 83% (20/24) of cancers > 3.0 cm were detected versus 37% (7/19) of cancers ≤ 3.0 cm (p = 0.0036). Although none of the 16 missed renal cancers developed metastases between index CT and time of diagnosis (median 33.5 months), 4 (25%) progressed in stage.Conclusions: Renal cancer was rare in patients undergoing unenhanced abdominal CT. Over one-third of potentially detectable cancers were missed prospectively. However, missed cancers did not metastasize and infrequently progressed in stage before being diagnosed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Minimal literature informs the use of robotic partial nephrectomy (RPN) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Therefore, we evaluated the renal functional outcomes in CKD patients undergoing RPN. Methods: We reviewed a prospective database of patients undergoing RPN 2010 to 2015 and identified 182 patients who had preoperative and postoperative nuclear renal scintigraphy (at 2 and 12 months postop). Preoperative and 12-month postoperative eGFR (mL/min/1.73 m2, by MDRD) were calculated. CKD was defined as eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (CKD stages III and IV). Changes in creatinine, eGFR, and split function on mercaptoacetyltriglycine (MAG)-3 scan were compared by baseline CKD status. Correlations between pre- and postoperative eGFR were calculated. Results: Of 182 patients, 30 (16.5%) had baseline CKD. Preoperative eGFR was 48.5 and 99.0 in CKD and non-CKD patients, respectively ( p  < 0.001). From preoperation to 12 months postoperation, eGFR decreased by 2.8 and 1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, respectively ( p  = 0.6). On MAG-3 scan, the contribution of the surgical kidney to overall renal function decreased by 5.0% and 4.8% ( p  = 0.9) in the CKD and non-CKD cohorts, respectively. When comparing renal scans at 2 and 12 months postoperation, in both groups the surgical kidney significantly recovered (both p  < 0.001) and the patterns of kidney function recovery was similar in both groups (CKD +2.0%, non-CKD +1.4%, p  = 0.6). On long-term follow-up (>2 years), eGFR did not change significantly in either the CKD or non-CKD group (−2.8 vs −1.1 mL/min/1.73 m2, p  = 0.6). On pathology, tumors were more frequently malignant in CKD vs non-CKD patients (93.3% vs 73.2%, p  = 0.02) and of higher Fuhrman Grade (grade ≥3: 49.7% vs 28.1%, p  < 0.001). Conclusion: RPN is a reasonable treatment option in patients with CKD, as it did not lead to a greater decline in renal function contributed by the surgical kidney. The patterns of kidney function recovery after surgery are similar between patients with and without CKD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To test rates over time of robotic partial and radical nephrectomy (RPN and RRN) at teaching vs nonteaching institutions and to examine associated complication rates and length of stay. Materials and Methods: Within the National Inpatient Sample (2008–2013), after stratification according to institutional teaching status, we examined the rates of robotic, open, and laparoscopic PN and RN. Subsequently, we tested complication rates and length of stay associated with RPN or RRN according to institutional teaching status. We relied on estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) with the least squares linear regression to test temporal trends and on multivariable logistic regression (MLR) and Poisson regression models to test complication rates and length of stay. Results: Overall, 4070 and 1683 RPN and RRN were identified. In MLR, RPN rates were lower at teaching vs nonteaching institutions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.79, p  < 0.001). RPN increased at similar rates over time at teaching and nonteaching institutions (EAPC: +32.1% and +30.1%, all p  < 0.05). In MLR, RRN rates were similar at teaching and nonteaching institutions ( p : 0.4). RRN rate increase over time was of similar magnitude at teaching vs nonteaching institutions (EAPC: +35.5% and +43.0%, all p  < 0.05). RPN at teaching institutions yielded higher genitourinary complication rates (OR: 1.46, p : 0.01). RRN at teaching institutions resulted in lower respiratory complications (OR: 0.66, p : 0.04) and shorter length of stay (rate ratio [RR]: 0.93, p : 0.01), but higher intraoperative complication rates (OR: 3.39, p : 0.04). Conclusion: Despite statistically significant differences in rates of RPN use, according to the institutional teaching status and despite statistically significant difference in selected complications, no meaningful differences distinguish teaching vs nonteaching institution when RPN and RRN are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Utilization of the robotic platform has become more common in bariatric applications. We aim to show that robotic revisional bariatric surgery (RRBS) can be safely performed in a complex patient population with perioperative outcomes equivalent to laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery (LRBS).Methods: Retrospective review was conducted of adult patients undergoing laparoscopic revisional bariatric surgery (LRBS) or robotic revisional bariatric surgery (RRBS) at our institution from September 2007 to December 2016. Patients undergoing planned two-stage bariatric procedures were excluded.Results: A total of 84 patients who underwent LRBS (n = 66) or RRBS (n = 18) were included. The index operation was adjustable gastric banding (AGB) in 39/84 (46%), sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) in 23/84 (27%), Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) in 13/84 (16%), and vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) in 9/84 (11%). For patients undergoing conversion from AGB (n = 39), there was no difference in operative time, length of stay, or complications by surgical approach. For patients undergoing conversion from a stapled procedure (n = 45), the robotic approach was associated with a shorter length of stay (5.8 ± 3.3 vs 3.7 ± 1.7 days, p = 0.04) with equivalent operative time and post-operative complications. There were three leaks in the LRBS group and none in the RRBS group (p = 0.36). Major complications occurred in 3/39 (8%) of patients undergoing conversion from AGB and 2/45 (4%) of patients undergoing conversion from a stapled procedure (p = 0.53) with no difference by surgical approach.Conclusions: RRBS is associated with a shorter length of stay than LRBS in complex procedures and has at least an equivalent safety profile. Long-term follow-up data is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare peri-operative outcomes after robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for cT2a (7 to <10 cm) to cT1 tumours. Materials and Methods: Patients with a cT1a (n = 1 358, 76.4%), cT1b (n = 379, 21.3%) or cT2a (n = 41, 2.3%) renal mass were identified from a multi-institutional RAPN database. Intra- and postoperative outcomes were compared for cT2a masses vs cT1a and cT1b masses using multivariable regression models (linear, logistic, Poisson etc.), adjusting for operating surgeon and a modified R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score that excluded the radius component. Results: The median sizes for cT1a, cT1b and cT2a tumours were 2.5, 5.0 and 8.0 cm, respectively (P < 0.001) with modified R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores being 6.0, 6.5 and 7.0, respectively (cT1a, P < 0.001; cT1b, P = 0.105). RAPN for cT2a vs cT1a masses was associated with a 12% increase in operating time (P < 0.001), a 32% increase in estimated blood loss (P < 0.001), a 7% increase in ischaemia time (P = 0.008), a 3.93 higher odds of acute kidney injury at discharge (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.33, 8.76; P = 0.009) and a higher risk of recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 10.9, 95% CI 1.31, 92.2; P = 0.027). RAPN for cT2a vs cT1b masses was associated with a 12% increase in blood loss (P = 0.036), a 5% increase in operating time (P = 0.062) and a marginally higher risk of recurrence (HR 11.2, 95% CI 0.77, 11.5; P = 0.059). RAPN for cT2a tumours was not associated with differences in complications (cT1a, P = 0.535; cT1b, P = 0.382), positive margins (cT1a, P = 0.972; cT1b, P = 0.681), length of stay (cT1a, P = 0.507; cT1b, P = 0.513) or renal function decline up to 24 months post-RAPN (cT1a, P = 0.124; cT1b, P = 0.467). Conclusion: For T2a tumours RAPN is a feasible treatment option in a select patient population when performed by experienced surgeons in institutions equipped to manage postoperative complications. Although RAPN was associated with greater blood loss and longer operating and ischaemia time in T2a tumours, it was not associated with greater complication or positive surgical margin rates compared with T1 tumours. Renal function preservation rates were equivalent for up to 24 months postoperatively; however, 12-month recurrencefree survival was significantly lower in the T2a group. Extended follow-up is required to further evaluate long-term survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surgical site infections (SSI) are the most common surgical complication. Perioperative antibiotics can reduce SSI when used properly. Despite guidelines from The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, non-indicated antibiotic use is widespread which exposes women to unnecessary risks. This study represents a quality improvement analysis assessing surgeon compliance with established guidelines regarding antibiotic use in gynaecological surgery. This is a single centre, retrospective study examining gynaecological procedures over two years. Cases were identified using Current Procedure Terminology codes. Perioperative antibiotics were used contrary to published guidelines in 199 of 1046 cases. Three variables were independently associated with inappropriate administration of perioperative antibiotics: entrance into abdominal cavity, higher EBL, and longer procedures. Impact statement Overuse of antibiotics has unintended consequences including allergic sequelae, extended length of hospital stay, increased healthcare costs, and the formation of antibiotic-resistant organisms. Antibiotic stewardship programmes have been shown to reduce the number of resistant pathogens, decrease incidence of Clostridium difficile colitis, and decrease length of hospital stay without increasing infection rates. Further outcomes-based research is needed regarding the use of antibiotic stewardship programmes in gynaecological surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effect of cernitin pollen extract on serum prostate‐specific antigen level prostate biopsy candidates, and to develop an ideal protocol to avoid an unnecessary biopsy procedure. Methods: A total of 61 patients were administrated cernitin pollen extract tablets (two tablets t.i.d.) for 30 days, and then underwent a prostate biopsy with ≥12 systematic and targeted biopsy cores obtained. Serum prostate‐specific antigen levels were examined before and after administration of the pollen extract, and the change in serum prostate‐specific antigen and the rate of change were analyzed in relation to negative and positive biopsy results for cancer. Results: The mean change in serum prostate‐specific antigen and rate of change after administration of cernitin pollen extract in all patients were −0.6 ± 1.4 ng/mL and −7.6 ± 16.1%, respectively, which were significantly different from the baseline values (P = 0.0003 and P = 0.0005, respectively). When prostate‐specific antigen change values and rates were compared between patients negative and positive for cancer, a significant difference between those groups was observed (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Conclusions: The present study is the first to show that an ideal protocol using cernitin pollen extract has the potential to avoid an unnecessary prostate biopsy procedure in patients with elevated prostate‐specific antigen, possibly caused by inflammation. Additional studies with greater numbers of participants are required to confirm our findings and develop an ideal protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paratesticular liposarcoma is an infrequent tumor characterized by a growing, painless, inguinal or scrotal mass. Only about 200 cases have been reported as of yet in literature, however there are a few cases regarding giant paratesticular liposarcoma measuring over 10 cm. The disease may be commonly misdiagnosed prior to operation. Improper treatment tends to lead to local recurrence and distant metastasis. The current report presents a case of a 51-year-old patient with a large, painless right scrotum. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 7.8x5.8x10.4 cm nonhomogeneous space-occupying lesion of the right testis, which was firstly diagnosed as a spermatocytoma. Following this, a radical orchiectomy of the right testis was performed, however, it appeared to be a dedifferentiated liposarcoma, following histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry. Due to the large size of the tumor, it is significant to report the characteristics, diagnosis and treatment of the similar cases. The current study additionally presents a supplementary review of previously published cases in literature and focuses on discussion regarding the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, histopathology and immunohistochemical features and treatment of this disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: To evaluate survival of patients with localized T1a clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) who received cryosurgery or thermal ablation compared to deferred therapy.Materials and Methods: We included 733 patients with histopathologically confirmed localized T1a ccRCC who either received cryosurgery (n = 315) or thermal ablation (n = 155), as well as patients who deferred therapy (n = 263) from the 2000-2013 Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program urinary cancer file. Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare cancer-specific survival (CSS) across subgroups. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess potential unmeasured confounding by comorbidities.Results: Patients treated with cryosurgery and thermal ablation had a statistically significant CSS benefit compared to those who deferred therapy (cryosurgery HR 0.25, 95% CI 0.14-0.45, p < 0.001; thermal ablation HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.13-0.55, p < 0.001, after adjustment for age at diagnosis, tumor grade, and size). There was no significant difference in CSS comparing cryosurgery to thermal ablation (HR 1.03, 95% CI 0.45-2.3, p = 0.95, after adjustment for age at diagnosis, tumor grade, and size). These results proved robust upon sensitivity analyses: After adjustment for comorbidities with varying prevalence assumptions, the corrected hazard ratio (cHR) of cryosurgery versus deferred therapy ranged between HR 0.09 and 0.68.Conclusion: Local ablative techniques provide relevant survival benefit and are preferable alternatives over deferred therapy. Cryosurgery and thermal ablation yield comparable outcomes.Level Of Evidence: 2b according to the Oxford Centre for evidence-based medicine levels of evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]