Search

Simone Ferretti,1 Paolo Dell’Oglio,2– 4 Davide Ciavarella,1 Antonio Galfano,2 Luigi Schips,1 Michele Marchioni1 1Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti, Urology Unit, Chieti, Italy; 2Department of Urology, ASST Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda, Milan, Italy; 3Department of Urology, Netherlands Cancer Institute-Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; 4Interventional Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the NetherlandsCorrespondence: Michele Marchioni, Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti, Urology Unit, Chieti, Italy, Tel +393296544866, Fax +390871357756, Email mic.marchioni@gmail.comAbstract: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the gold standard for localized prostate cancer. Several RARP approaches were developed and described over the years, aimed at improving oncological and functional outcomes. In 2010, Galfano et al described a new RARP technique, known as Retzius-sparing RARP (RS-RARP), a posterior approach through the Douglas space that spares the anterior support structures involved with urinary continence and sexual potency. This approach has been used increasingly in many centers around the world comparing its results with those of the most used standard anterior approach. Several randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews and meta-analyses demonstrated an important advantage relative to standard anterior RARP in terms of early urinary continence recovery, with comparable perioperative and long-term oncological outcomes. Several surgeons are concerned regarding RS-RARP because it appears to increase the risk of positive surgical margins (PSMs). However, this statement is based on low-certainty evidence. Indeed, the available studies compared the results of surgeons who had an initial experience with posterior RARP with those who had a solid experience with anterior RARP. Recent evidence strongly suggests that RS-RARP is feasible and safe not only in low- and intermediate-risk prostate cancer patient but also in challenging scenario such as high-risk setting, salvage prostatectomy and after transurethral resection of the prostate.Keywords: radical prostatectomy, Retzius-sparing, urinary continence, positive surgical margins, high-risk prostate cancer

Background: Head-to-head comparisons between ileal conduit (IC) and orthotopic neobladder (ONB) in terms of peri- and postoperative outcomes and complications, in the specific setting of robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC), are not available. Objective: To address the impact of the type of urinary diversion (UD, IC vs ONB) on RARC morbidity, as well as operative time (OT), length of stay (LOS), and readmissions. Design, setting, and participants: Urothelial bladder cancer patients treated with RARC at nine high-volume European institutions between 2008 and 2020 were identified. Intervention: RARC with either IC or ONB. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis: Intra- and postoperative complications were collected and reported according to the Intraoperative Complications Assessment and Reporting with Universal Standards recommendations and European Association of Urology guidelines, respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models tested the impact of UD on outcomes, after adjustment for clustering at single hospital level. Results and limitations: Overall, 555 nonmetastatic RARC patients were identified. In 280 (51%) and 275 (49%) patients, an IC and an ONB were performed, respectively. Eighteen intraoperative complications were recorded. The rates of intraoperative complications were 4% in IC patients and 3% in ONB patients (p = 0.4). The median LOS and readmission rates were 10 versus 12 d (p

Recent meta-analytic work has highlighted lower creativity in schizophrenic patients as compared to control participants, but the cognitive and affective underpinnings of this difference still need to be fully understood. To this purpose, we adopted a multi-measure approach and compared a group of schizophrenic outpatients and a group of demographically-matched controls (N = 34) on the Alternative Uses Test (AUT) and the Remote Association Test (RAT), assessing divergent and convergent thinking respectively. The participants' cognitive status, affective status, and response inhibition skills were also appraised. The results showed a significantly worse performance in patients vs. control participants in both tests of creativity. Performance was also negatively correlated with patients' symptoms, being lower in more severe clinical conditions. The difference between groups in the RAT was no more significant when controlling for individuals' cognitive functioning, in line with previous studies in healthy populations. In contrast, the difference in AUT fluency remained significant even when controlling for cognitive and affective measures. Our findings suggest that creativity reduction in schizophrenic patients involves both convergent and divergent thinking, and that the latter aspect is not simply the consequence of a general cognitive or inhibitory impairment.

Abstract Purpose Since the term orthorexia nervosa (ON) was coined from the Greek (ὀρθός, right and ὄρεξις, appetite) in 1997 to describe an obsession with “correct” eating, it has been used worldwide without a consistent definition. Although multiple authors have proposed diagnostic criteria, and many theoretical papers have been published, no consensus definition of ON exists, empirical primary evidence is limited, and ON is not a standardized diagnosis. These gaps prevent research to identify risk and protective factors, pathophysiology, functional consequences, and evidence-based therapeutic treatments. The aims of the current study are to categorize the common observations and presentations of ON pathology among experts in the eating disorder field, propose tentative diagnostic criteria, and consider which DSM chapter and category would be most appropriate for ON should it be included. Methods 47 eating disorder researchers and multidisciplinary treatment specialists from 14 different countries across four continents completed a three-phase modified Delphi process, with 75% agreement determined as the threshold for a statement to be included in the final consensus document. In phase I, participants were asked via online survey to agree or disagree with 67 statements about ON in four categories: A–Definition, Clinical Aspects, Duration; B–Consequences; C–Onset; D–Exclusion Criteria, and comment on their rationale. Responses were used to modify the statements which were then provided to the same participants for phase II, a second round of feedback, again in online survey form. Responses to phase II were used to modify and improve the statements for phase III, in which statements that met the predetermined 75% of agreement threshold were provided for review and commentary by all participants. Results 27 statements met or exceeded the consensus threshold and were compiled into proposed diagnostic criteria for ON. Conclusions This is the first time a standardized definition of ON has been developed from a worldwide, multidisciplinary cohort of experts. It represents a summary of observations, clinical expertise, and research findings from a wide base of knowledge. It may be used as a base for diagnosis, treatment protocols, and further research to answer the open questions that remain, particularly the functional consequences of ON and how it might be prevented or identified and intervened upon in its early stages. Although the participants encompass many countries and disciplines, further research will be needed to determine if these diagnostic criteria are applicable to the experience of ON in geographic areas not represented in the current expert panel. Level of evidence Level V: opinions of expert committees

Background: Retzius-sparing (RS) robot-assisted radical prostatectomy represents a valid surgical treatment option for prostate cancer (PCa) patients. However, the available evidence on the role of RS in high-risk (HR) PCa setting is sparse. Objective: To describe our RS technique for HR-PCa patients and to evaluate intra-, peri-, and postoperative oncological and functional outcomes. Design, setting, and participants: A total of 340 D’Amico HR-PCa patients underwent RS at a single high-volume centre between 2011 and 2020. Surgical procedure: Surgical procedures were performed by five experienced robotic surgeons. Measurements: Complications were collected according to the standardised methodology proposed by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated in patients with complete follow-up data (n = 320). Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined as two consecutive prostate-specific antigen values of ≥0.2 ng/ml. Urinary continence (UC) recovery was defined as the use of zero or one safety pad. Kaplan-Meier and multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were performed. Results and limitations: Fourteen patients (4%) experienced intraoperative complications and 52 90-d complications occurred in 44 patients (14%), of whom 24 had Clavien-Dindo 3a/b. Final pathology reported 49% International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grade 4–5, 55% ≥pT3a, and 28.8% positive surgical margins (PSMs; 9.4% focal and 19.4% extended PSMs). The median follow-up was 47 mo. Overall, 35.3% and 1.3% harboured BCR and died from PCa. At 4 yr of follow-up, BCR-free survival and additional treatment-free survival were 63.6% and 56.6%, respectively. ISUP 4–5 at biopsy (odds ratio [OR]: 2.6), prostate volume (OR: 1.03), partial or full nerve sparing (OR: 1.9), and full bladder neck preservation (OR: 2.2) were independent predictors of PSMs. Pathological ISUP 4–5 (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.5) and PSMs (HR: 2.3) were independent predictors of BCR. Pathological ISUP 4–5 (HR: 1.5), PSMs (HR: 2.4), pT ≥3b (HR: 1.8), and pN ≥1 (HR: 1.8) were independent predictors of additional treatment. Immediate UC recovery was recorded in 53% patients. The 1- and 2-yr UC recovery and erectile function recovery were, respectively, 84% and 85%, and 43% and 50%. Conclusions: RS in HR-PCa patients allows optimal intra-, peri-, and postoperative outcomes. The RS approach should be considered a valid surgical treatment option for HR-PCa patients in expert hands. Patient summary: Relying on the largest cohort of high-risk prostate cancer patients treated with Retzius sparing (RS), we observed that the RS approach is safe and allows optimal cancer control, without significantly compromising functional outcomes.

Background: In patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) the role of the extent of tumor thrombus into the inferior vena cava (IVC) has never been addressed from a surgical and oncologic standpoint. This study aims to evaluate differences between level III–IV versus level I–II patients concerning peri- and postoperative morbidity, additional treatments and long-term oncological outcomes. Patients and Methods: Overall, 40 patients with RCC underwent radical nephrectomy (RN) with IVC thrombectomy at a single European institution between 2010 and 2023. Complications were reported according to the European Union (EAU) guidelines recommendations. Spider chart served as graphical depiction of surgical and oncologic outcomes. Results: Overall, 22 (55%) and 18 (45%) patients harbored level III–IV and I–II IVC thrombus. Level III–IV patients experienced significantly higher rates of intraoperative transfusions (68 vs 39%), but not significantly higher rates of intraoperative complications (32% vs 28%). Level III–IV patients had significantly higher rates of postoperative transfusions (82% vs 33%) and Clavien Dindo ≥3 complications (41% vs 15%). In level III–IV versus level I–II patients, median follow up was 482 and 1070 days, the rate of distant recurrence was 59% and 50%, the rate of systemic progression was 27% and 13%, and the rate of additional treatment/s was 64% and 61%, respectively (all p values > 0.05). Overall survival was 36% in level III–IV patients and 67% in level I–II (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that patients with level III–IV RCC who are candidates for IVC thrombectomy should be counselled about the higher likelihood of postoperative severe adverse events and worse overall survival relative to level I–II counterparts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The aim of our study is to evaluate the possible urodynamic effect of prostatic urethral lift (PUL) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hyperplasia. Methods: A consecutive series of patients undergoing PUL placement were consecutively enrolled in two centers. Inclusion criteria: ≥50 years of age, benign prostatic obstruction (BPO), international prostate symptom score (IPSS) ≥ 13, prostate volume ≤ 60 mL, and no middle prostate lobe. All patients were evaluated using a detailed clinical history, a validated questionnaire, flexible cystoscopy, and pressure flow studies (PFS) at baseline. PFS were performed at 6 months to evaluate the urodynamic effect of PUL. Results: Overall, 20 patients with a median age of 63 were enrolled. At six months, statistically significant improvements in terms of median Qmax (11.5 vs. 8.5; p < 0.05) and median IPSS (16 vs. 10.5; p < 0.05) were recorded, and sexual function was maintained. All urodynamic parameters improved at 6 months, and significance was reached for all values except for PdetQmax. Finally, Schäfer's class improved from a median of III to a median of II. More specifically, 16/20 presented an improvement in the Schäfer class, and 12/20 patients presented a BOOI < 20 at 6 months. Conclusions: PUL represents an effective treatment in patients with LUTS due to BPH and improves bladder outlet obstruction without any effect on sexual function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]