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The introduction of pathways to enrol deceased donors after cardio-circulatory confirmation of death (donation after circulatory death, DCD) is expanding in many countries to face the shortage of organs for transplantation. The implementation of normothermic regional reperfusion (NRP) with warm oxygenated blood is a strategy to manage in-situ the organs of DCD donors. This approach, an alternative to in-situ cold preservation, and followed by prompt retrieval and cold static storage and/or ex-vivo machine perfusion (EVMP), could be limited to abdominal organs (A-NRP) or extended to the thorax (thoraco-abdominal, TA-NRP. NRP is also referred to as extracorporeal interval support for organ retrieval (EISOR). The use of EISOR is increasing in Europe, even if variably regulated. A-NRP has been demonstrated to be effective in decreasing the risk associated with transplantation of abdominal organs from DCD donors, and was recommended by the European Society for Organ Transplantation (ESOT) in a recent consensus document. We aim to explain how we select the candidates for DCD, to describe our regionalized model for implementing EISOR provision, and to introduce the health care professionals involved in this complex process, with their strictly defined roles, responsibilities, and boundaries. Finally, we report the results of our program, recruiting cDCD donors over a large network of hospitals, all pertaining to a Local Health Authority (Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, AUSL) in Romagna, Italy.

The aim of this study was to review the available literature on the efficacy and safety of the Rezum system for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). A revision of literature up to January 2021 was carried out. Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed archives were screened to identify all the relevant studies investigating the role of Rezum in the treatment of BPH. Randomized controlled trial (RCT), retrospective, prospective, observational, and comparative studies were included. Finally, 17 studies were included, five of which reporting data of a double blind Rezum RCT. Overall, 1,451 patients underwent Rezum procedure. All the studies performed a minimum of 3 months follow-up. Preoperatively, the mean International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) score was 19.8, mean Qmax was 9.2mL s1, and mean PVR was 142 cc. At 3 months after surgery, the mean IPSS score was 1.5, mean Qmax was 13.7mL s1, and mean PVR was 74 cc. Six studies investigated sexual function, most of them using the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF)-5 questionnaire and a few also the Male Sexual Health Questionnaire (MSHQ). Preoperative mean IIEF-5 score was 18.5, and the mean MSHQ score was 7.4. At the 3 months follow-up, the mean IIEF-5 score was 16.4, and the mean MSHQ score was 9.62. None of the studies reported intraoperative complications. Rezum system is a novel minimally invasive treatment for symptomatic BPH using transurethral water vapor thermal energy. It represents a cost-effective and safe procedure with durable relief of lower urinary tract symptom, preservation of sexual function, low complications rate, and short recovery time.

Background: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is considered a safe and effective treatment in case of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). Despite technical execution has evolved over ...

Introduction Water vapour intraprostatic injection (Rezum procedure) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the more promising minimally invasive surgical treatment. The 5-year outcomes from the multicentre Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) demonstrated significant and durable urinary and sexual functional results in selected patients. We assessed the sexual and urinary outcomes of this procedure between patients satisfying inclusion criteria for the RCT and real-life patients. Materials and Methods We prospectively followed all patients with symptomatic BPH who underwent Rezum therapy at 8 institutions and analyzed the functional results. Patients were divided into two groups based on clinical characteristics ("selected patients" satisfied the pre-operative inclusion criteria of the 5-year RCT and the "real-life patients"). The pre-and post-operative data, complications, the presence of antegrade ejaculation, the urinary and sexual outcomes were periodically recorded. Results 426 patients were eligible for the study, 232 of these had the inclusion criteria of the RCT (Group A) and 194 were real life patients (Group B). Patients in group B had higher ASA, score, prostate volume and post-void residual measurement (PVR). No difference was found in terms of pre-operative IPSS, IIEF, Qmax and PSA. Longer operative time and number of more vapour injections were required in group B, with no differences in hospital stay, injection density and complications rate. In both groups all the urinary and sexual outcomes improved with no differences between the two groups. The re-intervention rate at the latest follow-up visit was 2.6% in Group A and 3.1% in group B Conclusions In our series, the water vapour intraprostatic injections is a safe, effective and well tolerated procedure in all type of patients.

The present study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) under anticoagulant (AC) and/or antiplatelet (AP) therapy, as compared to a control group, and to establish possible differences in postoperative-related morbidity. Data of all consecutive patients submitted to elective RARP for PCa from June 2017 to May 2020 at our institution were prospectively collected. Patients were divided according to the use of AC/AP therapy at surgery. The primary endpoint was to determine differences in 90-day postoperative complication rate, while secondary endpoints included differences in transfusion rate, readmission rate and postoperative oncological outcomes between the two groups. Sub-groups analysis was separately performed for patients undergoing pelvic lymphadenectomy and nerve-sparing procedures. Overall, 822 patients were included in the study and divided in 704 control-group patients (group A) and 118 patients under AC/AP therapy at surgery (group B). Despite the higher estimated blood loss between AC/AP takers and the control group, we did not find a significant difference in terms of 90-day postoperative complication rate, transfusion rate, readmission rate and postoperative oncological outcomes (all p > 0.05). In the cohort of patients undergoing nerve-sparing prostatectomy, a higher rate of complications and transfusions were found. At multivariate analysis, ASA score and ongoing medications were independently associated with complication in this sub-group. RARP can be safely and effectively performed in patients with PCa and ongoing AC/AP agents. Attention has to be paid in candidates for nerve-sparing procedures.

Background and objective Bone fragility has been linked to COVID-19 severity. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether a diagnosis of vertebral fracture (VF) increased mortality risk in COVID-19 patients and whether this effect was greater than in those without COVID-19. Methods We assessed VFs by computed tomography (CT) in a cohort of 501 patients consecutively admitted to the emergency department (ED) for clinical suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave of pandemic emergency. Of those, 239 had a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Results VF prevalence was similar between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups (22.2 vs. 19%; p = 0.458). Death rates were similar between COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups at both 30 (15.8 vs. 12.2%; p = 0.234) and 120 days (21.8 vs. 17.6%; p = 0.236). The mortality risk was higher in COVID-19 patients either with one or multiple fractures compared to those without VFs, at 30 and 120 days, but statistical significance was reached only in those with multiple VFs (30-day HR 3.03, 95% CI 1.36–6.75; 120-day HR 2.91, 95% CI 1.43–5.91). In the non-COVID-19 group, the 30-day mortality risk was significantly higher in patients either with one (HR 7.46, 95% CI 3.12–17.8) or multiple fractures (HR 6.2, 95% CI 2.75–13.98) compared to those without VFs. A similar effect was observed at 120 days. After adjustment for age, sex and bone density, mortality risk remained associated with VFs in the non-COVID-19 group only. Conclusions VFs were not independently associated with short-term mortality in patients with COVID-19, but they strongly increased mortality risk in those without COVID-19.

ObjectiveIn this study, we evaluate the short- and mid-term results of water vapor thermal therapy (WVTT) for LUTS (lower urinary tract symptoms) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).MethodsPatients with LUTS due to BPH who underwent WVTT from September 2019 to April 2022 were included in this prospective, single-center study. Data regarding functional and sexual outcomes were evaluated by validated questionnaires as well as uroflowmetry, urinalysis and cultures, digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific antigen, and transrectal ultrasound. The patients were followed-up with 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after the procedure.ResultsEighty-four men were treated. Mean ± SD prostate volume, operative time, and hospital stay were 76.9 ± 26.3 ml, 14 ± 18.5 min, and 0.9 ± 0.7 days, respectively. The catheter was removed after 7 ± 4.4 days. A significant (p < 0.05) improvement in Qmax, IPSS, QoL, OAB-q SF, ICIQ-SF, and IIEF- 5 from the baseline at the last follow-up (18 months) was recorded. Seventy-six (90%) patients reported a significant improvement in ejaculatory function (de novo dry ejaculation in 4 patients). Early (≤30 days) postoperative complications were reported in 70% of patients, all grade 1 according to Clavien–Dindo. No late (>30 days) Clavien–Dindo >1 procedure-related complications occurred. Three patients required reoperation (6–12 months after surgery).ConclusionWVTT is an effective and safe treatment for the management of LUTS due to BPH in the short- and mid-term follow-up, and it provides negligible sequelae with respect to ejaculation.

To assess whether socio-economic disparities exist on access to care, treatment options and outcomes among patients with renal mass amenable of surgical treatment within the universal healthcare system.Data of consecutive patients submitted to partial nephrectomy (PN) or radical nephrectomy (RN) at our Institution between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were grouped according to their income level (low, intermediate, and high) based on the Indicator of Equivalent Economic Situation national criterion. Survival analysis was performed. Cox regression models were employed to analyse the impact of socio-economic variables on survival outcomes.One thousand forty-two patients were included (841 PN and 201 RN). Patients at the lowest income level were found more likely symptomatic and with a higher pathological tumour stage in the RN cohort (p 0.05). The guidelines adherence on surgical indication rate as well as the access to minimally invasive surgery did not differ according to patient's income level in both cohorts (p 0.05). Survival curves were comparable among the groups. Cox regression analysis showed that none of the included socio-economic variables was associated with survival outcomes in our series.Universal healthcare system may increase the possibility to ensure egalitarian treatment modalities for patients with renal cancer.

Introduction Retrograde ureteroscopy (URS), intra-renal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) represent routine interventions for the treatment of ureteral and renal stones, although at times associated with serious adverse events. Of note, the evidence on perioperative complications after these procedures remains sparse and controversial. Moreover, there is a lack of standardized reporting of adverse events using uniform systems. The aim of the present study was to systematically review of the available evidence on URS/RIRS and PCNL for the surgical treatment of urinary stone, assessing the incidence of intra- and postoperative events, classified according to the modified Clavien-Dindo scale. Evidence acquisition A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations and was conducted on intra- and postoperative complications, as well as on their management, following URS, RIRS and PCNL procedures, particularly focusing on major events. Evidence synthesis Overall, 26 studies (13 on URS/RIRS and 11 on PCNL) met the inclusion criteria and were evaluated. The highest intraoperative complication rate was 11.5% and 8.5% for RIRS and PCNL, respectively. Major complication rate following URS/RIRS and PCNL ranged between 0.3-31.7% and 2-17.1%, respectively. The most frequent adverse events were obstructive pyelonephritis or urinary leakage requiring the placement of a double J stent or a drainage. Among PCNLs series, life-threatening adverse events have also been reported, including bleeding requiring renal angioembolization and urothorax. Conclusions Despite the inclusion of series using a standardized reporting system, the complication rate after URS/RIRS/PCNL remains extensively heterogeneous in the literature; in addition, a non-negligible proportion of studies did not characterize the adverse events nor report the actual management strategy to solve them. Future research is needed to standardize the classification and reporting of surgical complications after endourological procedures (taking into consideration the surgeon's experience and skills), aiming to improve patient counseling and potentially the strategy for their prevention.

Introduction The management of complex trauma patient with concomitant brain injury and extra-cranial lesions is challenging since the requirement of a low pressure to limit the bleeding clashes with the need to maintain an adequate cerebral perfusion and to obtain a brain CT-scan. Here we present the use of REBOA as a bridge to CT scan in complex head and torso trauma. Case presentation A 59-years male patient involved in a car accident was admitted to our hospital after a car accident. He had a GCS of 3 with a left fixed pupil anisocoria. Despite right-sided chest decompression for pneumothorax and massive transfusion protocol for hemoperitoneum, blood pressure remained low; to temporally stabilize the patient and perform a brain CT scan a zone 1 REBOA was inserted and systolic blood pressure rose up from 60 mmHg to 110 mmHg. A brain CT scan highlighted a right subdural hematoma with a 8-mm midline shift. The patient went to the operating room to perform damage control surgery and, subsequently, a decompressive craniotomy. After 96 days of hospital stay, the patient was discharged at home with a complete neurological recovery. Conclusions The achievement of a rapid brain CT scan in traumatic brain injury is often crucial and has a deep impact in changing surgical management; moreover, duration of cerebral herniation is associated with worse outcome and increased mortality. In the light of this, the use of REBOA in selected cases of complex head and torso trauma could allow to gain time to go to the CT room in safe conditions.

Objective To evaluate the impact of preoperative markers of systemic inflammation on complications and oncological outcomes in patients aged ≥75 years treated with radical cystectomy (RC) for urothelial bladder cancer (UBC). Patients and methods The clinical data of 694 patients treated with open RC for UBC at our institution between January 2008 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients aged 3 was independently associated with OM (hazard ratio 1.38, 95% CI 1.01–1.77; P = 0.01). Conclusions In a cohort of elderly patients with UBC treated with RC, fibrinogen and mGPS appeared to be the most relevant prognostic measurements and increased the accuracy of clinicopathological preoperative models to predict major postoperative complications, disease recurrence and mortality. Abbreviations ASA: American Society of Anesthesiologists; CCI: Charlson Comorbidity Index; CIS: carcinoma in situ; CRP: C-reactive protein; CSM: cancer-specific mortality; CSS: cancer-specific survival; ECOG PS: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status; HDL: high-density lipoprotein; (S)HR: (subdistribution) hazard ratio; LND: lymphadenectomy; LVI: lymphovascular invasion; mGPS: modified Glasgow Prognostic Score; NLR: neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio; NOC: non-organ-confined; OM: overall mortality; OR: odds ratio; OS: overall survival; RC: radical cystectomy; RNU: radical nephroureterectomy; UBC: urothelial bladder cancer; UTUC: upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma

GEAcute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability for adults. Endovascular therapy is the standard of care for severe acute ischemic stroke, caused by large-vessel occlusion in the anterior circulation; however, the optimal anaesthetic management during the procedure is still a matter of debate. The best anesthetic treatment should mainly be related to patients’ clinical conditions and the site of arterial occlusion. With this article, we share our experience based on the use of ketamine as the choosen hypnotic drug for general anesthesia, in order to avoid a sudden drop in blood pressure. The core of our proposal approach is the general anesthesia management by the medical emergency team with skills on both time-dependent diseases and neurocritical care.

Background Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) impairment is often reported among COVID-19 ICU survivors, and little is known about their long-term outcomes. We evaluated the HRQoL trajectories between 3 months and 1 year after ICU discharge, the factors influencing these trajectories and the presence of clusters of HRQoL profiles in a population of COVID-19 patients who underwent invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Moreover, pathophysiological correlations of residual dyspnea were tested. Methods We followed up 178 survivors from 16 Italian ICUs up to one year after ICU discharge. HRQoL was investigated through the 15D instrument. Available pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and chest CT scans at 1 year were also collected. A linear mixed-effects model was adopted to identify factors associated with different HRQoL trajectories and a two-step cluster analysis was performed to identify HRQoL clusters. Results We found that HRQoL increased during the study period, especially for the significant increase of the physical dimensions, while the mental dimensions and dyspnea remained substantially unchanged. Four main 15D profiles were identified: full recovery (47.2%), bad recovery (5.1%) and two partial recovery clusters with mostly physical (9.6%) or mental (38.2%) dimensions affected. Gender, duration of IMV and number of comorbidities significantly influenced HRQoL trajectories. Persistent dyspnea was reported in 58.4% of patients, and weakly, but significantly, correlated with both DLCO and length of IMV. Conclusions HRQoL impairment is frequent 1 year after ICU discharge, and the lowest recovery is found in the mental dimensions. Persistent dyspnea is often reported and weakly correlated with PFTs alterations. Trial registration NCT04411459.

Objectives To explore the perspective of urological patients on the possibility to defer elective surgery due to the fear of contracting COVID-19. Methods All patients scheduled for elective urological procedures for malignant or benign diseases at two high-volume Centres were administered a questionnaire, through structured telephone interviews, between 24th and 27th April 2020. The questionnaire included three questions: 1) In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, would you defer the planned surgical intervention? 2) If yes, when would you be willing to undergo surgery? 3) What do you consider potentially more harmful for your health: the risk of contracting COVID-19 during hospitalization or the potential consequences of delaying surgical treatment? Results Overall, 332 patients were included (51.5% and 48.5% in the oncology and benign groups, respectively). Of these, 47.9% patients would have deferred the planned intervention (33.3% vs 63.4%; p

Purpose Rezūm is the latest developed minimally invasive treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We aimed to carefully assess the functional outcomes of patients treated with Rezūm for BPH. Methods We prospectively followed 135 consecutive patients treated by Rezūm at 5 institutions from June 2019 to August 2020. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-UI SF), the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire-Short Form (OAB-q SF) score, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) and questions 9 and 10 to assess ejaculatory dysfunction were recorded. Election criteria were age > 18, no prior prostate interventions, IPSS ≥ 13, post-void residual ≤ 250 mL, prostate volume between 30 and 120 cc. Results The median operative time was 10.5 (IQR 8.7–15) min. All patients were dismissed few hours after surgery with indwelling urinary catheter that was removed after a median of 7 (IQR 7–10) days. A significantly decrease of IPSS from baseline at first (p = 0.001) and third (p

The possible role of JC virus in determining urinary tract involvement has only recently been recognized. The case of a man with laboratory-confirmed JC virus replication in the urine after a maintenance schedule of rituximab administered for a lymphoproliferative disorder is reported herein. The patient developed severe renal and urinary tract impairment, characterized by the onset of nephropathy, bilateral ureteral strictures, and a serious reduction in vesical compliance, ultimately requiring an ileal neobladder configuration. The renal and urinary tract involvement was finally attributed to JC virus reactivation. This observation suggests that renal and urinary tract diseases related to JC virus might be associated with long-term rituximab treatment.

Background This study was conceived to provide systematic data about lung mechanics during early phases of CoVID-19 pneumonia, as long as to explore its variations during prone positioning. Methods We enrolled four patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit of “M. Bufalini” hospital, Cesena (Italy); after the positioning of an esophageal balloon, we measured mechanical power, respiratory system and transpulmonary parameters and arterial blood gases every 6 hours, just before decubitus change and 1 hour after prono-supination. Results Both respiratory system and transpulmonary compliance and driving pressure confirmed the pseudo-normal respiratory mechanics of early CoVID-19 pneumonia (respectively, CRS 40.8 ml/cmH2O and DPRS 9.7 cmH2O; CL 53.1 ml/cmH2O and DPL 7.9 cmH2O). Interestingly, prone positioning involved a worsening in respiratory mechanical properties throughout time (CRS,SUP 56.3 ml/cmH2O and CRS,PR 41.5 ml/cmH2O – P 0.37; CL,SUP 80.8 ml/cmH2O and CL,PR 53.2 ml/cmH2O – P 0.23). Conclusions Despite the severe ARDS pattern, respiratory system and lung mechanical properties during CoVID-19 pneumonia are pseudo-normal and tend to worsen during pronation. Trial registration Restrospectively registered.

Objectives: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has been established as first-line surgical therapy for organ-confined prostate cancer (PCa). Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is recommen...

INTRODUCTION Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains the gold standard for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Yet, the introduction of lasers for the treatment of LUTS due to BPO has dramatically changed the surgical landscape of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) treatment. Recently, "en-bloc" techniques have shown to prove advantageous in terms of better visualization, more prompt identification of the surgical capsule and the correct plane to dissect. Herein we provide a comprehensive overview of available series of en-bloc enucleation of the prostate, focusing on surgical techniques, perioperative and functional outcomes. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic review of the literature was performed according to PRISMA recommendations and was conducted on surgical techniques and perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive en-bloc surgery for prostate adenoma detachment. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Overall, 16 studies with 2750 patients between 2003 and 2019 were included. Specific technical nuances have been described to maximize perioperative outcomes of en-bloc prostatic enucleation, including early apical release, horse-shape incisions, inverted U-shape tractions and low power. Overall, regardless of the energy employed, en-bloc prostatic enucleation achieved favorable outcomes including low risk of major complications and quality of life improvement. However, a great heterogeneity of study design, patients' inclusion criteria, prostate volume and en-bloc surgical strategy was found. CONCLUSIONS En-bloc endoscopic enucleation of the prostate has been shown to be technically feasible and safe, with potential technical advantages over the classic three-lobe technique. Larger comparative studies are needed to evaluate the ultimate impact of the en-bloc approach on postoperative outcomes, in light of the surgeon's learning curve.

Background: Iron metabolism and immune response to SARS-CoV-2 have not been described yet in intensive care patients, although they are likely involved in Covid-19 pathogenesis. Little is known about clinical management of severe forms of Covid-19. Methods: we performed an observational study during the peak of pandemic in our intensive care unit, serially dosing D-dimer, C-reactive protein, Troponin T, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Ferritin, Serum iron, Transferrin, Transferrin Saturation, Transferrin Soluble Receptor, Lymphocyte count and NK, CD3, CD4, CD8, B subgroups of 31 patients during the first two weeks of their ICU stay. Correlation with mortality and severity at the time of admission was tested with Spearman coefficient and Mann-Whitney test. Trend over time were tested with Kruskall-Wallis analysis. Results: All patients show hyperferritinemia, and its dosage might be helpful in individuating patients developing hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (we observed 1 case). Lymphopenia is severe and constant, with a nadir on day 2 of ICU stay (median 0.555 109/L; interquartile range (IQR) 0.450 109/L); all lymphocytic subgroups are dramatically reduced in critically ill patients, while CD4/CD8 ratio remains normal. Neither Ferritin nor lymphocyte count follow significant trends in ICU patients. Transferrin Saturation is extremely reduced at ICU admission (median 9%; IQR 7%), then significantly increases at day 3 to 6 (median 33%, IQR 26.5%, p-value 0.026). The same trend is observed with serum iron levels (median 25.5 µg/L, IQR 69 µg/L at admission; median 73 µg/L, IQR 56 µg/L on day 3 to 6) without reaching statistical significance. D-dimer is constantly elevated and progressively increases from admission (median 1319 µg/L; IQR 1285 µg/L) to day 3 to 6 (median 6820 µg/L; IQR 6619 µg/L), despite not reaching significant results. We describe trends of all the above mentioned parameters during ICU stay and provide a narrative review of our clinical experience about critical Covid-19 patients. D-dimer is constantly elevated in our ICU population and increases from admission to a maximum on day 3 to 6 of ICU stay (median 6820 µg/L; IQR 6619 µg/L) Conclusions: iron metabolism and lymphopenia are key clinical features of Covid-19 patients in the ICU setting and have been specifically described in this paper. Keywords – MeSH repository (3-10): Iron, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Coronavirus, Critical Care, Lymphocytes, Lymphopenia, Ferritins, Immunity, Coagulation.

Since the need of sedation during the first experiences of invasive ventilation, the concept of sedation and pain control have been developed and, conceptually, separated. Nowadays, intensive care might need a different level of sedation (intensivists must make the patient in condition to tolerate the “trauma” of intensive care) and pain control (in case of traumatic injury, nursing, invasive maneuvers). Basically, intensivists should decide the level of sedation based on the level of invasive care, the prevision of ICU length of stay, the pain level, and the possibility of human contact maximization. Receptors involved in pharmacological control of consciousness are γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, opioid receptors, glutamic acid receptors, and α2 adrenergic receptors. Sedation and pain control are therapies; thus, they must be decided with the same importance as well as antimicrobial or vasoactive support. The modern concept should be based on neurological monitoring, to improve relatives’ contact with the patients. Actually, international opinion remarks the reduction of sedative administration, so increasing the possibility of human contact. In this context, the eCASH concept (early Comfort using Analgesia, minimal Sedatives, and maximal Humane care) recently proposed could became a new point of view in sedation management.

To investigate the influence of the body weight on peri- and postoperative outcome in a series of pediatric patients with a diagnosis of uretero-pelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) treated with robot-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty (RALP) at a single tertiary referral center.In this study, outcomes of RALP in children divided according to the weight are evaluated.Sixty-one consecutive patients treated with RALP from January 2016 to May 2019 were recorded retrospectively and divided according to their weight: group A15 kg, group B ≥ 15 kg and were included in this study. Eligible criteria for surgery were symptomatic UPJO, worsening of hydronephrosis, or obstructive pattern at renogram. Success criteria were the reduction of the hydronephrosis at imaging and the absence of flank pain. All procedures were performed by one expert robotic surgeon.18 patients were included in group A (median weight 12 kg) and 43 patients in group B (median weight 33 kg). The median (IQR) operative was 95 (90-120) for group A compared to 90 (85-110) of control group. No significant difference has been found (P = 0.93). We registered one (5.6%) Clavien 3b complication (omental hernia after removal of the drainage requiring surgical correction) and two (4.7%) Clavien 2 complication in group B (urinary infections). No difference has been found in the length of hospital stay, length of catheterization, and duration of procedure between the groups (P 0.05). At a median follow-up of 23 months (IQR 9-27 vs 9-33), the success rate was comparable between the two groups (94.4% vs 97.7%; P = 0.51). Relapse was recorded in one child per group and both required nephrostomy placement.Our study tried to fill the gaps in the evidence on the feasibility of RALP in low-weight children reporting favorable peri-operative and long-term outcomes; however, this study shows some intrinsic limitations. The relatively small numbers of patients in the15 kg may have underpowered the comparison with heavier patients. Moreover, only two patients were10 kg so that no definitive conclusions on the safety and feasibility of RALP in this cohort of patients can be drawn.RALP in children15 kg was feasible and effective to treat UPJO with superimposable results to heavier counterparts. In our experience, the need for a different trocar placement and limited space in patients15 kg did not affect peri-operative and functional outcomes.