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INTRODUCTION Emerging evidence supports the hypothesis that metabolic syndrome is associated with cancer pathogenesis. In particular regarding prostate cancer, observational studies from various settings report different results. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to provide a quantitative estimate of the association between metabolic syndrome in prostate cancer, in particular Gleason Score >6, accounting for different study designs. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION A systematic research of available literature in English language until 2020 was conducted through in EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and NIH Registry of Clinical Trials. For each study, information regarding the study design, the population, the definition of metabolic syndrome, data relating to prostate cancer were collected. , the association between MetS and outcome of interest was determined by calculating the generic inverse variance with random effects method. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS In the final sample 19 studies were included with total of 114329 patients, 29.4% met the criteria for metabolic syndrome. We report a significant association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer in cross-sectional studies (OR 1.30; 95% CI 1.13, 1.49) and for patients with clinically significant prostate cancer (OR 1.56; 95% CI 1.23, 1.99]. Association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer combining all studies, in cohort studies and case-control studies was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Growing evidence support the association between metabolic syndrome and prostate cancer, bias derived from observational studies might conceal further findings.

The diagnostic pathway after a negative magnetic resonance imaging (nMRI) exam is not clearly defined. The aim of the present study is to define the risk of prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa) at the prostate biopsy after a negative multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) exam.Patients with nMRI Prostate Imaging ReportingData System (PI-RADS) ≤2 and without a previous diagnosis of PCa were identified among all patients undergoing mpMRI in a single referral center between 01/2016-12/2019. Detailed data about prostate biopsy after nMRI were collected, including any PCa diagnosis and clinically significant PCa diagnosis. [Gleason score (GS) ≥7]. In addition to descriptive statistics, uni and multivariable logistic regression assessed the potential predictors of any PCa and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) at the biopsy after a negative mpMRI.Of 410 patients with nMRI, 73 underwent saturation biopsy. Only prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels were significantly higher in patients undergoing biopsy (5.2 ng/ml vs 6.4, p0.001), while Prostate Cancer Research Foundation (SWOP - Stichting Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek Prostaatkanker) risk score and other variables did not differ. A total of 22 biopsies (30.1%) were positive for PCa, GS 6 was diagnosed in 14 patients, GS 7 in 3, GS 8 in 1 and GS 9-10 in 4. csPCa was found in 8 (11%) patients. No significant predictors of any PCa or csPCa were identified at multivariate regression analysis.Despite the good negative predictive value of mpMRI in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, 11% of the patients had csPCa. Specific predictive models addressing this setting would be useful.

Complex kidney cysts are rarely observed in childhood. In adult patients, when radiological studies found a suspicious renal lesion, the gold standard is surgical asportation. The robotic surgery is well known as a secure procedure for treatment these patients, and is nowadays a real alternative also for pediatric patients. The challenges in children surgery are linked to anesthesiologic gestion, smaller operative fields, the need of specific instruments and more delicate tissue handling. We present a step-by-step video description of a robotic partial nephrectomy for a renal multicystic mass in a 4 year-old child.

Purpose: Pelvic lymph node dissection is an important step during robotic radical prostatectomy. The collection of lymphatic fluid (lymphocele) is the most common complication with potentially seve...

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been linked with several human cancers. Prostate cancer is the most common neoplasm in male adults and is often treated with radical prostatectomy (RP). Given the complex hormonal and metabolic alteration present in MetS, a possible role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa) has been hypothesized. Several studies have investigated the connections between MetS and the risk of developing prostate cancer, as well as the oncological outcomes of patients who already suffer from PCa and receive a radical treatment. This comprehensive review explores the available evidence dealing with MetS and the oncological and functional results of RP for PCa.

Potential risks of COVID-19 spread during minimally invasive procedures caused several concerns among surgeons, despite the lack of high-level evidence. Urological robotic and laparoscopic surgery is performed in elective setting in almost all occasions, thus allowing adequate planning and stratification. Two high-volume urological centers in Italy performed 77 robotic and laparoscopic surgeries during the "lockdown" period and adopted various strategies to prevent contamination. First of all, all patients were tested negative with nasopharyngeal swab before the surgical intervention. Patients and personnel were provided adequate personal protective equipment and intraoperative strategies to prevent smoke formation and pneumoperitoneum spread were adopted. No patients nor staff members tested positive for COVID-19 during a 15-day follow-up period. In conclusion, minimally invasive urologic surgery can be safely performed during the pandemic period with adequate planning. We believe that renouncing the benefits of it would be counterproductive, especially in a scenario of long-lasting cohabitation with the virus.

Rectourinary fistulas (RUFs) represent a challenging clinical problem. Most RUFs are secondary to lower urinary or intestinal tract surgery. Several surgical approaches have been proposed. The aim of this study was to review a 15-year experience using the York-Mason posterior sagittal transrectal approach to iatrogenic RUFs. Seven patients with RUFs secondary to urologic surgery were operated on with the York-Mason technique at the Department of Urology, University of Padova, Italy between 1988 and 2003. The patients’ data have been collected and analyzed retrospectively. All the patients were treated successfully (100%). In one patient with Crohn’s disease the fistula recurred 11 years after the first surgery. One patient died for metastasis of prostate cancer 1 year after surgical repair of the RUF. A temporary colostomy was performed in five patients; the colostomies were subsequently closed, and the patients regained complete fecal continence with no postoperative anal strictures. The colostomy remained in place in one patient with Crohn’s disease and in another with ulcerative rectocolitis. The posterior sagittal transrectal approach provided easy access and identification of RUFs and good surgical exposure, with no subsequent strictures or fecal incontinence. Our data show that the York-Mason technique alone is a highly effective option for treating an iatrogenic postoperative RUF.