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Background: To report the surgical and functional outcomes of the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) surgical program implemented at a high-volume tertiary referral center and to estimate the learning curve (LC) duration for this surgical procedure. Methods: Data of all consecutive patients undergoing HoLEP at the University of Verona between June 2022 and April 2024 were retrieved from a prospectively maintained institutional database of patients undergoing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgical treatment. The primary endpoint was functional outcomes evaluation during the surgeons' LC. The secondary endpoint was to define the surgical LC for HoLEP. A multivariable test of means was performed to compare functional outcomes at different time points. After adjusting for potential confounders (age, preoperative pharmacotherapy, and prostate volume), multivariable linear regression models were fitted to evaluate the effect of experience on operative time (OT) and enucleation efficiency. To assess LCs for HoLEP surgery, the non-risk-adjusted cumulative sum (CUSUM) method was used. Results: A statistically significant improvement in International Prostate Symptoms Score (IPSS) score, delta% IPSS score, IPSS quality of life (IPSS-QoL) score, and delta% IPSS-QoL score was observed over the study period. Furthermore, the incidence of irritative symptoms ( p < 0.001) and stress incontinence ( p = 0.01) significantly decreased over time, with a 12-month incidence of 8.4% and 9.5%, respectively. A statistically significant association between experience and both OT and enucleation efficiency was observed in multivariable linear regression analysis. The CUSUM chart for OT and enucleation efficiency showed a steep initial upward/downward trend of ∼50 cases each, and a plateau until ∼100 procedures are reached, where the breakpoint is recognized for both variables and where the CUSUM curve goes below the locally weighted scatterplot smoothing curve in the corresponding observed-expected CUSUM plot. Conclusions: HoLEP represents an effective treatment for BPH, demonstrating significant improvement in BPH-related symptoms over the study period, despite the considerable LC of ∼50 cases associated with the procedure.

Introduction: Although antibiotic prophylaxis (AB) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bacteriuria after invasive urodynamics (UDS), no significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been confirmed. No absolute recommendations on the use of AB in case of relevant potential risk of UTI have been reported, though some categories of patients at increased infective probability after UDS have been recognized. The aim of this study is to report the experts' consensus on the best practice for the use of AB before UDS in the main categories of patients at potential risk of developing UTI., Materials and Methods: A systematic literature review was performed on AB before UDS in males and females. A panel of experts from the Italian Society of Urodynamics, Continence, Neuro-Urology, and Pelvic Floor (SIUD) assessed the review data and decided by a modified Delphi method on 16 statements proposed and discussed by the panel. The cut-off percentage for the consensus was a ≥70% of positive responses to the survey. The study was a Delphi consensus with experts' opinions, not a clinical trial involving directly patients., Results: The panel group was composed of 57 experts in functional urology and UDS, mainly urologists, likewise gynaecologists, physiatrists, infectivologists, pediatric urologists, and nurses. A positive consensus was achieved on 9/16 (56.25%) of the statements, especially on the need for performing AB before UD in patients with neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. Urine analysis and urine culture before UDS are mandatory, and in the event of their positivity, UDS should be postponed. A consensus was reached on avoiding AB in menopausal status, diabetes, age, gender, bladder outlet obstruction, high postvoid residual, chronic catheterization, previous urological surgery, lack of urological abnormalities, pelvic organ prolapse, and negative urine analysis., Conclusions: Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for patients without notable risk factors and with a negative urine test due to the potential morbidities that may result from antibiotic administration. However, AB can be used for risk categories such as neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. The evaluation of urine analysis and urine culture and postponing UDS in cases of positive tests were considered good practices, as well as performing AB in the neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Introduction: To evaluate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and bowel disorders in a population of young subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ADS) by a national survey and to assess the relationship between the occurrence, frequency, and type of LUTS and the severity of behavioral and neuropsychiatric characteristics., Materials and Methods: A survey on LUTS and bowel disorders in the ASD population was sent by mail and social media through the main Italian Associations of ASD between February and September 2022. The correlation between LUTS and ASD severity was also assessed., Results: The survey was completed by 502 subjects with a mean age of 16.6 years ± 10 years: male participants were 413 (mean age: 16.5 years ± 9.8 years), while female participants 89 (mean age: 17.2 years ± 10.9 years). ADS severity was found low in 29.9%, moderate in 27.1%, and severe in 43%. LUTS were reported by 77.1%, storage symptoms in 51.4%, and voiding symptoms in 60.6%. Urinary incontinence was reported by 12.5%. Enuresis was reported by 14.3% (72/502) of the respondents: primary enuresis in 70.8% (51/72), secondary in the remaining. Pads were used by 40 subjects with a median of 2.9 pads/day (range, 0-8). A toilet training program was performed by 61 of the respondents, with satisfactory results in 40/61 (65.6%). A significant correlation was found between greater ASD severity and higher LUTS rates. The mean VAS score on the impact of LUTS on family relationships was 2 ± 2.9. Regular bowel function was reported by 57.4% (288/502) of the respondents, while increased daily defecations were present in 11.2% (56/502), constipation in 31.5% (158/502), and fecal incontinence in 7.9% (40/502)., Conclusion: This survey demonstrated that LUTS are very common in the young ASD population and that the prevalence of urinary symptoms is related to higher severity of the ASD condition. Bowel disorders are often associated with urinary symptoms and dysfunctions. Urologists should be aware of the frequent occurrence of urological disorders and symptoms in individuals with ASD and should be involved in their clinical management in a multidisciplinary team that cares for these people., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Gubbiotti, Balzarro, Zoccante, Di Gennaro, Marchiafava, Bedetti and Rubilotta.)

Background: Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC) is the gold standard for the treatment of apical prolapse, although dissection of the promontory may be challenging. Laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) with mesh is an alternative technique for apical repair with similar anatomical and functional outcomes, according to recent studies. The purpose of this study was to compare these operative techniques., Methods: Women with uterine Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification (POP-Q) stage 2 were enrolled in this prospective study and were randomly allocated to the LLS or LSC group. At the 12-month follow-up, primary measures included both anatomical and functional outcomes. Perioperative parameters and complications were recorded., Results: A total of 93 women were randomized, 48 in the LLS group and 45 in the LSC group, with 2 women lost to follow-up in both groups. LSC anatomic success rates were 81.82% for the apical compartment and 95.22% for the anterior compartment. LLS anatomic success rates for the apical and anterior compartments were 90% and 92.30%, respectively. The mean operative time for LLS was 160.3 min, while for LSC it was 168.3 min. The mean blood loss was 100 mL in both procedures. Conversion to laparotomy was necessary in three women. Mesh erosion was not observed in any of the cases. In terms of the complication, Clavien-Dindo grade 1 was observed in two patients in the LLS group and a complication rated grade 3b was observed in one patient in LSC group., Conclusions: LLS is a good alternative to LSC, with promising anatomical and quality-of-life results.

Introduction: It is still uncertain whether detrusor underactivity (DUA) influences the outcomes of women undergoing surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Even less evidence is available about women with complicated stress urinary incontinence (C-SUI). The aim of the study was to assess outcomes of middle urethral sling (MUS) placement according to the type of SUI, and the impact of DUA on uncomplicated SUI (U-SUI) and C-SUI functional and surgical results., Material and Methods: The study was conducted among patients undergoing MUS. The population was divided into 4 groups: 1: C-SUI with DUA; 2: C-SUI without DUA; 3: U-SUI with DUA; and 4: U-SUI without DUA. Women were qualified for the DUA group if they met one of the Jeong, Abarbanel and Marcus, BVE, and PIP1 Griffiths criteria. Post-operative functional outcomes and differences in POUR rate, de novo overactive bladder syndrome (OAB), and SUI recurrence were examined., Results: 142 women took part in the study, of whom 97 completed the 2-year follow-up. DUA was found in 54.6% (53/97) of patients. C-SUI was prevalent also in the no-DUA group (59.1%). Post-operative ICIQ-FLUTS improved more in the no-DUA patients compared to the DUA women. Post-operative Qmax was statistically significant higher the in no-DUA than in the DUA population. After surgery, neither the PVR nor the PVR ratio differed in the DUA and the no-DUA patients. C-SUI and U-SUI patients showed a POUR rate of 15.6%-12.1%, de novo OAB 12.5%-3%, tape incision 3.1%-3%, and SUI recurrence 4.6%-3%, respectively., Conclusions: The impact of pre-operative DUA on the outcomes of patients undergoing MUS was negligible, even in C-SUI cases. DUA women with SUI, even if complicated, should not be excluded from this kind of surgery., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright by Polish Urological Association.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the detrusor underactivity (DUA) prevalence of females with symptomatic anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and to evaluate the relationship between DUA and POP stage., Material and Methods: This was a prospective study recruiting women with symptomatic anterior POP. Patients with symptomatic stage 2-4 POP quantification system (POP-Q) who underwent urodynamics (UD) between January 2018 and April 2021 were included., Results: Data on 330 women (mean age 63.7 ±18.4 years old) with anterior vaginal wall defect were enrolled. Concomitant apical defect (uterine/vaginal vault) requiring surgical correction was diagnosed in 38 women (11.5%). DUA was found in 166 females (50.3%). In DUA women, POP-Q stage 2 was found in 45.2%, stage 3 in 50.9% and stage 4 in 76.5%. Only stage POP-Q stage 4 showed a statistically significant difference between DUA and non-DUA females (p 0.006)., Conclusions: In women with symptomatic POP, regardless of the POP-Q stage, the chance of DUA occurrence was high. DUA was diagnosed in approximately half of the women undergoing UD for symptomatic POP, and it was three-fold higher in cases of POP-Q stage 4. Due to the high incidence of DUA in POP-Q 4 stage, it may be advantageous to identify and treat prolapse before they progress to stage 4., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Copyright by Polish Urological Association.)

Background: Determination of the learning curve of new techniques is essential to improve safety and efficiency. Limited information is available regarding learning curves of different techniques in laparoscopic pelvic floor surgery., Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the learning curve of two operative techniques, laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS) and laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (LSC)., Material and Methods: We conducted a prospective study to assess the learning curve of LLS and LSC by implementing a structured urogynecologic surgical training program with the use of pelvic trainers for our urogynecology fellow. The fellow was an experienced urogynecologic surgeon, but was laparoscopic suturing and dissection naive at the beginning of the study. She was required to assist in 20 laparoscopic urogynecologic surgeries and undertake laparoscopic suturing and knot tying training with mesh positioning on a laparoscopic trainer for 4 h/week during the trial period. After the completion of this structured training program, the fellow performed LLS and LSC under the supervision of an experienced subspecialist as the primary surgeon. Linear regression analysis was used to compare the data of LLS and LSC learning curves. Subjective pre- and post-operative evaluation of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and pelvic floor disorders was undertaken preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively using the PFDI-20-Quality of Life validated questionnaire. Follow-up was scheduled 12 months after the surgery and performed by a skilled urogynecologist. Objective cure was defined as Pelvic Organ Prolapse-Qualification (POP-Q) stage

Aims: To assess the role of detrusor underactivity (DUA), diagnosed by different urodynamic criteria, on outcomes of women underwent middle urethral sling (MUS) for stress urinary incontinence (SUI)., Methods: In this prospective study, DUA criteria of women with SUI, naïve for SUI surgery, candidates to MUS were: I Pdet@Qmax ≤10 cm H2O and Qmax ≤12 mL/s (Jeong et al.) ii Pdet@Qmax<30 cm H2O and Qmax<10 mL/s (Abarbanel and Marcus) iii Pdet@Qmax<20 cm H2O and Qmax<15 mL/s and BVE < 90% (BVE criteria) iv Pdet@Qmax<20 cm H2O + Qmax (PIP1 Griffiths) Control group (CG) comprised non-DUA patients. Preoperative and at 2-years follow-up evaluation included physical examination, uroflowmetry, post void residual urine (PVR), ICIQ-FLUTS., Results: 102 patients fulfilled 2-years controls. DUA rate range was 16.7% (BVE) - 53.9% (PIP1-Griffith). The POUR rate varied: 20% (PIP1-Griffith) - 35.3% (BVE), 10% in CG. Tape incision rate for POUR was 3.4% in DUA, 4.5% in CG. No patients had urinary retention at 2-years follow-up. In DUA groups, Qmax did not change significantly after surgery and PVR was low. SUI recurrence rate was 2.8% in DUA, 4.5% in CG. Preoperatively, urgency and post-micturition dribble were the most (82.4%) and the less (26.7%) reported symptoms, respectively. At follow-up, frequency was the most prevalent (56.1%), reduced sensation/bladder pain the less usual (23.1%). ICIQ-FLUTS scores were higher in DUA groups., Conclusions: DUA did not have a negative impact on MUS outcomes in a mid-term follow-up. Early postoperative voiding complication rates changed according to the type of DUA urodynamic criteria., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Objectives: Aim of the study was to translate the International Female Coital Incontinence Questionnaire (IFCI-Q) into Arabic (Egyptian) and validate it into among Egyptian population complaining of coital urinary incontinence (CI)., Methods: Original questionnaire has been translated and back-translated by an expert panel, to produce the Arabic version. A pilot study was performed to make sure the questionnaire was understandable. Sixty patients included in the study were divided into two groups: Group A comprised patients with CI, and Group B comprised females who attended the urology clinic for other complaints, without CI. Reliability of the Arabic IFCI-Q was evaluated for internal consistency using Cronbach alpha coefficient. Test-retest reliability was determined using the Weighted Cohen's k-test. Discrimination validity was evaluated by comparing scores of patients with those of healthy females not complaining of CI using Mann-Whitney test., Results: 83.3% of women of both groups (mean age: 43.1 ± 10.6 yrs [Group A], 38.9 ± 8 [Group B] yrs) reported OAB symptoms, 73.3% had stress urinary incontinence and 46.7% reported mixed urinary incontinence. Regarding Group A, 10 patients had CI during penetration, 12 during orgasm and 8 had both forms of CI. The comparison of the responses between Group A and Group B demonstrated a statistically difference ( p  < 0.00). The content validity was assessed by a panel of expert functional urologists. The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the total score were high (0.9-1), indicating high internal consistency. The difference between the two groups revealed an internal consistency of IFCI-Q of 0.563-0.851. The test-retest procedure revealed that the k-values of each item are very good., Conclusions: The Arabic version will allow utilizing this tool in a large population of Arabic-speaking countries, with different ethnic and demographic backgrounds., Competing Interests: No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s)., (© 2023 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.)

Background: Anterior Lumbosacral Interbody Fusion (ALIF) is a type of back surgery with the advantages of direct access to the spinal interbody space and the potential lessening morbidity related to posterior approaches., Purpose: To describe a rare case of left ureteral lesion from ALIF surgery diagnosed 4 months after the procedure., Case Description: A 37-year-old Caucasian man with a long history of painful post-traumatic spondylolisthesis and degenerative L5-S1 disc disease underwent a retroperitoneal anterior L5-S1 discectomy, insertion of an interbody tantallium cage, and placement of a pyramid titanium plate fixed with screws. Four months later, due to recurrent left lumbar pain and mild renal failure, a CT scan was performed showing left hydronephrosis with a homolateral urinoma of 17 cm in diameter. A left nephrostomy was placed and the nephrostography detected a filiform leakage at L5-S1 level in communication with the urinoma. The patient underwent laparoscopic urinoma drainage, distal left ureterectomy, and Casati-Boari flap ureterocystoneostomy with ureteral double J stent placement. The stent was held for six weeks and, 1 month later, the control ultrasound scan was negative for hydronephrosis, the creatinine level had normalized and the patient was asymptomatic., Conclusion: Ureteral lesion from ALIF surgery is a very rare event. Spinal surgeons should be more awareness regarding the susceptibility of ureteral injuries along with the clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management options for this kind of complication.

Objective: To evaluate the role of invasive urodynamics (UD) in women candidates for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery., Materials and Methods: This was a worldwide survey on current trends in use of preoperative invasive UD in women undergoing SUI surgery. Demographic respondents' data, whether routine invasive UD is performed before surgery and its diagnostic role were investigated., Results: The survey was completed by 504 respondents: urologists 83.1%, gynecologists 16.8%. UD findings were reported influencing the surgical decision in 84.3% of the cases and may change planned surgery in 72.4%, may discourage it in 43.6%, may change surgical expectations in 55.5%, and are useful for preoperative counselling in 96.6%. We found a very low rate of routine performance of UD for uncomplicated SUI. The most impactful UD findings were related to the conditions of detrusor contractility, overactivity and underactivity. Among voiding disorders, dyssynergia was considered the most relevant dysfunction. Valsalva Leak Point Pressure was the most reported tool to investigate urethral function. The surgical management was influenced by UD findings in the vast majority of the cases, although about 60% reported that a relevant impact of the UD occurred in less than 40% of the investigations. The crucial effect of UD on surgical management was high. This finding showed that for many respondents UD still has a pivotal role before SUI surgery., Conclusion: This survey showed a worldwide picture on preoperative UD in SUI surgery highlighting the crucial role of UD. UD investigation influences surgical management, but whether it influences outcomes is unclear., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

We aimed to analyse the current trend of erectile rehabilitation (ER) following radical prostatectomy (RP) using a dedicated survey. An online survey was developed between July and September 2020, aiming to evaluate the ER protocols after RP in daily practice among urologists, andrologists, sexual medicine specialists and residents. We investigated demographics data, type of RP performed, and type, schedule, timing and duration of ER protocols. In total, 518 responders from 52 countries completed the survey. Surgical techniques reported were: 38.9% open, 22.9% laparoscopic and 38.2% robot-assisted RP. 33% of the responders begin ER at the catheter removal, 22% 1 month after surgery and 15% before surgery. Phosphodiesterase inhibitors were the most used medication as first-line treatment (99.4%). Tadalafil 20 mg was the most prescribed, and used daily in 48.2% of the cases, and 2-3 times/week in 46%. Intra-cavernosal injection of prostaglandin E1 was the second most common prescribed monotherapy (67.9%) followed by the association of phosphodiesterase inhibitors and vacuum-erection device (29.6%). The duration of ER was <6 months in 16.2%, between 6 and 11 months in 39%, between 12 and 18 months in 31.9%, between 19-24 months in 9.2% and >24 months in 3.7%. This study showed that the approach to ER after RP was inhomogeneous. International guidelines are urgently needed to standardise ER protocols., (© 2022 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background: A randomized, double-blind, non-inferiority clinical study was performed on the efficacy and tolerability of IncobotulinumtoxinA (Incobot/A) vs. OnabotulinumtoxinA (OnabotA) intradetrusor injections in patients with refractory neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence performing intermittent catheterization., Methods: Sixty-four patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) or multiple sclerosis were randomized to receive 30 intradetrusor injections of Incobot/A or OnabotA 200 U; 28 patients in incobotulinumtoxinA group and 29 in onabotulinumtoxinA group completed the study. Primary outcome measure was the non-inferior variation from baseline in daily urinary incontinence episodes (week 12), with a non-inferiority margin of one episode/day. Secondary outcomes measures were changes in Incontinence- Quality of Life questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale Score (bother of symptoms on Quality of Life), urodynamic parameters, occurrence of adverse effects and related costs (week 12)., Results: At week 12, mean value of difference in urinary incontinence episodes/day between the two groups was -0.2 (95% two-sided CI: -1; 0.7); the difference in incontinence episodes/day between the two groups was -0.4 with a higher limit of one-sided 95% CI of 0.2 episodes/day which was much lower than the non-inferiority margin of one episode/day. Total score and subscores of Incontinence- Quality of Life questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale scores and urodynamics did not show differences between the two groups. Adverse effects were similar for both treatments, with urinary tract infection being the most frequent, localised effect. Minor costs were observed following Incobot/A., Conclusions: In patients with refractory neurogenic incontinence due to SCI or multiple sclerosis, incobotulinumtoxinA was not inferior to onabotulinumtoxinA in improving clinical and urodynamic findings in the short-term follow-up, with comparable adverse effects but minor costs.

Background: About 75% of urothelial bladder cancers are non-muscle invasive (NMIBC), and limited to mucosa (Ta or CIS) or sub-mucosa (T1). An increase of androgen expression and androgen receptors has a positive effect on oncogenic expression. We aimed to evaluate whether 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) have a role in NMIBC., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the clinical and pathological data of 423 patients with NMIBC who underwent transurethral bladder resection. We considered the number of resections, number of total recurrences, time of recurrences, and histopathology details. The population was classified into two groups: treated and untreated with 5-ARIs. The enrolled patients were in treatment with 5ARIs for symptomatic prostatic hyperplasia for at least 12 months. Mean follow-up time was 30.43 months., Results: Patients treated with 5-ARIs had a lower rate of recurrence (14%) than the untreated group (37%). There was a significant difference in the mean number of recurrences between the untreated and the treated group (P=0.006). Furthermore, the treated group showed a significantly greater number of low than high grade tumors, compared to the untreated group (P≤0.05). There was a significant decrease in the number of muscle invasive tumors in treated patients (P=0.032). The recurrence-free survival rate of patients treated with 5-ARIs was significantly higher (P=0.0001)., Conclusions: Long-term treatment with 5-ARIs might reduce the risk of bladder tumor recurrence, extension of lesions and increase the recurrence-free survival rate. A long-term, randomized prospective study could definitively assess the possible role of these drugs.

Introduction and Hypothesis: The objective was to assess whether telemedicine-based follow-up is equivalent to office-based follow-up in the early postoperative period after routine synthetic midurethral sling placement., Methods: This is a prospective, international, multi-institutional, randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing synthetic midurethral sling placement were randomized to 3-week postoperative telemedicine versus office-based follow-up. The primary outcome was the rate of unplanned events. Secondary outcomes included patient satisfaction, crossover from telemedicine to office-based follow-up, and compliance with 3- to 5-month office follow-up., Results: We included 238 patients (telemedicine: 121 vs office: 117). No differences in demographics or medical comorbidities were noted between the study groups (p = 0.09-1.0). No differences were noted in unplanned events: hospital admission, emergency department visit, or unplanned office visit or call (14% vs 12.9%, p = 0.85) or complications (9.9% vs 8.6%, p = 0.82). Both groups were equally "very satisfied" with their surgical outcomes (71.1% vs 69%, p = 0.2). Telemedicine patients were more compliant with 3- to 5-month office follow-up (90.1% vs 79.3%, p = 0.04)., Conclusions: After synthetic midurethral sling placement, telemedicine follow-up is a safe patient communication option in the early postoperative period. Telemedicine patients reported no difference in satisfaction compared with office-based follow-up but had greater compliance with 3- to 5-month follow-up., (© 2021. The International Urogynecological Association.)