Transperineal Laser Ablation of the Prostate for Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Long-Term Follow-Up in 40 Patients

PURPOSE

To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of proprietary transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) of the prostate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients with symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia underwent TPLA with a 1064-nm continuous-wave diode laser. IPSS, QoL, PVR and prostate volume were evaluated at baseline and successive timepoints.

RESULTS

Forty prospectively enrolled patients had post-TPLA follow-up of ≥ 36 months. Median duration of follow-up was 56.5 months (range: 36-76 months). Compared with baseline, the median reduction in IPSS at 12-month follow-up was 74% (interquartile range [IQR]: 60-81%) (P < .001). Median QoL score at 12 months was improved from 5 (IQR: 4-5) at baseline to 1 (IQR: 0-1) (P < .001). Median PVR at 12 months decreased from 108 mL (IQR: 38-178 mL) to 13.5 mL (IQR: 0-40.5 mL) (P < .001), a median reduction of 88% (IQR: 61-100%). At 12 months, median prostate volume was significantly reduced from 66 mL (IQR: 48.5-86.5 mL) to 46 mL (IQR 36-65 mL) (P < .001), a median reduction of 32% (IQR: 21-45%). For all of these parameters, the benefit of TPLA persisted at last follow-up and all changes were statistically significant vs baseline. There were no intraoperative adverse events; perioperative adverse events consisted of one case of prostatitis and one case of urinary tract infection (both mild according to the modified SIR classification system).

CONCLUSION

TPLA for symptomatic BPH produced durable benefits across a range of clinical outcomes and was well tolerated in 56.5 months median duration follow-up.

Iron homeostasis alterations and erectile dysfunction: A new issue in erectile disfunction treatment?

To the Editor, Erectile dysfunction (ED) is one of the most prevalent conditions affecting men globally, with significant psychological and social consequences. The prevalence varies across different populations, and it is estimated around 50% in men aged between 40 to 70. The etiology of ED is multifactorial, involving a complex crosstalk between psychological, hormonal, neurogenic, vascular, and structural factors [...].

The Role of miRNA in Testicular Cancer: Current Insights and Future Perspectives

Background and Objectives: Despite advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of testicular germ cell tumours (TGTCs), challenges persist in identifying reliable biomarkers for early detection and precise disease management. This narrative review addresses the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) as potential diagnostic tools and therapeutic targets in the treatment of TGCTs. Materials and Methods: Three databases (PubMed®, Web of Science™, and Scopus®) were queried for studies investigating the utility of miRNA as diagnostic tools, assessing their prognostic significance, and evaluating their potential to guide TGCT treatment. Different combinations of the following keywords were used, according to a free-text protocol: "miRNA", "non-coding RNA", "small RNA", "Testicular Cancer", "seminomatous testicular germ cell", "non-seminomatous testicular germ cell". Results: The potential of miRNAs as possible biomarkers for a non-invasive diagnosis of TGCT is appealing. Their integration into the diagnostic pathway for TGCT patients holds the potential to enhance the discriminative power of conventional serum tumour markers (STMs) and could expedite early diagnosis, given that miRNA overexpression was observed in 50% of GCNIS cases. Among miRNAs, miR-371a-3p stands out with the most promising evidence, suggesting its relevance in the primary diagnosis of TGCT, particularly when conventional STMs offer limited value. Indeed, it demonstrated high specificity (90-99%) and sensitivity (84-89%), with good positive predictive value (97.2%) and negative predictive value (82.7%). Furthermore, a direct relationship between miRNA concentration, disease burden, and treatment response exists, regardless of disease stages. The initial evidence of miRNA decrease in response to surgical treatment and systemic chemotherapy has been further supported by more recent results suggesting the potential utility of this tool not only in evaluating treatment response but also in monitoring residual disease and predicting disease relapse. Conclusions: MiRNAs could represent a reliable tool for accurate diagnosis and disease monitoring in the treatment of TGCT, providing more precise tools for early detection and treatment stratification. Nevertheless, well-designed clinical trials and comprehensive long-term data are needed to ensure their translation into effective clinical tools.

Clinical and penile Doppler outcomes using a modified, tourniquet free, Nesbit plication for severe Peyronie's disease

Background

Penile curvature (PC) can be surgically corrected by plication techniques or Nesbit corporoplasty. These shortening techniques can be complicated by post-operative: penile shortening, recurrent PC, palpable suture knots and erectile dysfunction. Furthermore, Nesbit procedures require the use of a penile tourniquet to avoid intraoperative bleeding. This observational study aims to assess the results of Nesbit modified corporoplasty, avoiding intraoperative use of tourniquet without risk of bleeding. The objective is to reduce penile ischemic anatomical and functional damages such as long-term erectile dysfunction.

Methods

Between January 2010 and March 2019, a total of 64 patients with congenital penile curvature (CPC) and Peyronie’s disease (PD) underwent surgical correction with a Nesbit modified technique first time described by Rolle et al., with minimal technical differences. The operation notes were retrospectively reviewed. In particular, we evaluated pre- and post-operative erectile functions using IIEF-5 score, penile Doppler ultrasonography and overall patient satisfaction.

Results

During operations, no intraoperative bleeding was noted, and no short-term complications such as hematomas or neurovascular bundle lesions were reported. At 6 months, no palpable subcutaneous indurations and no sensory change were detected. Post-operative penile shortening was reported in 38 (59.4%) patients (mean 0.83±0.79 cm), but it did not influence the high overall satisfaction rate of 91.4%. Only 2 patients reported a slightly partial recurrence of curvature (<15%) with no need for a redo surgery. Mean IIEF-5 score increased from 17.1±5.2 to 20.8±3.9 at 6 months and 21.8±3.4 at 12 months (P<0.001 in both cases). Mean PSV also significantly increased at the end of follow-up (28.5±6.1 at baseline vs. 31.0±7.1 at 12 months, P=0.03).

Conclusions

Considering the optimal results in terms of erectile functions increasing and absence of PC recurrence (>15°), we think that Nesbit modified corporoplasty without tourniquet application during reconstruction is a safe and effective surgical procedure for all kind of shortening corporoplasty to reduce the time of penile ischemia, preventing even serious consequences for the normal physiology of erection.

The safety and feasibility of the simultaneous use of 180-W GreenLight laser for prostate vaporization during concomitant surgery

OBJECTIVES

To explore the safety and feasibility of photo-selective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) with GreenLight XPS 180 Watt laser (GL-180- W XPS) combined with other surgical procedures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Data on patients in whom GL-180-W XPS was performed to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms/ benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) symptoms were extracted from a multi-institutional database (2011-2016). Patients were stratified into two groups. In the first all patients who had GL-180-W XPS with a concomitant procedure during the same surgical session were included as cases while those who underwent GL-180-W XPS PVP only were included as control.

RESULTS

A total of 487 patients were included. Fifty-eight (11.9%) patients underwent concomitant procedures. Multivariable linear regression models failed to find an association between concomitant procedures and longer laser time (p = 0.4). Similarly, multivariable linear regression models failed to find an association between concomitant procedures and laser time even when the analyses were repeated and stratified into endoscopic (p = 0.6) and open/laparoscopic (p = 0.4) procedures. Multivariable logistic regression models failed to demonstrate any association between concomitant procedures and early complications (OR:1.39, CI: 0.379-2.44, p = 0.2), late complications (OR:1.84, CI:0.78-3.98; p = 0.1) and acute urinary retention (OR:1.84, CI:0.78-3.98; p = 0.1). When the analyses were repeated and the concomitant procedures stratified into endoscopic and open/laparoscopic ones, they yielded virtually the same results.

CONCLUSIONS

GL-180-W XPS PVP could be safely performed in concomitant endoscopic or open/laparoscopic surgery. These results should be taken into consideration in the counseling of the patient who might choose to undergo simultaneous procedures.

Uroflowmetry and Altitude Hypoxia: A Report from Healthy Italian Trekkers and Nepali Porters During Himalayan Expedition

Hypoxia alters micturition, which influences bladder function by involving different neurological and humoral systems. In this study we assessed the mid-term effects of altitude hypoxia on uroflowmetry in healthy male lowlander native Nepali porters and Italian trekkers, four each, who coattended a Himalayan expedition. All the participants completed a 19-day trek along a demanding route with ascent and descent at the Kanchenjunga Mountain. They underwent micturition and urodynamic analysis twice, at low altitude of 665 m a.s.l. and high altitude of 4,750 m a.s.l. Statistical comparisons considered the altitude effects (low vs. high) and ethnicity (Italian vs. Nepali). Food consumption was recorded, and water and energy intake were calculated. We found trends of borderline significance in the mean urinary flow rate (Q_mean) (p = 0.058; effect size η² p = 0.478) and in Q_max to the advantage of the Nepali. There was no evidence of differences when comparing time to Q_max and urine volume at Q_max and Q_mean for altitude or altitude × ethnicity. In addition, there was a lonely female participant, who, analyzed as a case report, showed increased Q_mean at high altitude. Older age mitigated while energy intake potentiated the ethnic differences noted in uroflowmetry. We conclude that altitude hypoxia rather inappreciably affects micturition in healthy men. However, a trend for possible ethnic differences raises worthy of note perspectives on adaptive ability of micturition. Also, dietary intake and age should be considered as confounding elements when evaluating micturition.

Efficacy and safety of avanafil 200 mg versus sildenafil 100 mg in the treatment of erectile dysfunction after robot-assisted unilateral nerve-sparing prostatectomy: A prospective multicentre study

Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors represent the standard treatment of erectile dysfunction after nerve-sparing prostatectomy. Avanafil is a second-generation phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor with a high selectivity for phosphodiesterase type 5 isoform. To date, there are no studies comparing the outcomes of avanafil versus sildenafil in this scenario. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of avanafil versus sildenafil as a drug for post-prostatectomy rehabilitation. Overall, 160 patients submitted to robot-assisted nerve-sparing prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer at three hospitals were enrolled for the present study. After 6 months of treatment, patients in the two groups showed no significantly different sexual function scores, except for the Erection Hardness Score and Sexual Encounter Profile-Q2 that were higher in the Sildenafil group. Adverse events in the Avanafil group occurred in four (5%) patients and in 16 (20%) patients in the Sildenafil group. According to our experience, in patients undergoing nerve-sparing prostatectomy, penile rehabilitation with avanafil compared to sildenafil showed a lower ability to produce a valid erection in the initial phase of sexual intercourse, a difference that disappears in the continuation of the same. Avanafil showed a greater tolerance profile with a lower rate of AEs and discontinuation of therapy due to AEs.

Magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging 3T and prostate cancer: correlation with transperineal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy

OBJECTIVES

The aim of our study was to correlate the results obtained by 3T Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopic Imaging (MRSI3T) with those obtained by histological examination of samples of the trans-perineal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy (TPUS-B).

METHODS

34 patients were enrolled in the study. All patients had a clinical suspicion of cancer due to increased PSA and/or positive digital rectal examination. Patients were subjected to an MRSI 3T examination and subsequently to TPUS-B.

RESULTS

Of the 22 (22/34) patients who presented abnormalities MRSI at 3T, 9 had a histological diagnosis of Prostate adenocarcinoma. Of the remaining 13 patients, 6 were found to be histologically positive for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy and 7 Chronic Interstitial Inflammation or High Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia. 12 (12/34) patients found to have no peripheral alterations in their prostate on 3T MRSI, none were positive for ADK or inflammation on histology. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 100%, 48%, 40% and 100% respectively.

DISCUSSION

In this study, we correlated the values obtained from 3T MRSI with the results of histologically examined prostate biopsies. Our work shows that 72.8% of the voxels in which there was a change in ratio of Cit/(Cho + Cr), corresponded to areas of prostate tissue disease. Of these, 73.2% were positive for ADK and 26.8% for CII or HG PIN. In literature, it is noted that PCa can be distinguished from areas of benign tissue, in the peripheral zone, on the basis of the values of the ratio Cit/(Cho + Cr) (17), although some benign conditions, such as prostatitis or PINHG, can alter these values (18-19).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the use of MRSI 3T before performing prostate biopsies may represent a valid aid for the urologist in the diagnosis of PCa, allowing them to avoid unnecessary prostate biopsies that may be negative. Furthermore, it would also be possible to reduce the total number of biopsies, thus decreasing patient exposure to the unnecessary risks associated with biopsy.

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal ileal neobladder for muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder: technique and short-term outcomes

OBJECTIVES

To report the surgical outcomes of laparoscopic radical cystectomy (LRC) with extracorporeal orthotopic ileal neobladder (OIN) in patients with muscle-invasive urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between October 2009 and December 2011, 37 patients with muscle-invasive UCB underwent a LRC with OIN. Indications included (a) muscle-invasive UCB T2-4a, N0-Nx, M0; (b) high-risk and recurrent non-muscle-invasive tumors; (c) T1G3 plus CIS; and (d) extensive non-muscle-invasive disease that could not be controlled by transurethral resection and intravesical therapy. Demographic data, perioperative, and postoperative variables were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

The median operating time was 330 min, with a median estimated blood loss of 410 ml. Median length of stay was 12 days, and the mean length of the skin incision to extract the specimen and for the configuration of the neobladder was 7 ± 1 cm. The complication rate was 21.6 % (Clavien II). No Clavien III-V complications were reported. Daytime and nocturnal continence were preserved in 95 and 78 %, respectively. No local recurrence or port site metastasis occurred. Median time to disease recurrence was 14 months (IQR 9-24), and 1-year cancer-specific survival was 91.9 %.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic radical cystectomy with extracorporeal ileal neobladder is a challenging procedure but technically feasible, allowing low morbidity and oncological safety. Long-term oncological results are required to definitely recognize this procedure as a standard treatment for bladder cancer.