A drug-coated balloon treatment for urethral stricture: preliminary experience in an Italian real-life cohort.

Background: Urethral stricture is an abnormal narrowing of the urethra and occurs in anterior urethra for 92% of cases. Although open surgery is considered the gold standard for this type of disease, endoscopic procedures are the most commonly used. The Optilume Drug Coated Balloon (DCB) (Urotronic, Inc.

Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE) in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Case Series and Narrative Review.

Prostatic artery embolization (PAE) has emerged as a minimally invasive alternative for treating lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), particularly in high-risk surgical candidates. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and clinical outcomes of PAE, combining a retrospective case series with a narrative review of the literature. : A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted on 10 patients aged ≥ 70 years with moderate-to-severe LUTS due to BPH who underwent PAE between January 2021 and January 2024.

Clinical Predictors and Risk Factors of Gleason Score Upgrade: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.

In prostate cancer (PCa) patients, discrepancies between biopsy-assigned Gleason Scores and those determined from surgical specimens are frequently reported. This phenomenon, known as Gleason score upgrade (GSU), can have significant clinical implications. This work aims to understand the factors contributing to GSU for refining prostate cancer management strategies.

Predictors of Inguinal Lymph Node Metastasis in Penile Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Insights from a Single-Center Retrospective Study.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the penis accounts for approximately 95% of penile cancers and is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. SCC typically develops in uncircumcised men, most commonly affecting the foreskin or glans. While slow-growing, early detection is crucial to improve survival outcomes.

Impact of Nerve-Sparing Techniques on Prostate-Specific Antigen Persistence Following Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: A Multivariable Analysis of Clinical and Pathological Predictors.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) persistence, defined as a postoperative PSA level ≥ 0.1 ng/mL measured within 4-8 weeks after radical prostatectomy (RP), predicts biochemical recurrence (BCR) and adverse oncological outcomes. The influence of nerve-sparing (NS) surgical techniques on PSA persistence remains debated, especially among patients with high-risk pathological features.

Sexual dysfunctions in patients with well-compensated chronic liver disease: role of etiology, Mediterranean diet and quality of life in an observational cross-sectional study.

Background: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are highly prevalent in Chronic Liver Diseases (CLD). Whether Metabolic dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) carries a higher risk of SD is unknown as is the role of dietary patterns or quality of Life (QoL).

Aim: to assess (1) prevalence of SD in CLD; (2) whether MASLD is a risk factor for SD; (3) the role of adherence to Mediterranean Diet (MD) or QoL.

Rezūm water vapor therapy vs. thulium laser enucleation for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in patients with large prostates: a multicenter prospective comparative study.

Background: Despite the growing body of evidence supporting the use Rezūm in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and large prostates, comparative studies with the current gold standard in this clinical setting are lacking.

Aim: To compare the efficacy and safety of Rezūm and Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP) in patients with BPH and large prostates.

Methods: We conducted a multicenter prospective comparative study.

Technical Modifications Employed in RARP to Improve Early Continence Recovery: A Literature Review.

Prostate cancer presents a substantial challenge, necessitating a delicate balance between effective treatment and preserving the overall quality of life for men, while robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) stands as the premier surgical approach, with a negligible rate of patients who remained incontinent. This review explores various technical modifications employed in RARP to improve early continence recovery, offering a summary of their implementation and potential benefits. Techniques like bladder neck preservation, subapical urethral dissection, and nerve-sparing approaches are critically discussed, highlighting their role in minimizing continence issues and ensuring a better post-operative experience for patients with prostate cancer.

Sexual dysfunctions in inflammatory bowel disease: role of Mediterranean diet and quality of life.

Background: Dietary factors and chronic gastrointestinal diseases are frequent determinants of sexual dysfunctions (SD). Whether inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with SD is not well known as well as the role of diet and quality of life (QoL).

Objectives: To evaluate the prevalence of SD in a cohort of IBD patients and assess the role of clinical-demographic variables, adherence to Mediterranean diet (MD) and QoL.

Exploring the Multifactorial Landscape of Penile Cancer: A Comprehensive Analysis of Risk Factors.

Penile cancer, while rare, is a critical public health issue due to its profound impact on patients and the complexities of its management. The disease's multifactorial etiology includes risk factors such as HPV infection, poor hygiene, smoking, genetic predispositions, and socioeconomic determinants. This article provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these diverse risk factors, aiming to enhance understanding of the disease's underlying causes.

Cognitive Targeted Prostate Biopsy Alone for Diagnosing Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer in Selected Biopsy-Naïve Patients: Results from a Retrospective Pilot Study.

(1) Background: To identify a particular setting of biopsy-naïve patients in which it would be reasonable to offer only cognitive targeted prostate biopsy (PBx) with a transrectal approach. (2) Methods: We designed an observational retrospective pilot study. Patients with a prostatic specific antigen (PSA) level > 10 ng/mL, either a normal or suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE), and a lesion with a PI-RADS score ≥ 4 in the postero-medial or postero-lateral peripheral zone were included.

Long-term functional outcomes and predictors of efficacy in thulium laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): a retrospective observational study.

Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition affecting aging men worldwide. Among the treatment options available for BPH, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is the gold-standard invasive intervention. To reduce the TURP-related non-negligible morbidity, loss-of-ejaculation rate, hospitalization, blood loss and catheterization time several laser techniques have been developed, such as the Thulium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (ThuLEP).

Ablative Treatments for Small Renal Masses and Management of Recurrences: A Comprehensive Review.

This review focuses on ablative techniques for small renal masses (SRMs), including radiofrequency ablation (RFA), cryoablation (CA), microwave ablation (MWA), and irreversible electroporation (IRE), and discusses recurrence management. Through an extensive literature review, we outline the procedures, outcomes, and follow-up strategies associated with each ablative method. The review provides a detailed examination of these techniques-RFA, CA, MWA, and IRE-elucidating their respective outcomes.

Long-Term Oncological Outcomes after Nerve-Sparing Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for High-Risk Localized Prostate Cancer: A Single-Center, Two-Arm Prospective Study.

Aims: To compare the oncological outcomes of patients with high-risk localized prostate cancer undergoing nerve-sparing and non-nerve-sparing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP).

Methods: Between November 2002 and December 2018, we prospectively recorded the data of patients undergoing RARP for high-risk localized prostate cancer (PCa) at our tertiary referral center. NSS (nerve-sparing surgery) was carefully offered on the basis of the preoperative clinical characteristics of the patients and an intraoperative assessment.

Lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A cross-sectional observational study.

Background: Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD), Crohn's Disease (CD), and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) may have extraintestinal manifestations, including disorders of the urinary tract. The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in IBD patients remains unclear.

Aims: Assess the prevalence of LUTS in patients with CD or UC, evaluate the variables implicated in any difference in LUTS prevalence between CD or UC, and assess any relationship between disease activity and LUTS METHODS: LUTS were evaluated in 301 IBD patients through standardised questionnaires: Bristol Female Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (BFLUTS), NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS).

D-Mannose Plus to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections and Discomfort after Cystoscopy: A Single-Center Prospective Randomized Pilot Study.

: Patients undergoing cystoscopy can experience discomfort or pain during the procedure. In some cases, a urinary tract infection (UTI) with storage lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) may occur in the days following the procedure. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of D-mannose plus in the prevention of UTIs and discomfort in patients undergoing cystoscopy.

Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: comparison of subarachnoid analgesia, erector spine plane block, and intravenous analgesia for postoperative pain management.

Background: Laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy allows a higher precision and a magnified view of the surgical field but it did not show to be characterized by a lower pain compared to open surgery so the management of postoperative pain still remains an important issue.

Methods: We enrolled 60 patients randomized in 1:1:1 ratio into three groups: group SUB: treated with a lumbar subarachnoid injection of 10.5 mg ropivacaine, 30 μg clonidine, 2 μg/kg morphine, and 0.

Role of spinal anesthesia in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: Gamble or opportunity?

To the Editor, Although postoperative pain associated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is less than pain following the open technique, it remains a fundamental issue as it can be a significant source of discomfort for the patient and lengthen recovery times after surgery. The optimal management of pain after RARP is far from being fully elucidated and many factors have to be evaluated to choose the best analgesic approach. [.

Sexual dysfunctions of rheumatological patients are a neglected issue: Results from a national survey of Italian Society of Rheumatology.

Introduction: Sexual dysfunctions (SD) are frequently encountered in patients with rheumatologic diseases. In this scenario, a multidisciplinary approach to rheumatologic diseases is often mandatory. The aim of this survey was to assess whether Italian rheumatologists routinely explore sexual health of their patients, their knowledge on the topic, and the barriers to discussing SD in clinical practice.

Differential Expression of LncRNA in Bladder Cancer Development.

Bladder cancer (BC) is the tenth most common cancer, with urothelial carcinoma representing about 90% of all BC, including neoplasms and carcinomas of different grades of malignancy. Urinary cytology has a significant role in BC screening and surveillance, although it has a low detection rate and high dependence on the pathologist's experience. The currently available biomarkers are not implemented into routine clinical practice due to high costs or low sensitivity.

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy and Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: State of the Art and Future Perspectives.

In the past decades, several treatments have been proposed for the management of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). Among these, cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) represents a controversial and open issue in the era of targeted therapy and novel immunotherapy with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Two important studies, CARMENA and SURTIME, analyzed therapy with sunitinib with or without CN, and immediate CN followed by sunitinib versus a deferred CN after three cycles of sunitinib, respectively.