Showing papers in "Current Urology Reports in 2013"
TL;DR: Based on the reviewed literature, MRGB can be regarded an accurate and safe diagnostic tool to detect clinically significant PCa, however, as general availability is limited, this procedure should be reserved for specific patients.
Abstract: In-bore magnetic resonance-guided biopsy (MRGB) has been increasingly used in clinical practice to detect prostate cancer (PCa). This review summarizes the current clinical results of this biopsy method. A systematic literature search was performed in the PubMed and Embase databases. Of 2,035 identified records, 49 required full review. In all, ten unique studies reporting clinical results of MRGB could be included. Reported PCa detection rates ranged from 8 to 59 % (median 42 %). The majority of tumors detected by MRGB were clinically significant (81–93 %). Most frequent complications of MRGB are transient hematuria (1–24 %) and short-term perirectal bleeding (11–17 %). Major complications are rare. Based on the reviewed literature, MRGB can be regarded an accurate and safe diagnostic tool to detect clinically significant PCa. However, as general availability is limited, this procedure should be reserved for specific patients. Appropriate indications will have to be determined.
85 citations
TL;DR: Myofascial trigger points (MTrP), or muscle “contraction knots,” of the pelvic floor may be identified in as many as 85 % of patients suffering from urological, colorectal and gynecological pelvic pain syndrome; and can be responsible for some, if not all, symptoms related to these syndromes.
Abstract: Myofascial trigger points (MTrP), or muscle “contraction knots,” of the pelvic floor may be identified in as many as 85 % of patients suffering from urological, colorectal and gynecological pelvic pain syndromes; and can be responsible for some, if not all, symptoms related to these syndromes Identification and conservative treatment of MTrPs in these populations has often been associated with impressive clinical improvements In refractory cases, more “aggressive” therapy with varied trigger point needling techniques, including dry needling, anesthetic injections, or onabotulinumtoxinA injections, may be used, in combination with conservative therapies
80 citations
TL;DR: The collective literature indicates that PFMT is effective for incontinence, as well as urgency, frequency, and nocturia, and can be combined with all other treatment modalities and holds potential for prevention of bladder symptoms.
Abstract: Behavioral and physical therapies have been used for many years to treat incontinence and overactive bladder (OAB). This paper focuses on programs that include pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) as a component in treatment for women or men. PFMT was long used almost exclusively for treatment of stress incontinence. When it became evident that voluntary pelvic floor muscle contraction can be used to control bladder function, PFMT was also integrated into the treatment of urge incontinence and OAB as part of a broader behavioral urge suppression strategy. PFMT has evolved over decades, both as a behavioral therapy and a physical therapy, combining principles from behavioral science, nursing, and muscle physiology into a widely recommended conservative treatment. The collective literature indicates that PFMT is effective for incontinence, as well as urgency, frequency, and nocturia. It can be combined with all other treatment modalities and holds potential for prevention of bladder symptoms.
69 citations
TL;DR: Recent findings regarding recurrent UTIs in women are discussed, including progress in the understanding of the mechanisms of recurrence as well as emerging treatments.
Abstract: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, and over half of women report having had at least one in their lifetime. Nearly a third of these women experience recurrent UTI episodes, but the mechanisms of these recurrences are not fully elucidated. Frequent use of antimicrobials for treatment and prevention of UTIs and other infections has contributed to the evolution of multidrug-resistant microorganisms globally. This is a looming worldwide crisis that has created an urgent need for novel strategies for the treatment and prevention of UTIs. Furthering our understanding of the mechanisms of recurrent UTIs, from both host and bacterial perspectives, will be paramount in developing targeted management strategies. In this review, we discuss recent findings regarding recurrent UTIs in women, including progress in our understanding of the mechanisms of recurrence as well as emerging treatments.
65 citations
TL;DR: Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma should be considered for multimodal therapy, including surgery of metastatic lesions, as a proportion of patients will achieve long-term survival with aggressive surgical resection.
Abstract: Despite contemporary innovations in systemic therapy and surgical treatment, renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains the most lethal urologic malignancy. Still, around 20 % of patients with RCC present with metastases at diagnosis, and 40–50 % of those with localized advanced disease will ultimately progress to metastatic disease. Although the new, targeted therapy paradigms have changed the treatment of patients with advanced RCC and offer prolonged survival, cure is extremely uncommon in the absence of surgical resections. In this paper, the current role of metastasectomy is reviewed. Searches were carried out in the PubMed database and the Cochrane Library of Controlled Clinical Trials. While there is no randomized study available, recent large observational studies have better defined the prognosis of patients with metastatic RCC with or without metastasectomy. In multivariate analysis, independent predictive factors included male gender, disease-free interval > 1 year, single metastatic site and complete metastasectomy. Other reports from selected patient materials show 29–31 % 5-year overall survival rates. In patients with recurrent disease after resection of a lung metastasis, 60 % were able to undergo a subsequent resection, compared with 25 % with recurrent bone metastasis. Also, metastasectomy after initial systemic therapy gave partial or complete response in a majority of patients. In these patients, the median survival was 4.7 years and 21 % remained free of disease at last follow-up. Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma should be considered for multimodal therapy, including surgery of metastatic lesions. A proportion of patients will achieve long-term survival with aggressive surgical resection.
59 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that robotic-assisted laparoscopic reconstructive surgeries in the lower urinary tract are technically feasible and may achieve outcomes that are equal to those of open surgery, with reduced morbidity.
Abstract: Open surgery has long been the most common surgical approach for the correction of congenital anomalies of the lower urinary tract in children. With the continued development of minimally invasive surgery in adult urology, including endoscopic, conventional, and robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches, the indications for minimally invasive surgery have similarly expanded in the pediatric population. The most commonly performed robotic procedure in children has been pyeloplasty for ureteropelvic junction obstruction; the use of robotics in complex reconstructive surgery in the lower urinary tract has also been acceptable. In this review, we summarize recent viewpoints regarding robotic-assisted laparoscopic reconstructive surgeries in the lower urinary tract, such as ureteral reimplantation, appendicovesicostomy, and augmentation enterocystoplasty in the pediatric population, and critically summarize the current knowledge on outcomes in the literature. We also discuss our technique and the outcomes of robotic ureteral reimplantation. This review demonstrates that robotic-assisted laparoscopic reconstructive surgeries in the lower urinary tract are technically feasible and may achieve outcomes that are equalto those of open surgery, with reduced morbidity.
43 citations
TL;DR: Evidence from the literature has shown that antimuscarinic treatment of OAB in the elderly population is safe and effective in improving symptoms and patient’s quality of life.
Abstract: The International Continence Society (ICS) defines overactive bladder (OAB) as an association of symptoms including "urgency, with or without urge incontinence, usually with increased frequency and nocturia". This conditon has been associated with a decrease in quality of life and a higher related risk of overall health condition decrease, and is rising since its prevalence increases with age and the forecast for the world population estimates an increase of those over 65 years old. Aging alone can be considered a major risk factor for developing OAB symptoms that are considered multifactorial and due to body tissue and anatomic changes, lifestyle-associated factors, comorbidities and personal characteristics. The high prevalence of this condition and multiple etiology factors makes of its treatment a challenge-especially in the older population. A major concern over OAB treatment of elderly patients is the risk of cognitive side effects due to the pharmacologic treatment with anticholinergic drugs. First-line treatment for OAB symptoms are the use of pharmacologic therapy with antimuscarinic drugs, which has been proved to be effective in controlling urgency, urge incontinence episodes, incontinence episodes, and nocturia. The impact caused by this condition is significant regarding the economic and human costs associated bringing into attention the need of studying and reviewing this specific population. Conservative Management and Lifestyle Modifications: Behavioral therapy's aims are to reduce urinary frequency and urgency to an accepted level and to increase bladder outlet volume. It consists of actions to teach patients to improve and learn bladder control. Lifestyle modifications are a conjunct of daily activities that can be managed to have the lowest interference on the functioning of the urinary tract. Pharmacologic Therapy: There are various medications with antimuscarinic properties available for the treatment of OAB symptoms. The most commonly used are oxybutinin, tolterodine, solifenacin, darifenacin, fesosterodine and trospium. Second-line Therapy: OAB treatment accounts for some refractory to conventional treatment patients who will require alternative therapies to achieve improvement of symptoms as the use of intradetrusor injection of botulinum A toxin by binding to receptors on the membrane of cholinergic nerves causing temporary chemodenervation and consequent muscle relaxation. Neuromodulation is also an effective therapy that aims to achieve inhibition of detrusor activity by continuous neural stimulation through peripheral nerves as the use of the tibial nerve or central as it is performed by direct spine stimulation on sacral roots through the implantation of an automated generator. In conclusion, evidence from the literature has shown that antimuscarinic treatment of OAB in the elderly population is safe and effective in improving symptoms and patient's quality of life. Managing OAB symptoms in this population is a great challenge. An optimal therapeutic approach to treat should involve medical treatment with drug and behavioral therapy in addition to lifestyle advice.
40 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors evaluated the cost effectiveness of RARC versus ORC and showed that RARC may be less expensive than the traditional open procedure when the indirect costs of complications and extended hospital stay with ORC are considered.
Abstract: Bladder cancer is the fourth and ninth most common malignancy in males and females, respectively, in the U.S. and one of the most costly cancers to manage. With the current economic condition, physicians will need to become more aware of cost-effective therapies for the treatment of various malignancies. Robot-assisted radical cystectomy (RARC) is the latest minimally invasive surgical option for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Current reports have shown less blood loss, a shorter hospital stay, and a lower morbidity with RARC, as compared with the traditional open radical cystectomy (ORC), although long-term oncologic results of RARC are still maturing. There are few studies that have assessed the cost outcomes of RARC as compared with ORC. Currently, ORC appears to offer a direct cost advantage due to the high purchase and maintenance cost of the robotic platform, although when the indirect costs of complications and extended hospital stay with ORC are considered, RARC may be less expensive than the traditional open procedure. In order to accurately evaluate the cost effectiveness of RARC versus ORC, prospective randomized trials between the two surgical techniques with long-term oncologic efficacy are needed.
39 citations
TL;DR: The anatomy and pathophysiology of autonomic pelvic nerves, prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and the surgical technique of nerve preservation in order to maintain sexual function are described.
Abstract: The quality of functional outcome has become increasingly important in view of improvement in prognosis with colorectal cancer patients. Sexual dysfunction remains a common problem after colorectal cancer treatment, despite the good oncologic outcomes achieved by expert surgeons. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy contribute, surgical nerve damage is the main cause of sexual dysfunction. The autonomic nerves are in close contact with the visceral pelvic fascia that surrounds the mesorectum. The concept of total mesorectal excision (TME) in rectal cancer treatment has led to a substantial improvement of autonomic nerve preservation. In addition, use of laparoscopy has allowed favorable results with regards to sexual function. The present paper describes the anatomy and pathophysiology of autonomic pelvic nerves, prevalence of sexual dysfunction, and the surgical technique of nerve preservation in order to maintain sexual function.
38 citations
TL;DR: Only highly select patients at specialized centers should undergo modified template RPLND in the postchemotherapy setting, because risks of unresected disease are higher than in the primary setting.
Abstract: Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a critical aspect of staging and treatment of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCTs) of the testis. RPLND achieves cure in a majority of patients with low-volume metastatic disease and minimizes the need for chemotherapy. Initial surgical approaches to RPLND, involving wide limits to dissection, were associated with high rates of retrograde ejaculation and significant overall morbidity. Evolving modified RPLND templates helped reduce rates of retrograde ejaculation but may be associated with a 3 %–23 % risk of unresected metastasis. Modified templates have become a standard of care in primary RPLND with low-volume metastatic disease. Only highly select patients at specialized centers should undergo modified template RPLND in the postchemotherapy setting, because risks of unresected disease are higher than in the primary setting. Bilateral RPLND optimizes cancer control and can preserve antegrade ejaculation if nerve sparing is performed. We also briefly discuss minimally invasive approaches to RPLND.
34 citations
TL;DR: Although minimally invasive surgery offers numerous advantages, the most successful approach will still be the surgery with which the VVF surgeon is most familiar, the original natural orifice approach through the vagina.
Abstract: Over the past 20 years, the discussion concerning vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) repair has evolved from strictly transabdominal/transvaginal to including minimally invasive surgeries. The original natural orifice approach through the vagina allows for VVF repair with decreased morbidity and minimal convalescence with success rates upwards of 90 %. For surgeries that involve a narrowed/stenotic vagina or a need for a concomitant abdominal procedure, transadominal surgery can be performed by laparoscopic or robot-assisted laparoscopic approaches. Success rates in large series are upwards of 86 %. Difficulties such as an increased learning curve and vesicovaginal plane dissection have been overcome with innovations such as the robotic platform and cutting to the light with vaginoscopy. While still in its infancy in VVF repair, single site surgery has also been utilized with reasonable success. Although minimally invasive surgery offers numerous advantages, the most successful approach will still be the surgery with which the VVF surgeon is most familiar.
TL;DR: This comprehensive review evaluates the capabilities of CEUS in the diagnostics of benign (angiomyolipomas, cysts, oncocytomas, pseudotumors) and malignant masses (renal cell carcinomas) and focuses on possible future treatment.
Abstract: The clinical need for characterising small renal masses (SRMs) is increasing due to their rising incidental detection. This increase is especially seen in younger and older generations and concerns mainly SRMs. Diagnostics is mainly made by contrast-enhanced CT or MRI. However, these imaging methods fail to accurately distinguishing benign from malignant SRMs. Other disadvantages of CT or MRI are high costs, the use of ionizing radiation, nephrotoxicity induced by iodine contrast agents or nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) induced by gadolinium contrast agents. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is based on ultrasonography and microbubbles to real-time visualize the renal blood flow without the use of nephrotoxic agents or ionizing radiation. This comprehensive review evaluates the capabilities of CEUS in the diagnostics of benign (angiomyolipomas, cysts, oncocytomas, pseudotumors) and malignant masses (renal cell carcinomas), and focuses on possible future treatment.
TL;DR: This review focuses on the biological significance and clinical implementation of gene fusions, and particularly the most commonly reported TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, in prostate cancer, which are of interest as biomarkers for diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Abstract: Gene fusions, resulting from chromosomal rearrangements, have been attributed to leukaemias and soft tissue sarcomas. The recent discovery of a recurrent gene fusion TMPRSS2-ERG in approximately half of the prostate cancers tested indicates that gene fusions also play a role in the onset of common epithelial cancers. Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the Western male population. It is a heterogeneous disease, both in terms of pathology and clinical presentation. Since the discovery of the TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, other gene fusions have been reported, most of which result in the androgen-regulated over-expression of the oncogene ERG or other ETS transcription factors. The high prevalence of these gene fusions represents a distinct class of tumours, which may give more insight in the heterogeneity of the disease. These gene fusions are of interest as biomarkers for diagnosis of prostate cancer, and some of them could be useful in predicting the presence of aggressive disease. This review focuses on the biological significance and clinical implementation of gene fusions, and particularly the most commonly reported TMPRSS2-ERG fusion, in prostate cancer.
TL;DR: This article reviews recently published literature on epidemiology, evaluation, clinical impacts, and management of OAB, with a focus on elderly men.
Abstract: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a highly prevalent clinical condition in both men and women, and rates tend to increase with advancing age. A variety of different evaluation methods have been developed to measure both objective and subjective parameters of the condition. OAB has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, particularly in older adults, including depression, social isolation, and impairments of both general and health-related quality of life. Options for treatment include behavioral therapies, medications, and surgical treatments such as chemodenervation. Combined symptoms of OAB and benign prostatic enlargement have recently gained increased research attention. This article reviews recently published literature on epidemiology, evaluation, clinical impacts, and management of OAB, with a focus on elderly men.
TL;DR: An increasing number of small renal masses (SRMs) are being detected with modern cross-sectional imaging and percutaneous needle biopsy of SRMs can be safely performed and has the potential to characterize SRMs histologically.
Abstract: An increasing number of small renal masses (SRMs) are being detected with modern cross-sectional imaging. The natural history of SRMs is mostly unknown. Initial active surveillance (AS) is a reasonable treatment option for small renal masses (SRMs) < 4 cm in the infirm patient with major comorbidities. Partial nephrectomy (PN) is the established treatment for T1a tumors, provided that the operation is technically feasible and the tumor can be completely removed. Laparoscopic and, most recently, robotic PN have functional and oncologic outcomes comparable to open PN, but are technically demanding procedures. Radical nephrectomy (RN) should be limited to those cases where the tumor is not amenable to PN. Percutaneous needle biopsy of SRMs can be safely performed and has the potential to characterize SRMs histologically. It is best utilized in conjunction with ablative technologies. However, ablative therapies should be reserved for carefully selected patients who are poor surgical candidates.
TL;DR: This report is based on a thorough review of the published literature to date on the minimally invasive treatment and outcomes of renal AMLs, and recommends laparoscopic and percutaneous ablative therapies for nephron sparing approaches.
Abstract: Renal angiomyolipomas (AMLs) are benign renal masses that are often asymptomatic and detected incidentally. However, treatment might be necessary in symptomatic presentations or when the mass exceeds 4 cm in size. While the goal of management for renal AMLs is to relieve symptoms and prevent hemorrhage, a priority is renal function preservation, especially given the propensity of these lesions to recur. The traditional treatment for renal AMLs is renal angioembolization or surgical excision of the lesion. With advancements in minimally invasive surgery, several other modalities have now emerged for nephron sparing approaches. These include angioembolization, laparoscopic and percutaneous ablative therapies such as radiofrequency ablation, cryoablation and microwave ablation, and pure or robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. Given the relatively low frequency of renal AMLs requiring treatment, much of the available literature on these minimally invasive approaches is largely extrapolative, based on series on small renal masses, i.e. renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This report is based on a thorough review of the published literature to date on the minimally invasive treatment and outcomes of renal AMLs.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that microsurgical varicocelectomy improves testosterone levels in men with varicocele and low testosterone preoperatively and on testosterone level during and after surgery.
Abstract: Accumulating evidence suggests that varicocele, long associated with male infertility, is also a risk factor for low testosterone levels. The exact pathophysiology of the negative effects of varicocele on testicular function is not well understood, but theories include venous stasis, increased testicular temperature, oxidative stress, and resulting toxic environment. While prior studies report conflicting effects of non-microsurgical varicocelectomy on testosterone level, recent literature demonstrates that microsurgical varicocelectomy improves testosterone levels in men with varicocele and low testosterone preoperatively.
TL;DR: The role of positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging when dealing with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is outlined.
Abstract: Imaging for urothelial cancer, particularly that located in the bladder, has generally been based on computed tomography (CT). However in more recent times the role of positron emission tomography-CT (PET-CT) has emerged and increasingly magnetic resonance (MR) imaging has become utilised. This concise review will outline the role of these modalities when dealing with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
TL;DR: Prevention and management of common catheter-related problems such as encrustation, leakage, Foley malposition, balloon cuffing and frequent blockages are discussed and suprapubic catheter placement techniques are reviewed.
Abstract: Routine placement of transurethral catheters can be challenging in some situations, such as urethral strictures, severe phimosis and false passages. Intravaginal retraction of the urethral meatus can complicate Foley placement in postmenopausal females. In men, blind urethral procedures with mechanical or metal sounds without visual guidance or guidewire assistance are now discouraged due to the increased risk of urethral trauma and false passages. Newer techniques of urethral catheterization including guidewires, directed hydrophilic mechanical dilators, urethral balloon dilation, and direct vision endoscopic catheter systems are discussed, along with the new standardized protocol for difficult transurethral catheter insertions. Suprapubic catheter placement techniques, including percutaneous trocars and the use of the curved Lowsley tractor for initial suprapubic catheter insertion, are reviewed. Prevention and management of common catheter-related problems such as encrustation, leakage, Foley malposition, balloon cuffing and frequent blockages are discussed.
TL;DR: The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence behind the recommendations for dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin, and lidocaine and several historical or experimental therapies that do not hold recommendations but are still used on rare occasion.
Abstract: Bladder instillation therapy refers to the direct introduction of medication into the bladder and is a common treatment modality for patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) who have failed conservative and oral therapies. The current American Urological Association (AUA) recommendations list three medications as options for IC/BPS instillation therapy: dimethyl sulfoxide, heparin, and lidocaine. The purpose of this review is to examine the evidence behind the recommendations for these medications. We also examine several historical or experimental therapies that do not hold recommendations but are still used on rare occasion. Finally, we discuss our bladder instillation strategies as well as potential future research and development in intravesicular therapy.
TL;DR: It is concluded that a robotic technique is a feasible minimally invasive approach for bladder diverticulectomy and potential benefits may include precise dissection of adjacent structures, as well as easier intracorporeal suturing.
Abstract: Robot-assisted laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy (RALBD) has been increasingly reported in recent years. We review the technique of RALBD and the perioperative outcomes. We searched online databases to identify original articles related to RALBD. In the Method section, we describe our technique and reviewe several techniques for identification and robotic management of bladder diverticula. We identified 13 retrospective studies that met our criteria, with a total of 44 patients. The mean diverticulum size was 8.3 ± 3.6 cm, mean operative time was 186 ± 68 min, mean estimated blood loss was 86 ± 64 ml, and mean length of stay was 2.4 ± 1.7 days. In the majority of cases, patients with acquired diverticula underwent urethral catheter removal between 7 and 14 postoperative days while in the pediatric population with congenital bladder diverticula, Foley catheter removal usually occurred on postoperative day one. We conclude that a robotic technique is a feasible minimally invasive approach for bladder diverticulectomy. Potential benefits may include precise dissection of adjacent structures, as well as easier intracorporeal suturing. Further studies are needed to compare outcomes and costs versus other existing procedures.
TL;DR: This review provides readers with an overview of the exstrophy–epispadias complex, the modern management of bladderExstrophy, and potential surgical complications.
Abstract: The exstrophy–epispadias complex is a rare congenital malformation of the genitourinary system, abdominal wall musculature, and pelvic bones. Historically, surgical outcomes in patients with classic bladder exstrophy, the most common presentation of the exstrophy–epispadias complex, were poor. However, modern techniques have increased the success of achieving urinary continence, satisfactory cosmesis, and improved quality of life. Still, recent studies recognize complications that may occur during management of these patients. This review provides readers with an overview of the exstrophy–epispadias complex, the modern management of bladder exstrophy, and potential surgical complications.
TL;DR: Sperm cryopreservation prior to initiating life-saving cancer treatment offers men and their families the best chances to father biologically-related children and should be offered to all men with cancer before treatment.
Abstract: This article reviews the current concepts, recommendations, and principles of fertility preservation in men with cancer. Obstacles to sperm banking are addressed, as well as future directions for fertility-preserving technologies. All cancer therapies—chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery—are potential threats to a man’s reproductive potential. Additionally, cancer itself can impair spermatogenesis. Thus, sperm cryopreservation prior to initiating life-saving cancer treatment offers men and their families the best chances to father biologically-related children and should be offered to all men with cancer before treatment. Better patient and provider education, as well as deliberate, coordinated strategies at comprehensive cancer care centers, are necessary to make fertility preservation for male cancer patients a priority during pre-treatment planning.
TL;DR: A variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options exist for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, and many studies suggest similar anatomic and functional outcomes compared to prolapse procedures with concomitant hysterectomy.
Abstract: A variety of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options exist for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. While nonsurgical management is often selected as first-line treatment, many women eventually elect to undergo surgical management. Traditionally, prolapse repair often includes concomitant hysterectomy; however, women increasingly desire uterine preservation for a myriad of reasons. Multiple surgical procedures have been described to correct apical prolapse while preserving the uterus. Many studies suggest similar anatomic and functional outcomes compared to prolapse procedures with concomitant hysterectomy. Potential benefits include decreased operative time and avoidance of hysterectomy-specific complications, although there are several unique issues to consider if the uterus is retained. Surgeons must provide adequate counseling and preoperative evaluation before proceeding with uterine preservation.
TL;DR: “Zero ischemia”
Abstract: In the last decade, many authors reported single center experiences of “off-clamp”, “clamp-less”, or “unclamped” minimally invasive partial nephrectomy (MIPN). These procedures, despite the potential risk of increased intraoperative blood loss, attempted to minimize the loss of renal function by eliminating ischemic renal injury. “Zero ischemia” MIPN has emerged as new treatment option in 2011, initially performed under controlled hypotension, and later mainly by performing a “superselective microdissection”. The former technique minimizes the arterial bleeding from the renal stump, allowing surgeon to dissect the tumor in a bloodless field; the latter consists of identifying, antegradely from the renal hilum, the tertiary and quaternary arterial branches directly supplying the kidney neoplasm, and then selectively controlling them before dissecting the renal mass. This review critically analyzes these techniques, focusing on perioperative, oncologic and functional outcomes.
TL;DR: It is important for health care providers who see women to consider both urinary and sexual health concerns during patient encounters, and additional research attention to the interrelationships between these genitourinary disorders is warranted.
Abstract: Overactive bladder urinary incontinence and female sexual dysfunction are common in women, but often go unreported and/or untreated. All of these conditions can have a markedly negative impact on quality of life. There is a growing body of evidence that sexual and urinary problems are often comorbid and possibly synergistic in women. Increasingly robust evidence indicates that management of urinary concerns may enhance sexual function and quality of life. It is important for health care providers who see women to consider both urinary and sexual health concerns during patient encounters. Additional research attention to the interrelationships between these genitourinary disorders is warranted.
TL;DR: This review discusses the most recent studies with regards to the utility of urodynamics in current practice, highlighting the recent American Urologic Association Adult Urod dynamics and Overactive Bladder Guidelines and the Value of Urodynamic Evaluation study.
Abstract: Urodynamics testing is a diagnostic assessment of the lower urinary tract system composed of multiple tests to obtain physiologic data regarding lower urinary tract function (detrusor and outlet) during storage and emptying. The necessity of urodynamics has been both supported and challenged in various urologic conditions such as urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder, lower urinary tract symptoms, and bladder outlet obstruction. This review discusses the most recent studies with regards to the utility of urodynamics in current practice, highlighting the recent American Urologic Association Adult Urodynamics and Overactive Bladder Guidelines and the Value of Urodynamic Evaluation study.
TL;DR: Optimal use of existing and future tools will help alleviate the problems of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer without reversing the substantial mortality declines that have been achieved in the screening era.
Abstract: The purpose of this review is to identify clinical risk factors for prostate cancer and to assess the utility and limitations of our current tools for prostate cancer screening. Prostate-specific antigen is the single most important factor for identifying men at increased risk of prostate cancer but is best assessed in the context of other clinical factors; increasing age, race, and family history are well-established risk factors for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. In addition to clinical risk calculators, novel tools such as multiparametric imaging, serum or urinary biomarkers, and genetic profiling show promise in improving prostate cancer diagnosis and characterization. Optimal use of existing and future tools will help alleviate the problems of overdiagnosis and overtreatment of low-risk prostate cancer without reversing the substantial mortality declines that have been achieved in the screening era.
TL;DR: Treatment options focusing on behavioral modification, medical therapy, and neuromodulation are reviewed, remembering that more than one may be needed and can be used concomitantly.
Abstract: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a symptom complex of urinary frequency, nocturia and urgency with or without urgency incontinence that adversely impacts patient’s quality of life. Conservative management begins in the outpatient clinic, often with significant improvement and patient satisfaction. In this review we will discuss the evaluation of OAB and review treatment options focusing on behavioral modification, medical therapy, and neuromodulation. These treatment options are offered in a stepwise fashion, remembering that more than one may be needed and can be used concomitantly.
TL;DR: In an attempt to further improve outcomes following tubeless PCNL, adjunct interventions such as the use of hemostatic agents along the percutaneous access tract and local tract anesthetic have also been evaluated.
Abstract: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the gold standard for the treatment of large renal calculi. Recently, modifications to the standard PCNL with nephrostomy tube placement have evolved, most notably the introduction of tubeless PCNL. Tubeless PCNL appears to decrease postoperative discomfort and shorten hospital stays, without increasing complication rates in the appropriately selected patient population. Urologists have attempted to expand the role of tubeless PCNL in more complex clinical scenarios, including pediatric and geriatric patients, and in stones complicated by multiple access tracts, renal anomalies or previous renal surgery. In an attempt to further improve outcomes following tubeless PCNL, adjunct interventions such as the use of hemostatic agents along the percutaneous access tract and local tract anesthetic have also been evaluated. We report the most recent published data over the past year, reviewing the employment and efficacy of tubeless PCNL, and discuss the selection of appropriate patients for this modified procedure.