Blood and Serum Se and Zn Levels and 10-Year Survival of Patients after a Diagnosis of Kidney Cancer.

The aim of the project was to evaluate the association between selenium (Se) and zinc (Zn) levels in blood and serum and kidney cancer mortality. In a prospective group of 284 consecutive, unselected patients with kidney cancer, we evaluated their 10-year survival rate in relation to the levels of Se and Zn in their blood and serum. Micronutrient levels were measured using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer.

The clinical meaning of lymphovascular invasion: preoperative predictors and postoperative implications in prostate cancer - a retrospective study.

Introduction: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a pivotal histopathological parameter in prostate cancer (PCa), holding significant prognostic implications. Our study pursued a dual objective: firstly, to identify preoperative factors associated with LVI, aiming to unveil markers facilitating the recognition of patients prone to LVI during postoperative examination; and secondly, to assess postoperative outcomes correlated with LVI.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 861 nonmetastatic PCa patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP), investigating preoperative factors and postoperative outcomes.

Assessment of the incidence and risk factors of postoperative urosepsis in patients undergoing ureteroscopic lithotripsy.

Introduction: Ureteroscopic lithotripsy (URSL) is an approved, minimally invasive, low-risk procedure for urolithiasis treatment. However, some patients may develop urinary tract infection (UTI) post-procedure, eventually leading to urosepsis. Determining the predictors of infection after URSL would help identify patients at a high risk of urosepsis, thereby enabling the early implementation of effective treatment.

Prognostic Value of Postneoadjuvant Chemotherapy Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Patients undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a widely assessed biomarker in most common diseases, is typically evaluated before treatment initiation. However, data on NLR in the post-treatment setting is limited. Therefore, we assessed the NLR calculated after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) initiation in patients with bladder cancer (BC).

Association of Lymphovascular Invasion with Lymph Node Metastases in Prostate Cancer-Lateralization Concept.

Background: Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is a vital but often overlooked prognostic factor in prostate cancer. As debates on lymphadenectomy's overtreatment emerge, understanding LVI laterality gains importance. This study pioneers the investigation into PCa, aiming to uncover patterns that could influence tailored surgical strategies in the future.

Preoperative Factors for Lymphovascular Invasion in Prostate Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Lymphovascular invasion (LVI) is one of the most important prognostic factors in prostate cancer (PCa) and is correlated with worse survival rates, biochemical recurrence (BCR), and lymph node metastasis (LNM). The ability to predict LVI preoperatively in PCa may be useful for proposing variations in the diagnosis and management strategies. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to identify preoperative clinicopathological factors that correlate with LVI in final histopathological specimens in PCa patients.

Influence of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy on Survival Outcomes of Radical Cystectomy in Pathologically Proven Positive and Negative Lymph Nodes.

Patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to radical cystectomy (RC) typically show better survival outcomes than those undergoing immediate surgery for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. However, most studies have not considered the lymph node (LN) status when evaluating NAC's survival benefits. This study sought to delineate the impact of NAC on patients based on their pathologically determined LN status at the time of RC.

Artificial Intelligence in Urooncology: What We Have and What We Expect.

Introduction: Artificial intelligence is transforming healthcare by driving innovation, automation, and optimization across various fields of medicine. The aim of this study was to determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) techniques can be used in the diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring of urological cancers.

Methodology: We conducted a thorough search for original and review articles published until 31 May 2022 in the PUBMED/Scopus database.

Adequate Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection in Radical Cystectomy in the Era of Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review.

Radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) serves as the gold-standard treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Numerous studies have shown that the number of lymph nodes (LN) removed during RC could affect patient prognosis. However, these studies confirmed the association between PLND and survival outcomes prior to the widespread adoption of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).

Simple yet (more?) effective. Venous thromboembolism risk assessment model for germ cell tumour patients receiving first-line chemotherapy.

Background: Germ cell tumours (GCT) are highly curable malignancies. Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a serious complication, needing better risk assessment models (RAM).

Aim: Identification of VTE incidence and risk factors in metastatic GCT patients starting first-line chemotherapy.

Combined Modality Bladder-Sparing Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: How (Should) We Do It? A Narrative Review.

Organ-sparing combined-modality treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer remains underutilized despite high-quality evidence regarding its efficacy, safety, and preservation of quality of life. It may be offered to patients unwilling to undergo radical cystectomy, as well as those unfit for neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery. The treatment plan should be tailored to each patient's characteristics, with more intensive protocols offered to patients who are fit for surgery but opt for organ-sparing.

Diminishing the Gender-Related Disparity in Survival among Chemotherapy Pre-Treated Patients after Radical Cystectomy-A Multicenter Observational Study.

There is a well-documented problem of inferior outcome of muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) after radical cystectomy (RC) in women. However, previous studies were conducted before neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) was widely adopted to multidisciplinary management of MIBC. In our study, we assessed the gender-related difference in survival between patients who received NAC and those who underwent upfront RC, in two academic centers.

Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Restrict Access to Emergency Urological Services: Assessment of Reorganisation Effectiveness for Hospital Treatment.

Urolithiasis derived renal colic is a common urological condition. If treated properly, the disease resolves without complications; if not treated, it causes infection and renal failure. The COVID-19 restrictions impacted hospitalised treatment of diseases.

Assessment of the Impact of Pentafecta Parameters Affecting the Quality of Life of Patients Undergoing Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy.

Prostate cancer is being detected in increasingly younger men. These patients expect to preserve their current quality of life and quickly recover after treatment. Medical technology and surgical techniques are advancing along with the growing expectations of patients.

Comparison of Laparoscopic and Open Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer.

The goal of the study was to compare laparoscopic and open radical cystectomy in treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer in the Department of Urology and Oncological Urology PUM in Szczecin. A total of 78 patients in the study group underwent laparoscopic cystectomy between 2016−2018, and 81 patients from the control group had open cystectomy between 2014−2016. Both groups were comparable in terms of age, stage, and concomitant diseases.

Diagnostic Value of Radio-Guided Sentinel Node Detection in Patients with Prostate Cancer Undergoing Radical Prostatectomy with Modified-Extended Lymphadenectomy.

In many malignancies, sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) is being used as a nodal staging tool. We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic value of radio-guided sentinel lymph node (SLN) detection in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). This study aimed to investigate the reliability of the radio-guided SLN detection technique for perioperative localization of LNs metastases as well as to map lymphatic drainage patterns of the prostate.

STAT3 and Its Pathways' Dysregulation-Underestimated Role in Urological Tumors.

Nowadays, molecular research is essential for the better understanding of tumor cells' pathophysiology. The increasing number of neoplasms is taken under 'the molecular magnifying glass'; therefore, it is possible to discover the complex relationships between cytophysiology and tumor cells. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) belongs to the family of latent cytoplasmic transcription factors called STATs, which comprises seven members: STAT1, STAT2, STAT3, STAT4, STAT5A, STAT5B, and STAT6.

Management with Santorini's Plexus Should Be Personalized during Prostatectomy.

The aim of this study is to compare the results of laparoscopic prostatectomy in terms of management with Dorsal Venosus Complex (DVC)/Santorini's plexus as it is still an open question in the field of urology. For this purpose, 457 patients after prostatectomy derived from two high volume centers were compared. In one center, patients underwent DVC ligation in all cases, whereas in the second center, this step was omitted.

Indications, Detection, Completion and Retention Rates of Capsule Endoscopy in Two Decades of Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has become a widespread modality for non-invasive evaluation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, with several CE models having been developed throughout the years. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to evaluate performance measures such as completion, detection and retention rates of CE.

Methods: Literature through to August 2021 was screened for articles regarding all capsule types: small bowel, double-headed capsule for the colon or PillCamCrohn's capsule, magnetically-controlled capsule endoscopy, esophageal capsule and patency capsule.

Utility of Lymphadenectomy in Prostate Cancer: Where Do We Stand?

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on lymph node dissection (LND) in prostate cancer (PCa) patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP). Despite a growing body of evidence, the utility and therapeutic and prognostic value of such an approach, as well as the optimal extent of LND, remain unsolved issues. Although LND is the most accurate staging procedure, the direct therapeutic effect is still not evident from the current literature, which limits the possibility of establishing clear recommendations.

Increased One-Year Mortality Among Elderly Patients After Radical Cystectomy for Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer: A Retrospective, Observational Comparative Study.

Introduction: Muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is a common malignancy amongst elderly. Increasing life expectancy, prevalence of smoking, lifelong exposure to environmental pollutants and immunosenescence contribute to growing number of cases. Traditionally, radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) constituted the mainstay of treatment for MIBC, but despite proven feasibility in elderly population, it has been associated with significant burden of morbidity, mortality, and complications.

When Bodybuilding Goes Wrong-Bilateral Renal Artery Thrombosis in a Long-Term Misuser of Anabolic Steroids Treated with AngioJet Rheolytic Thrombectomy.

Bilateral renal infarction is an extremely rare condition with only few cases reported in the literature. We present a case of bilateral renal infarction affecting an otherwise healthy 34 year old bodybuilder chronically misusing testosterone and stanozolol. The patient presented with severe flank pain mimicking renal colic and biochemical features of acute kidney injury.

Educational and Psychological Support Combined with Minimally Invasive Surgical Technique Reduces Perioperative Depression and Anxiety in Patients with Bladder Cancer Undergoing Radical Cystectomy.

Radical cystectomy (RC) for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) is an extensive and morbid operation, often associated with permanent alteration of body image and disability. Combined with the aggressive malignant potential of MIBC and considerable risk of complications, it poses a serious threat to the psychological well-being of patients. Educational deficiencies causing uncertainty and confusion aggravate surgery-related anxiety and may lead to depression along with further social disability.

The Influence of Lymph Node Count on Oncological Outcome of Radical Cystectomy in Chemotherapy Pre-Treated and Chemotherapy-Naïve Patients with Muscle Invasive Bladder Cancer.

Radical cystectomy (RC) with pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) remains the mainstay of treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). The extent of PLND and number of removed lymph nodes (LNs) have been associated with improved staging and survival outcomes in several series of RC patients. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) has become standard of care for cisplatin-eligible patients qualified to RC, yet few studies on PLND stratified cases according to the receipt of NAC.

Neoadjuvant chemotherapy with dose dense MVAC is associated with improved survival after radical cystectomy compared to other cytotoxic regimens: A tertiary center experience.

Introduction: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become standard of care for cisplatin-eligible patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer qualified to radical cystectomy, providing a modest increase in 5-year overall survival rate. Several regimens are being employed for neoadjuvant treatment, largely because of their efficacy in metastatic setting. There is however a scarcity of evidence on the optimal cytotoxic regimen for neoadjuvant chemotherapy.