Functional Mechanical Behavior and Biocompatible Characteristics of Graphene-Coated Cardiovascular Stents.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) is a treatment method that involves reopening narrowed arteries with a balloon catheter that delivers a cylindrical, mesh-shaped implant device to the site of the stenosis. Currently, by applying a coating to a bare metal stent (BMS) surface to improve biocompatibility, the main risks after PCI, such as restenosis and thrombosis, are reduced while maintaining the basic requirements for the mechanical behavior of the stent itself. In this work, for the first time, the development and optimization process of the spatial structure of the Co-Cr stent (L-605) with a graphene-based coating using cold-wall chemical vapor deposition (CW-CVD) to ensure uniform coverage of the implant was attempted.

Comparing Outcomes of Open and Robot-Assisted Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for the Treatment of cN2 Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Penis: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis.

Background: Inguinal lymph node (LN) dissection (iLND) is mandatory in cN2 penile squamous cell carcinoma (PSCC). Open iLND (OIL) is often omitted due to the high rate of complications. A minimally invasive approach may reduce morbidity; however, evidence supporting its role to treat bulky nodes is limited.

Interstitial Cystitis Chatter: A Qualitative Evaluation of Bladder Instillation Online.

Objective: To qualitatively assess the perception and experiences of bladder instillation for interstitial cystitis among women on Reddit, a widely used anonymous social media platform.

Methods: "r/interstitialcystitis," a Subreddit with >27,000 subscribers, was queried for bladder instillation among women with interstitial cystitis in November 2023. Posts were analyzed qualitatively by 3 independent researchers.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Prostate Cancer Among Transgender Women.

Importance: Evidence on prostate cancer (PCa) in transgender women is very limited; data are needed to reduce gender disparities in both PCa knowledge and health care.

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of PCa among transgender women in the US and assess the factors associated with PCa, and factors associated with biochemical recurrence (BCR) and bone metastases (BM) secondary to PCa in the transgender population.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in October 2023, covering the period between 2011 and 2022 (12-year analysis).

Dietary Habits, Physical Activity and Body Mass Index in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adults in Italy: A Voluntary Sampling Observational Study.

Transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals continue to experience harassment and discrimination across various aspects of life, significantly impacting their physical and mental health. The scarcity of data on their general health, particularly regarding dietary habits, remains a challenge in developing effective healthcare strategies for this population. To address this gap, we analyzed selected dietary habits, physical activity (PA), and body mass index (BMI) among Italian TGD adults compared to the Italian general population (IGP).

Stratifying the Risk of Disease Progression among Surgically Treated Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer Eligible for Adjuvant Nivolumab.

Check-Mate 274 has demonstrated the disease-free survival (DFS) benefit of adjuvant nivolumab in surgically treated muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). Since immunotherapy represents an expensive treatment with potential side effects, a better understanding of patient-specific risks of disease progression might be useful for clinicians when weighing the indication for adjuvant nivolumab. To identify the criteria for risk stratification of disease progression among MIBC patients eligible for adjuvant nivolumab.

The single port robotic surgical "toolbox": a primer for beginners.

Background: The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the da Vinci Single Port robotic platform, including instruments and tools that can aid in implementing the use of this novel platform.

Methods: Footage recorded during various Single port robotic urologic procedures and dry labs performed at two US institutions was used as video material. A step-by-step guide illustrating key points on OR set-up, platform, instruments, trocar configurations, intraoperative suctioning, bedside assistance were discussed and highlighted.

Living Donor Nephrectomy: Analysis of Trends and Outcomes From a Contemporary National Dataset.

Objective: To analyze the temporal trends and perioperative and long-term outcomes of living donor kidney nephrectomy in the United States.

Methods: The PearlDiverTM Mariner database (Pearl-Diver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO, USA) was used for our retrospective analysis. The data were identified using ICD-9/10 codes, as well as CPT codes.

Robot-assisted nephroureterectomy: surgical and mid-term oncological outcomes in over 1100 patients (ROBUUST 2.0 collaborative group).

Objective: To analyse surgical, functional, and mid-term oncological outcomes of robot-assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) in a contemporary large multi-institutional setting.

Patients And Methods: Data were retrieved from the ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer STtudy (ROBUUST) 2.0 database, an international, multicentre registry encompassing data of patients with upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma undergoing curative surgery between 2015 and 2022.

Neurovascular structure-adjacent frozen-section examination (NeuroSAFE) during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative studies.

Background: To compare surgical, pathological, and functional outcomes of patients undergoing NeuroSAFE-guided RARP vs. RARP alone.

Methods: In February 2024, a literature search and assessment was conducted through PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, to retrieve data of men with PCa (P) undergoing RARP with NeuroSAFE (I) versus RARP without NeuroSAFE (C) to evaluate surgical, pathological, oncological, and functional outcomes (O), across retrospective and/or prospective comparative studies (Studies).

Urachal Carcinoma: Insights From a National Database.

Introduction: Urachal carcinoma (UrC) is a rare, nonurothelial malignancy, comprising less than 1% of all bladder cancers. It usually affects males in their fifth to sixth decade and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage with metastasis. This study examines UrC population characteristics and management.

Contemporary management of ischemic priapism: A 12-year population-based analysis from a large US database.

Background: Priapism is a urological condition characterized by a persistent erection. The management varies based on its subclassifications. Despite established clinical guidelines for ischemic priapism, there is a lack of large-scale research focused on patient characteristics and management strategies.

Renal Function Preservation in Purely Off-Clamp Sutureless Robotic Partial Nephrectomy: Initial Experience and Technique.

The aim of our study is to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a sutureless off-clamp robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (sl-oc RAPN), particularly its impact on renal function. A multicenter study was conducted from April 2021 to June 2022. Patients diagnosed with a renal mass of >2 cm and a PADUA score of ≤6 consecutively underwent an sl-oc RAPN procedure.

Partial nephrectomy in elderly patients: a systematic review and analysis of comparative outcomes.

Purpose: The management of renal masses in the elderly population is particularly challenging, as these patients are often more frail and potentially more susceptible to surgical morbidity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) for treating renal masses in elderly individuals.

Methods: A systematic electronic literature search was conducted in May 2024 using the Medline (via PubMed) database by searching publications up to April 2024.

Upfront versus deferred cytoreductive nephrectomy following targeted or immunotherapy: a population-based propensity score-matched analysis of perioperative complications.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of postoperative complications after cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) following first-line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC), and to compare it with postoperative complications of upfront CN.

Methods: For this population-based retrospective study, the PearlDiver Mariner database (PearlDiver Technologies, Colorado Springs, CO), a database of insurance billing records was analyzed. Using relevant ICD-9/10 and CPT codes, patients diagnosed with mRCC between 2011 and 2021, who received first-line systemic molecular therapy (SMT), either tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) or immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), were identified.

Characteristics, trends, and management of Penile cancer in the United States: A population-based study.

Background: Penile cancer (PeCa) is a rare disease. HPV infection, smoking, phimosis, and lichen sclerosus represent well-known associated risk factors.

Objectives: Primary aim of our study is to evaluate the incidence and risk factors of PeCa and to outline the adopted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

Purely Off-Clamp Sutureless Robotic Partial Nephrectomy for Novice Robotic Surgeons: A Multi-Institutional Propensity Score-Matched Analysis.

To compare perioperative outcomes of patients treated with sutureless off-clamp robotic partial nephrectomy (sl-oc RAPN) by either a novice or an expert robotic surgeon at two different institutions. Data concerning two continuous series of patients with cT1-2N0M0 renal tumors treated with sl-oc RAPN either by a novice or an expert surgeon were extracted from prospectively populated institutional databases over the last 4 years. Perioperative outcomes as well as the baseline characteristics of patients and tumors were compared by using χ and Mann-Whitney tests for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

Incidence, Timing, and Pattern of Atypical Recurrence after Minimally Invasive Surgery for Urothelial Carcinoma.

The management of urothelial carcinoma has evolved with the introduction of minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopic or robotic procedures, challenging the traditional approach of open surgery, and giving rise to atypical recurrences (ARs). ARs include port-site metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis, yet discrepancies persist among authors regarding their precise classification. Incidence rates of ARs vary widely across studies, ranging from less than 1% to over 10% in both muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) and upper tract urothelial tumor (UTUC).

Assessing risk of lymph node invasion in complete responders to neoadjuvant chemotherapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Objectives: To investigate the lymph node invasion (LNI) rate in patients exhibiting complete pathological response (CR) to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to test the association of CR status with lower LNI and better survival outcomes.

Materials And Methods: We included patients with bladder cancer (BCa; cT2-4a; cN0; cM0) treated with NAC and radical cystectomy (RC) + pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at our institution between 2012 and 2022 (N = 157). CR (ypT0) and LNI (ypN+) were defined at final pathology.

Robotic distal ureterectomy for high-risk distal ureteral urothelial carcinoma: a retrospective multicenter comparative analysis (ROBUUST 2.0 collaborative group).

Background: The role of kidney-sparing surgery in patients with high-risk upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma is controversial. The present study aimed to assess oncological and functional outcomes of robot-assisted distal ureterectomy in patients with high-risk distal ureteral tumors.

Methods: The ROBUUST 2.