Prognostic factors for overall survival in castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer treated with docetaxel (MeProCSS): results from a German real-world cohort.

Purpose: To identify prognostic factors for overall survival (OS) and develop a prognostic score in patients receiving docetaxel in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Methods: Retrospective analysis was conducted on mCRPC patients treated with docetaxel at a German tertiary center between March 2010 and November 2023. Prognostic clinical and laboratory factors were analyzed using uni- and multivariable logistic regression.

Preoperative Physical Activity Improvement with the Use of Activity Trackers in Patients Undergoing Radical Cystectomy-A Bicentric, Open-label, Randomised Controlled Trial: A Clinical Study Protocol of the PreAct Trial.

This study protocol shows the structured design of the randomised controlled phase 3 "PreAct" trial. It hypothesises the use of a fitness tracker-based prehabilitation programme to increase the physical activity of patients prior to radical cystectomy, as measured by the average number of steps per day.

Impact of a kidney-adjusted ERAS protocol on postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing partial nephrectomy.

Purpose: Evaluation of a kidney-adjusted enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol (kERAS) in patients undergoing nephron-sparing surgery (PN).

Methods: The kERAS protocol is a multidimensional protocol focusing on optimized perioperative fluid and nutrition management as well as strict intraoperative and postoperative blood pressure limits. It was applied in a prospective cohort (n = 147) of patients undergoing open or robotic PN.

Comparison of distance versus in-person laparoscopy training using a low-cost laparoscopy simulator-a randomized controlled multi-center trial.

Introduction: Simulation training programs are essential for novice surgeons to acquire basic experience to master laparoscopic skills. However, current state-of-the-art laparoscopy simulators are still expensive, limiting the accessibility to practical training lessons. Furthermore, training is time intensive and requires extensive spatial capacity, limiting its availability to surgeons.

Tranexamic acid reduces perioperative blood transfusions following open radical cystectomy - a propensity-score matched analysis.

Purpose: Radical cystectomy is associated with bleeding and high transfusion rates, presenting challenges in patient management. This study investigated the prophylactic use of tranexamic acid during radical cystectomy.

Methods: All consecutive patients treated with radical cystectomy at a tertiary care university center were included from a prospectively maintained database.

Spectral characterization of intraoperative renal perfusion using hyperspectral imaging and artificial intelligence.

Accurate intraoperative assessment of organ perfusion is a pivotal determinant in preserving organ function e.g. during kidney surgery including partial nephrectomy or kidney transplantation.

[Large language models in science].

Objective: Large language models (LLMs) are gaining popularity due to their ability to communicate in a human-like manner. Their potential for science, including urology, is increasingly recognized. However, unresolved concerns regarding transparency, accountability, and the accuracy of LLM results still exist.

Controlled Reversible Visceral Arterial Ischemia, Venous Congestion and Combined Malperfusion via Midline Laparotomy in Rats.

Besides sepsis and malignancy, malperfusion is the third leading cause of tissue degradation and a major pathomechanism for various medical and surgical conditions. Despite significant developments such as bypass surgery, endovascular procedures, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and artificial blood substitutes, tissue malperfusion, especially of visceral organs, remains a pressing issue in patient care. The demand for further research on biomedical processes and possible interventions is high.

Machine learning enables automated screening for systematic reviews and meta-analysis in urology.

Purpose: To investigate and implement semiautomated screening for meta-analyses (MA) in urology under consideration of class imbalance.

Methods: Machine learning algorithms were trained on data from three MA with detailed information of the screening process. Different methods to account for class imbalance (Sampling (up- and downsampling, weighting and cost-sensitive learning), thresholding) were implemented in different machine learning (ML) algorithms (Random Forest, Logistic Regression with Elastic Net Regularization, Support Vector Machines).

Crystalloid volume versus catecholamines for management of hemorrhagic shock during esophagectomy: assessment of microcirculatory tissue oxygenation of the gastric conduit in a porcine model using hyperspectral imaging - an experimental study.

Introduction: Oncologic esophagectomy is a two-cavity procedure with considerable morbidity and mortality. Complex anatomy and the proximity to major vessels constitute a risk for massive intraoperative hemorrhage. Currently, there is no conclusive consensus on the ideal anesthesiologic countermeasure in case of such immense blood loss.

Relevance of Positive Surgical Margins in Localized Renal Cell Carcinoma After Surgical Resection: Predictive Factors and Survival Implications.

Introduction: The implications of positive surgical margins (PSM) after surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remain subject of discussion. This study aimed to identify risk factors for PSM, assess its effect on overall survival (OS), and determine predictors of OS.

Patients And Methods: Data from RCC surgeries at Mannheim University Medical Center between 2010 and 2023 was analyzed.

Quality-of-life outcomes of the ROBOtic-assisted versus Conventional Open Partial nephrectomy (ROBOCOP) II trial.

Objectives: To comprehensively compare quality-of-life (QoL) outcomes between open partial nephrectomy (OPN) and robot-assisted PN (RAPN) from the randomised ROBOtic-assisted versus Conventional Open Partial nephrectomy (ROBOCOP) II trial, as QoL data comparing OPN and RAPN are virtually non-existent, especially not from randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Patients And Methods: The ROBOCOP II was a single-centre, open-label RCT between OPN and RAPN. The pre-planned analyses of QoL outcomes are presented.

Laparoscopic but not open surgical skills can be transferred to robot-assisted surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: With an increase in robot-assisted surgery across all specialties, adequate training and credentialing strategies need to be identified to ensure patients safety. The meta-analysis assesses the transferability of technical surgical skills between laparoscopic surgery, open surgery, and robot-assisted surgery.

Design: A systematic search was conducted in Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Web of Science.

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications.

Endotracheal intubation and subsequent ventilation are often basic requirements for translational research in rat models for various interventions that require controlled or high ventilation pressures or access to the thoracic cavity and organs. Conventional endoorotracheal intubation using the anatomically existing route through the mouth is well suited for survival experiments. However, this procedure poses some challenges, including generally higher levels of the required experience and technical skill, more advanced equipment, and greater time effort with relevant intubation failure rates and complications such as tracheal perforation, temporary systemic hypooxygenation, and relevant aerial leakage.

Test-time augmentation with synthetic data addresses distribution shifts in spectral imaging.

Purpose: Surgical scene segmentation is crucial for providing context-aware surgical assistance. Recent studies highlight the significant advantages of hyperspectral imaging (HSI) over traditional RGB data in enhancing segmentation performance. Nevertheless, the current hyperspectral imaging (HSI) datasets remain limited and do not capture the full range of tissue variations encountered clinically.

Pulse modulation in En-Bloc HoLEP: does it really matter? A propensity score matched analysis.

Introduction: Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) is an established option in the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Pulse modulation, such as MOSES® technology, has recently been introduced and may offer potential advantages in HoLEP.

Methods: Perioperative data from 117 patients who underwent MOSES® laser enucleation of the prostate (MoLEP) were collected.

Chronic knee pain following infrapatellar/suprapatellar magnetic intramedullary lengthening nails versus external fixators in limb length discrepancy: A retrospective review.

Aims & Objectives: Prior to the popularization of magnetic intramedullary nails (MILNs), gradual deformity correction using external fixation was the norm in limb lengthening. Trauma literature has shown MILN via a suprapatellar approach (SP) to be associated with less knee pain than either an infrapatellar entry (IP) or external fixation. Yet, no research has investigated chronic knee pain and MILNs.

Biophotonics-Intraoperative Guidance During Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Context: Partial nephrectomy (PN) with intraoperative guidance by biophotonics has the potential to improve surgical outcomes due to higher precision. However, its value remains unclear since high-level evidence is lacking.

Objective: To provide a comprehensive analysis of biophotonic techniques used for intraoperative real-time assistance during PN.

ICG-augmented hyperspectral imaging for visualization of intestinal perfusion compared to conventional ICG fluorescence imaging: an experimental study.

Background: Small bowel malperfusion (SBM) can cause high morbidity and severe surgical consequences. However, there is no standardized objective measuring tool for the quantification of SBM. Indocyanine green (ICG) imaging can be used for visualization, but lacks standardization and objectivity.

Maximizing efficiency and ensuring safety: Exploring the outcomes of 2 consecutive open radical cystectomies by the same team within a single surgical day.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of performing 2 consecutive open radical cystectomies (RCs) within 1 day by the same surgical team.

Patients And Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from patients who underwent RC at a single tertiary care center from January 2015 to February 2023. Patient characteristics, perioperative outcomes and endpoints were analyzed.

Cyclin A2 Expression as Predictive Biomarker in Muscle-Invasive Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Introduction: The aim was to evaluate the prognostic value of altered Cyclin A2 (CCNA2) gene expression in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) and to assess its predictive potential as a prognostic factor for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival.

Methods: 62 patients who underwent surgical treatment for UTUC were included. Gene expression of CCNA2, MKI67, and p53 was analyzed by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction.

A new era and future of education: the impact of pandemic on online learning - a study from the European School of Urology.

Introduction: In contemporary times, the online learning process has become indispensable for healthcare education. In this direction, the European School of Urology (ESU) has taken the challenge to implement new technologies to bring down knowledge barriers. Web-based seminars (webinars) are one of the tools that help us move towards such inclusivity, and in front-facing COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face meetings were forbidden.