Accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging to identify pseudocapsule invasion in renal tumors.

Purpose: To evaluate accuracy of MRI in detecting renal tumor pseudocapsule (PC) invasion and to propose a classification based on imaging of PC status in patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Methods: From January 2017 to June 2018, 58 consecutive patients with localized renal cell carcinoma were prospectively enrolled. MRI was performed preoperatively and PC was classified, according to its features, as follows: MRI-Cap 0 (absence of PC), MRI-Cap 1 (presence of a clearly identifiable PC), MRI-Cap 2 (focally interrupted PC), and MRI-Cap 3 (clearly interrupted and infiltrated PC).

Bipolar Plasma Enucleation of the Prostate: 5 Years Outcomes.

Aim of our study is to assess outcomes and safety of button bipola transurethral enucleation of the prostate (B-TUEP) in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) caused by benign prostatic enlargement (BPE) in a single-center cohort study. All patients with LUTS caused by BPE undergoing button B-TUEP between May 2012 and December 2013 were prospectively enrolled in our study. Data on clinical history, physical examination, urinary symptoms, erectile function, uroflowmetry, and prostate volume were collected at 0, 1, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months.

External validation of Imamura nomogram as a tool to predict preoperatively laser semi-rigid ureterolithotripsy outcomes.

Background: We aimed to validate Imamura nomogram for prediction of stone free rate in patients undergoing ureterolithotripsy (ULT).

Methods: From January 2013 to June 2016, patients undergoing laser semi-rigid ULT were prospectively enrolled at our center. All patients were preoperatively assessed with clinical history, blood samples, uranalysis and non-contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT).

Urotensin II receptor expression in prostate cancer patients: A new possible marker.

Background: Urotensin II receptor has been poorly studied in prostate cancer. To evaluate the expression of urotensin II receptor (UII-R) in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy.

Methods: Overall, we identified 140 patients treated with retropubic radical prostatectomy (RP) in one center.

Cigarette smoking is not associated with prostate cancer diagnosis and aggressiveness: a cross sectional Italian study.

Background: The aim of our study is to explore the association between cigarette smoking and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis as well as high grade disease in men undergoing prostate biopsies.

Methods: From 2008 to 2016, we prospectively enrolled a consecutive series of men with no history of PCa undergoing prostate biopsies. Variables assessed the day of the biopsy included: Family history of PCa, age, body mass index (BMI), comorbidities, digital rectal examination (DRE), prostate volume, PSA, free PSA, smoking status, number of cigarette/day, smoking time, smoking starting age and smoking cessation.

Patient centred care for the medical treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with benign prostatic obstruction: a key point to improve patients' care - a systematic review.

Background: Even though evidence based medicine, guidelines and algorithms still represent the pillars of the management of chronic diseases (i.e: hypertension, diabetes mellitus), a patient centred approach has been recently proposed as a successful strategy, in particular to improve drug adherence. Aim of the present review is to evaluate the unmet needs in LUTS/BPH management and the possible impact of a patient centered approach in this setting.

Moderate-to-high cardiovascular risk is associated with increased lower urinary tract storage symptoms in patients with benign prostatic enlargement.

Background: To assess the association between cardiovascular risk (CVR) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).

Methods: We enrolled a consecutive series of men with LUTS/BPE. International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), voiding (vIPSS) and storage (sIPSS) subscore and prostate volume were evaluated.

Systematic Review of Studies Reporting Positive Surgical Margins After Bladder Neck Sparing Radical Prostatectomy.

Purpose Of Review: Bladder neck preservation (BNP) during radical prostatectomy (RP) has been proposed as a method to improve early recovery of urinary continence after radical prostatectomy. However, there is concern over a possible increase in the risk of positive surgical margins and prostate cancer recurrence rate. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis reported improved early recovery and overall long-term urinary continence without compromising oncologic control.

Tamsulosin or Silodosin Adjuvant Treatment Is Ineffective in Improving Shockwave Lithotripsy Outcome: A Short-Term Follow-Up Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study.

Introduction: The role of α-blockers after shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is controversial. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of tamsulosin and silodosin after SWL for kidney stones.

Methods: From 2012 onward, a consecutive series of patients undergoing SWL were prospectively enrolled and randomized by closed envelopes in three groups receiving tamsulosin 0.

Transrectal-ultrasound prostatic biopsy preparation: rectal enema vs. mechanical bowel preparation.

Introduction: Transrectal prostate biopsy (TRUSbx) is the standard for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. Different bowel preparations are used for patients undergoing TRUSbx. The aim of our study was to compare two different bowel preparations for TRUSbx.