The learning curve for robotic-assisted pyeloplasty in urologists with no prior robotic experience using an ex-vivo model: A prospective, controlled study.

Introduction: Despite the increasing trend of utilizing robotic techniques in pyeloplasty, little is known about the learning curve for robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RAP) amongst urologists with no prior robotic experience. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the learning curve of residents in the last year or recently appointed urologists performing RAP using an ex-vivo model.

Methods: A prospective ex-vivo model study was conducted including participants who were either residents in the last year or recently appointed urologists.

High-power versus low-power laser settings during endoscopic stone disease management: a systematic review from the EAU endourology section.

Purpose: Optimal laser settings during endoscopic stone disease management still represents a debatable issue. The aim of this systematic review is to summarize all existing evidence regarding the comparison of high-power (HP) versus low-power (LP) laser settings during different endoscopic lithotripsy procedures.

Methods: PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases were systematically screened, based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines.

Anterior and Mid-Penile Hypospadias Repair with TIP Technique-Is It Possible with 20-Hour Catheterization?

Background/objectives: Several surgical procedures have been proposed for the treatment of hypospadias, a common and heterogeneous congenital abnormality in males. Most surgeons utilize either a urethral stent or bladder catheter for 2-14 days as a postoperative urine diversion method depending on the severity of each case and the surgeon's preferences. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of anterior and mid-penile hypospadias repair while placing the urethral catheter for only 20 h.

Assessment of Ablation Rates with Artificial Urinary Stones Appropriate for Simulation Training.

Artificial urinary calculi are an essential tool for research and training in endourology. The goal of the study was to evaluate different types of artificial stones and how they behave to laser treatment, to finally determine which is the optimal one for training purposes. The stones were produced with a mix of Bego Stone powder and water, at mixing rates of 15:03, 15:04, and 15:06.

Pressure reduction and suction characteristics of the new digital single use flexible ureteroscope with suction: an in-vitro experimental study.

Purpose: To assess the time taken by the single use 7.5Fr suction flexible ureteroscope to reduce pressure under 40 mm Hg and to characterize the behavior of stones, fragments and dust during suction activation.

Methods: An in vitro setting was developed for this experiment.

Use of omentum during robotic-assisted reconstructive urological surgery: a systematic review of the current literature.

Purpose: Due to its biological properties, the omentum is a very useful tool in the hands of reconstructive urologists. The purpose of this systematic review is to present all existing evidence regarding the use of omentum during different robotic-assisted reconstructive urological surgeries.

Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines, three databases (PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane) were systematically screened.

"Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) versus other treatments for stone management in horseshoe kidneys: A systematic review".

Urolithiasis represents the most frequent complication of horseshoe kidneys. All known approaches for stone disease management have been reported in these patients, including Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, open surgery and laparoscopy. The purpose of this systematic review is to compare Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy with other least-invasive procedures in patients with horseshoe kidneys.

Unveiling the Hidden Perils: A Comprehensive Review of Fungal Infections in Inflatable Penile Prosthesis Surgery.

Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but infections pose a significant threat to its success. Current guidelines lack antifungal recommendations, despite rising fungal infection rates post-IPP surgery. This review examines epidemiology, risk factors (including diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, and obesity), and pathogenesis, highlighting the role of biofilm formation in device contamination.

Novel Robotic Platforms for Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Surgery in Urology: A Narrative Review.

Robot-assisted surgery (RAS) has been integrated into clinical practice to overcome several limitations of conventional open or laparoscopic surgery. After the expiration of the long key patent period of Intuitive Surgical, various robotic systems (RSs) have been developed aiming at improving certain characteristics of the first robotic platform, the Da Vinci RS. This narrative review provides an overview of the current RSs used in urology along with the initial results from their application in urologic procedures.

Use of artificial stones in training and laboratory studies, have we found the right material? Outcomes of a systematic review from the European School of Urology.

Objective: In this review, we investigated the current literature to find out which artificial stones (AS) are available in endourology, and in which experimental and training schemes they are used.

Materials And Methods: A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Twenty-one out of 346 studies met our inclusion criteria and are presented in the current review.

Minimal invasive treatment of urethral strictures: An experimental study of the effect of paclitaxel coated balloons in the wall of strictured rabbit's urethra.

Purpose: The aim of this study is the evaluation of the distribution of paclitaxel (PTX) released by a coated balloon in the layers of rabbit's urethra.

Methods: 18 rabbits were included. A laser device was used for the stricture formation.

Endoscopic enucleation of the prostate with Thulium Fiber Laser (ThuFLEP). A retrospective single-center study.

Purpose: The aim of the present, retrospective study was to describe our initial experience and early outcomes of Thulium Fiber Laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) with the use of the FiberDust™ (Quanta System, Samarate, Italy) in patients with benign prostate hyperplasia.

Methods: From June 2022 to April 2023, all patients who underwent endoscopic enucleation of the prostate at Urology Department of the University Hospital of Patras were included. A single surgeon utilizing the same standardized operative technique performed all the surgeries.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of bladder cancer: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training and Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (TRUST)-Group.

Purpose: To identify laser settings and limits applied by experts during laser vaporization (vapBT) and laser en-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications.

Methods: After a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, we conducted a survey (57 questions) which was sent to laser experts. The expert selection was based on clinical experience and scientific contribution.

Transurethral resection of bladder tumor: A systematic review of simulator-based training courses and curricula.

Objective: Transurethral resection of bladder tumor is one of the most common everyday urological procedures. This kind of surgery demands a set of skills that need training and experience. In this review, we aimed to investigate the current literature to find out if simulators, phantoms, and other training models could be used as a tool for teaching urologists.

Percutaneous antegrade management of large proximal ureteral stones using non-papillary puncture.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility and the safety of medial non-papillary percutaneous nephrolithotomy (npPCNL) for the management of large proximal ureteral stones.

Methods: We evaluated prospectively collected data of 37 patients with large proximal ureteral stones more than 1.5 cm in diameter treated by prone npPCNL.