Validation of lymphovascular invasion as a predictor of lymph-node invasion in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis.

Background: The aim of this study was to validate lymphovascular invasion (LVI) as a predictor of lymph-node invasion (LNI) in squamous cell carcinoma of the penis (SCCP).

Methods: Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (2010-2020), we identified SCCP patients who underwent lymphadenectomy with known LVI status. Univariable logistic regression models (LRMs) addressed LNI.

Survival Outcomes by Race Following Surgical Treatment for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma.

Objective: Discrepancies in survival outcomes of various genitourinary tract malignancies have been documented across different racial and ethnic groups. Here we sought to examine long-term survival outcomes of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) when stratified by race.

Methods: A multicenter retrospective analysis using the ROBUUST (ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer Study) registry identified patients undergoing RNU for UTUC between 2015 and 2022 at 12 centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Microwave vs radiofrequency ablation for small renal masses: perioperative and oncological outcomes.

Objective: To conduct a comprehensive comparison of microwave ablation (MWA) vs radiofrequency ablation (RFA) outcomes in the treatment of small renal masses (SRMs), specifically: TRIFECTA ([i] complete ablation, [ii] absence of Clavien-Dindo Grade ≥III complications, and [iii] absence of ≥30% decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate) achievement, operative time (OT), and local recurrence rate (LRR).

Patients And Methods: We retrospectively analysed 531 patients with SRMs (clinical T1a-b) treated with MWA or RFA at a single centre (2008-2022). First, multivariable logistic regression models were used for testing TRIFECTA achievement.

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.

Outcome analysis of the surgical team in open surgical repair of intact abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery.

Objectives: To analyze how the experience of the surgical team went to impact the outcomes after open surgical repair (OSR) of intact abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs).

Methods: This is a single-center, observational cohort study with retrospective analysis of all OR for intact AAA performed between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2022. The primary outcome was survival at 30 days and in follow-up, and a composite outcome of mortality and major complication.

The impact of bladder cuff excision on outcomes after nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: An analysis of the ROBUUST 2.0 registry.

Objectives: We sought to determine whether bladder cuff excision and its technique influence outcomes after radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).

Methods And Materials: A multicenter, international, retrospective analysis using the ROBotic surgery for Upper tract Urothelial cancer Study (ROBUUST) 2.0 registry identified 1,718 patients undergoing RNU for UTUC between 2015 and 2023 at 17 centers across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) Erasmus+ project: The Renal Expert in Vascular Access (REVAC) module.

The Renal Expert in Vascular Access (REVAC) is one of the four modules of the Nephrology Partnership for Advancing Technology in Healthcare (N-PATH) project, the first European-wide advanced training course in diagnostics and interventional nephrology, funded by Erasmus+ Knowledge Alliance, a European Commission program. The N-PATH primary goal was to train 40 young European nephrologists in both theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to interventional nephrology. The REVAC module focused on the crucial aspects of vascular access (VA) care in nephrology practice, as a complementary training path to the actual residency program.

Open Renal Transplantation in Obese Patients: A Correlation Study between BMI and Early and Late Complications with Implementation of a Prognostic Risk Score.

Background: Obesity is a global epidemic that affects millions worldwide and can be a deterrent to surgical procedures in the population waiting for kidney transplantation. However, the literature on the topic is controversial. This study evaluates the impact of body mass index (BMI) on complications after renal transplantation, and identifies factors associated with major complications to develop a prognostic risk score.

Interplay between mTOR and Purine Metabolism Enzymes and Its Relevant Role in Cancer.

Tumor cells reprogram their metabolism to meet the increased demand for nucleotides and other molecules necessary for growth and proliferation. In fact, cancer cells are characterized by an increased "de novo" synthesis of purine nucleotides. Therefore, it is not surprising that specific enzymes of purine metabolism are the targets of drugs as antineoplastic agents, and a better knowledge of the mechanisms underlying their regulation would be of great help in finding new therapeutic approaches.

Thermal Ablation for Small Renal Masses: Identifying Anthropometric Factors for Predicting Perioperative and Oncological Outcomes.

Objectives: To test for specific anthropometric parameters to predict perioperative outcomes after thermal ablation (TA) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Materials And Methods: Retrospective single center (2008-2022) analysis of 538 T1a-b RCC patients treated with TA. We tested for specific anthropometric parameters, namely skin to tumor distance (STTD), perirenal fat thickness (PFT), median psoas muscle axial area (PMAA) and median paravertebral muscle axial area (PVMAA), to predict TRIFECTA achievement: (1) absence of CLAVIEN-DINDO≥ 3 complications; (2) complete ablation; (3) absence of ≥ 30% decrease in eGFR.

Cavoatrial junction stenting in vascular hemodialysis catheter malfunction.

In patients undergoing hemodialytic treatment via intravascular catheters, stenosis or occlusion of central veins is common. Despite an extensive characterization of Superior Vena Cava Syndrome (SVCS) no data is available about CavoAtrial Junction (CAJ) stenosis. We report the case of two patients with a story of multiple catheter failures due to thrombosis or infection.

Proposal of a classification of cannulation damage in vascular access grafts based on clinical, ultrasound, and microscopic observations.

Introduction: Arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) serve as an alternative to native arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) in the context of hemodialysis patient life planning. AVGs are more susceptible to developing outflow stenosis (due to intimal hyperplasia), thrombosis, and infections. However, an often overlooked contributor to AVG failure is cannulation damage.

Anxiety, depression, urinary continence, and sexuality in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: preliminary findings.

Objectives: Evaluate the relationship between psychological distress, namely anxiety and depression, with urinary continence and recovery of erectile function in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP).

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed data from 33 consecutive patients who underwent RP in a single tertiary-referral academy between 01/2018 to 01/2019. We used the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15), the Sexual Complaints Screener for Men (SCS-M), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), validated questionnaires for the assessment of sexual function, anxiety, and depression experiences, respectively.

Quality assurance in surgical trials of arteriovenous grafts for haemodialysis: A systematic review, a narrative exploration and expert recommendations.

Background: Introducing new procedures and challenging established paradigms requires well-designed randomised controlled trials (RCT). However, RCT in surgery present unique challenges with much of treatment tailored to the individual patient circumstances, refined by experience and limited by organisational factors. There has been considerable debate over the outcomes of arteriovenous grafts (AVG) compared to AVF, but any differences may reflect differing practice and potential variability.

Does sex influence the natural history of idiopathic adult-onset dystonia?

Background: Several earlier studies showed a female predominance in idiopathic adult-onset dystonia (IAOD) affecting the craniocervical area and a male preponderance in limb dystonia. However, sex-related differences may result from bias inherent to study design. Moreover, information is lacking on whether sex-related differences exist in expressing other dystonia-associated features and dystonia spread.

First-in-human feasibility study of the aXess graft (aXess-FIH): 6-Month results.

Objective: The creation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is considered the most effective hemodialysis (HD) vascular access. For patients who are not suitable for AVF, arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) are the best access option for chronic HD. However, conventional AVGs are prone to intimal hyperplasia, stenosis, thrombosis, and infection.

Ischaemic Priapism: A Complication of Self-Administered Hyaluronic Acid Gel as an Injectable Filler for Penile Augmentation.

Background: Injectable hyaluronic acid (HA) gel has emerged as a widely used soft tissue filler for surgeries. In penile reconstructive surgery, HA gel has been employed for penile or glans augmentation in selected patients diagnosed with micropenis. This augmentation technique involves injecting the gel into submucosal tissue and increasing the size of the penis for approximately 1 year.