Impact of the introduction of a robotic training programme on prostate cancer stage migration at a single tertiary referral centre.

Objective: To evaluate the trend in robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) use over time and to compare preoperative and pathological characteristics of patients treated with RARP or RRP at a single centre.

Patients And Methods: Between 2006 and 2010, 2511 consecutive patients treated with RP, with or without pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND), for prostate cancer (PCa) at a single tertiary care centre were analysed. Baseline patient characteristics and PCa risk distribution were compared according to treatment type (RRP vs RARP) in the overall population, as well as in three surgeons' initial 50 RARP and three surgeons' initial 50 RRP cases (n = 300).

Choosing the best candidates for penile rehabilitation after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy.

Introduction: Controversy exists regarding the ideal candidates for penile rehabilitation after bilateral nerve-sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP).

Aim: To test the effect of penile rehabilitation according to preoperative patient characteristics.

Methods: We included 435 consecutive patients treated with BNSRP between 2004 and 2008.

Does the transrectal ultrasound probe influence prostate cancer detection in patients undergoing an extended prostate biopsy scheme? Results of a large retrospective study.

Objective: • To compare the prostate cancer detection rate and tolerance profile between a transrectal biopsy made with a 'side fire' (SF) and an 'end fire' (EF) ultrasound probe.

Patients And Methods: • We selected patients undergoing first biopsy and re-biopsy of the prostate with a 14- and 18-core template using EF and SF transrectal probes, respectively. • We compared the cancer detection rate between the two probes on first biopsy and re-biopsy and gauged patient tolerance using a visual analogue scale (VAS).

What is the definition of a satisfactory erectile function after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy?

Introduction: Different cut-offs of the erectile function (EF) domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) have been used as definition of postoperative EF recovery.

Aim: To test the correlation between patient satisfaction and IIEF-EF domain score cut-offs.

Main Outcome Measure: The IIEF was used to evaluate EF and satisfaction before and after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP).

Predicting erectile function recovery after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy: a proposal of a novel preoperative risk stratification.

Introduction: No multivariable model is currently available for the prediction of erectile function (EF) recovery after bilateral nerve sparing radical prostatectomy (BNSRP).

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop a novel preoperative risk stratification aimed at assessing the probability of EF recovery after BNSRP.

Main Outcome Measure: The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was used to evaluate EF after BNSRP.

When to perform bone scan in patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer: external validation of the currently available guidelines and proposal of a novel risk stratification tool.

Background: Several guidelines have indicated that in patients with well-differentiated or moderately well-differentiated prostate cancer (PCa), a staging bone scan may be omitted. However, the guidelines recommendations have not yet been externally validated.

Objective: The aim of the study was to externally validate the available guidelines regarding the need for a staging bone scan in patients with newly diagnosed PCa.

Impact of surgical volume on the rate of lymph node metastases in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Background: Previous trials have shown that the number of procedures done by a single surgeon, that is, surgical volume (SV), is associated with several outcomes after radical prostatectomy (RP).

Objective: To test the association between SV and the detection of lymph node metastases during extended pelvic lymph node dissection (ePLND).

Design, Setting, And Participants: The study cohort consisted of 1020 men surgically treated for clinically localized prostate cancer.

Topical prilocaine-lidocaine cream combined with peripheral nerve block improves pain control in prostatic biopsy: results from a prospective randomized trial.

Objectives: To compare pain control results between periprostatic nerve block alone and combined with topical prilocaine-lidocaine cream as local anesthesia of prostate biopsy.

Methods: Three hundred patients were randomized to receive PNB (group 1), topical anesthesia of the anal ring, anal canal, and anterior rectal wall combined with PNB (group 2) and placebo (group 3). Patients were asked to use scale of 0-10 to complete a visual analogue scale questionnaire about pain during probe insertion (VAS1), periprostatic infiltration (VAS2), and cores (VAS3).

Sexual dysfunction is common in women with lower urinary tract symptoms and urinary incontinence: results of a cross-sectional study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sexual dysfunctions in women with urinary incontinence and/or lower urinary tract symptoms as compared to a general female population.

Methods: We extensively evaluated 227 consecutive women (mean age 52; age range 19-66) complaining of urinary incontinence (UI) and/or lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with a comprehensive history (including several validated questionnaires), a complete physical examination and a urodynamic multichannel evaluation. Two hundred and sixteen patients were eligible for sexual function investigation because 11 out of 227 (5%) were not interested in dealing with questions regarding their own sexuality and were thus excluded from the final evaluation results.