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.

Cellular Senescence in Germ Cell Neoplasia In Situ (GCNIS) and Other Histological Types of Testicular Cancer.

The presence and contribution of senescent cells in premalignant lesions is well documented, but not in germ cell neoplasia in situ. The purpose of this study is to identify the presence of senescent cells in pre-malignant testicular conditions and in different histological types of testicular cancer. Thirty patients who underwent orchiectomy due to testicular tumors were included.

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.

Cellular senescence in testicular cancer. Is there a correlation with the preoperative markers and the extent of the tumor? An experimental study.

Purpose: The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the correlation between the presence of senescent cells and the tumor size, the lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the invasion of rete testis (RTI), the preoperative tumor markers or pathological stage in patients who underwent orchiectomy for malignant purposes.

Methods: This experimental study included patients with a history of radical orchiectomy performed from January 2011 to January 2019. The testicular tissue specimens underwent an immunohistopathological process for the detection of the presence of cellular senescence.

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.

Nonpapillary Prone Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery (ECIRS): Five-Year Experience and Outcomes from a High-Volume Center.

Endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS) provides simultaneous retrograde and percutaneous access to the upper urinary tract. The purpose of this study is to present revised data, tips and tricks, and technique modifications arising from our five-year experience with ECIRS. The data of 62 patients who underwent nonpapillary prone ECIRS from January 2019 to November 2023 were prospectively collected.

IDEAL-D Phase 0 Evaluation of the Avatera System in Robot-Assisted Prostate, Bladder and Renal Surgery.

To evaluate the utilization of novel Avatera system in urological operations according to the IDEAL-D framework recommendations for high-risk invasive surgical devices. Three surgeons attempted to perform 23 upper and lower urinary tract operations on human cadavers and in live porcine models using the Avatera system. Total operative time and the duration of the substeps were evaluated.

How long do we need to reach sufficient expertise with the avatera® robotic system?

Purpose: To investigate the learning curve in four basic surgical skills in laparoscopic and robotic surgeries, and evaluate the approximate time needed to reach sufficient expertise in performing these tasks with the avatera® system.

Methods: Twenty urology residents with no previous experience in dry-lab and robotic surgery were asked to complete four basic laparoscopic tasks (peg transfer, circle cutting, needle guidance, and suturing) laparoscopically and robotically. All participants were asked to complete the tasks first after watching the Uroweb educational material and, second, after undertaking a 2-hour training in robotic and laparoscopic dry-lab.