Varicocele treatment: A 2-centers comparison between non microsurgical open correction, laparoscopic approach and retrograde percutaneous sclerotization on 463 cases

Objectives: To determine whether there are differences in sperm parameters improvement after different varicocele correction techniques. To determine the role of age in sperm parameters improvement. Methods: 2 different European centers collected pre- and postoperative sperm parameters of patients undergoing varicocele correction. Among 463 evaluated patients, 367 were included. Patients were divided in procedure-related and age-related groups. Ivanissevich inguinal open surgical procedure (OS), lymphatic-sparing laparoscopic approach (LSL) and retrograde percutaneous transfemoral sclerotization (RPS) were performed. As outcome measurements sperm count (millions/mL, SC) and percentage of mobile sperms were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate regression between the defined groups; bivariate regression analysis between age and sperm count and motility. Results: Number of patients: OS 78; LSL 85; RPS 204. Mean age 30.2 (SD 6.83); postoperative SC increased from 18.2 to 30.1 (CI 95% 27.3-32.9; p < 0,001); motility from 25.6 to 32.56% (30.9-34.2; p < 0.001). OS: SC varied from 16.9 to 18.2 (p < 0.001); sperm motility from 29% to 33% (p < 0.001). LSL: SC from 15.5 to 17.2 (p < 0.001); motility from 27 to 31% (p < 0.001). RPS: SC from 18.9 to 36.2 (p < 0.001); motility from 24% to 32% (p < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analysis confirmed the significant difference of SC variation in RPS, compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). No significance between LSL and OS (p = 0.826). No significant differences regarding motility (p = 0.8). Conclusions: Varicocele correction is confirmed useful in improving sperm parameters; sclerotization technique leads to a better sperm improvement compared to other studied procedures; improvement in seminal parameters is not affected by age of the patients treated

Laparoscopic and robotic ureteral stenosis repair: a multi-institutional experience with a long-term follow-up

The treatment of ureteral strictures represents a challenge due to the variability of aetiology, site and extension of the stricture; it ranges from an end-to-end anastomosis or reimplantation into the bladder with a Boari flap or Psoas Hitch. Traditionally, these procedures have been done using an open access, but minimally invasive approaches have gained acceptance. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and feasibility and perioperative results of minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of ureteral stenosis with a long-term follow-up. Data of 62 laparoscopic (n\uc2 =\uc2 36) and robotic (n\uc2 =\uc2 26) treatments for ureteral stenosis in 9 Italian centers were reviewed. Patients were followed according to the referring center\ue2\u80\u99s protocol. Laparoscopic and robotic approaches were compared. All the procedures were completed successfully without open conversion. Average estimated blood loss in the two groups was 91.2\uc2 \uc2\ub1\uc2 71.9\uc2 cc for the laparoscopic and 47.2\uc2 \uc2\ub1\uc2 32.3\uc2 cc for the robotic, respectively (p\uc2 =\uc2 0.004). Mean days of hospitalization were 5.9\uc2 \uc2\ub1\uc2 2.4 for the laparoscopic group and 7.6\uc2 \uc2\ub1\uc2 3.4 for the robotic group (p\uc2 =\uc2 0.006). No differences were found in terms of operative time and post-operative complications. After a median follow-up of 27\uc2 months, the robotic group yielded 2 stenosis recurrence, instead the laparoscopic group shows no cases of recurrence (p\uc2 =\uc2 0.091). Minimally invasive approach for ureteral stenosis is safe and feasible. Both robotic and pure laparoscopic approaches may offer good results in terms of perioperative outcomes, low incidence of complications and recurrence

Laparoscopic ablative techniques

Ablative techniques (AT) offer a combination of nephron-sparing and minimally invasive approaches. AT include different options and cryoablation (CA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been relatively safe and traditionally can be either performed laparoscopically or percutaneously. CA and RFA have emerged as a leading option for renal ablation, and compared with surgical techniques they offer benefits in preserving renal function with fewer complications, shorter hospitalization times, and allow for quicker convalescence. A mature dataset exists at this time, with intermediate and long-term follow up data available. Generally, laparoscopic access was the first technique used in the past, and typically for anterior and lateral mass. Afterwards, with the improvements in imaging and percutaneous techniques, laparoscopic approaches are progressively decreased and currently limited in few lesions and in relation with the surgeon’s and center’s experience. Nevertheless, laparoscopic CA and RFA could be useful techniques and currently, recommendations as a first-line therapy are made at this time in limited populations, including elderly patients, patients with multiple comorbidities, and those with imperative indications of a nephron sparing surgery. As more data emerge on oncologic efficacy, and technical experience continue to improve, the application of AT will likely be extended in future treatment guidelines and laparoscopic approaches will be a valid option in the era of tailored therapy

Saphenous-sparing laparoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inguinal lymphadenectomy is an integral part in the management of penile cancer. Video endoscopic inguinal lymphadenectomy (VEIL) is emerging as a minimally invasive treatment to reduce postoperative complications. Materials and Methods: 62 years old man underwent glansectomy for a squamous cell carcinoma (pT1b). At the physical examination one left inguinal lymph node was detectable (cN1). The chest-abdomen-pelvis CT was negative for metastasis. A 10-mm optical trocar and two 5mm operating trocar were placed. The optical trocar was placed in the apex of Scarpa's triangle after a skin incision and after the creation of a subcutaneous space by blunt finger dissection. The pCO2 was 8-10mmHg. The surgical technique involved the removal of superficial lymph nodes according to the scheme described by Deseler and of the deep lymph nodes. Sparing main venous structures and closing lymphatic vessels is important to reduce post operative complications. At the end of the procedure, a suction drain was placed per side. Results: Operative time was 90 minutes per side. Drains were removed on the seventh postoperative day. Hospital stay was 8 days and no postoperative complications occurred. The total number of nodes removed was 16 (8 per side) with 2 superficial positive nodes on the left side. Conclusion: ILND is burned by a high complication rate. VEIL provides a less invasive approach and a saphenous-sparing technique ensures a lower complication rate, reducing lymphorrhea, skin necrosis and wound complications (1–3). In experienced laparoscopic hands, VEIL is a safe and effective treatment

The Infertile Male-1: Clinical Features

Male infertility affects 10% of couples and is treatable in many cases. The evaluation of infertility is initiated typically after 1 year of failure to conceive. Clinical evaluation of the infertile man requires a complete medical history, physical examination, and laboratory studies in order to identify and treat correctable causes of subfertility and recognize those who are candidates for assisted reproductive technologies, those who are sterile and should consider adoption or artificial insemination using donor sperm, and those who should undergo genetic screening. Although pregnancies can be achieved without any evaluation other than a semen analysis, this test alone is insufficient to adequately evaluate the male patient. Treatment of correctable male-factor pathology is cost effective, does not increase the risk of multiple births, and can spare the woman invasive procedures and potential complications associated with assisted reproductive technologies

Fertility preservation after bilateral severe testicular trauma

Testicular trauma is a frequent acquired cause of infertility; being accidents, work injuries and sport activities that are the most common causes of testicular traumas. [1],[2] Strangely, the issue of management of serious testicular trauma and fertility preservation has not been studied extensively before, existing only sporadic reports in international literature. Besides, no guidelines exist on fertility preservation in cases of important scrotal trauma when injury may result in irreparable damage to all testicular tissue (torsion of a solitary testis, bilateral synchronous testicular torsion, and severe bilateral scrotal trauma). [3] The present case report describes the presentation of a young patient who experienced a motorbike accident with an irreparable damage to all testicular tissue in which preservation of fertility through immediate postoperative sperm cryopreservation was performed

MP59-03 A multicentre analysis of the role of the G8 screening tool in the assessment of peri-operative and functional outcome in elderly patients with kidney tumours

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Increasing life expec- tancy in the general population and the fact that a disproportional burden of cancer occurs in people age ! 65 years old have generated great interest in delivering better cancer care for older adults. EORTC and NCCN recommend that all patients with cancer age ! 70 years old should undergo some form of geriatric assessment. G8 Screening Tool is a robust geriatric tool to identify a geriatric risk profile and for prediction of functional decline and prognostic information for overall survival. We evaluated the role of G8 Screening Tool in the assessment of outcome of elderly patients (! 70 y.o.) underwent surgery for kidney tumours. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 162 patients (! 70 years old at surgery date) from January 2012 to January 2016 underwent surgery at two urological institution.G8 Screening Tool was applied to each patient before surgery. We divided population into two groups (frail group vs. not-frail group) in relation to the geriatric risk profile based on G8 score ( 14 vs. > 14 respectively). The aim was to identify the role of G8 Score in predicting intraoperative, postoperative complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 70 females (34%) and 92 (46%) males were included in the analysis. 69 patients (42,6%) underwent PN, while 93 patients (57,4%) underwent RN. Mean age at surgery was 76.57 (SD6,37). Comorbidity factors were included: mean CCI was 3.06 (SD1,99) with CCI > 5 points in 18 patients (15,65%), mean BMI was 25,15 (SD2,87), 55 patients (34%) with DM, 98 patients (60%) with HTN. CKD stage III was present in 73 patients (45,1%) underwent sur- gery. Mean ECOG PS was 1,53 (SD0,66) with score ! 3 in 7 patients (6,1%). Mean ASA Score was 2,84 (SD0,73). According to the G8 Score, 91 patients (60%) were included in the frail group and 71 (40%) in the not-frail group. 41 patients of frail group vs. 2 patients of not-frail group developed intraoperative complications (p<0,0001). 51 patients of frail group vs. 4 patients of not-frail group developed postoperative compli- cations (p<0,0001). After a mean follow-up of 40,56 months, mean eGFR was 43,72 ml/min/1.73m2 (SD21,49) in frail group vs. 47,53 ml/min/ 1.73m2 (SD13,36) in not-frail group (p1\u204440,015). CONCLUSIONS: G8 Screening Tool seems to be an effective and useful instrument to predict the risk of complications and functional outcomes in elderly patients candidate for kidney surgery. However, further investigations should be necessary to confirm the good potential of this tool