Objective: For 4 years we have monitored the histological evolution of ileal neobladders in a single cohort of 30 patients in order to systematically describe the histological changes occurring after surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate the long-term evolution of many histological parameters with functional relevance as to the metabolic outcome of the reservoirs. Methods: Ileal samples were collected during surgery and by random biopsies during cystoscopy 6, 12, 18, 24, 36 and 48 months later. At each step qualitative and quantitative assessment of the histological and cytological conditions of the samples was carried out. Results: Morphological changes develop relatively early but the situation tends to level out in about 1 year. The morphological changes are topographically uneven and, although mucosal flattening becomes progressively prevalent, areas with shortened villi persist indefinitely. Goblet cells prevail over enterocytes and the secretive pattern shifts towards sialomucins. The overall replication rate decreases initially but tends to restore in 1 year. Dysplasia or atrophy were never recorded. Conclusions: The 4-year systematic follow-up revealed a typical histological adaptation pattern in the ileal neobladder without signs of dysplasia. The changes seem to be induced by the aggressive environment and develop in the time lag required for functional adaptation of the epithelium.

Kidney cancers account for approximately 2% of all newly diagnosed cancer in 2020. Among the primary treatment options for kidney cancer, urologist may choose between radical or partial nephrectomy, or ablative therapies. Nowadays, robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the management of renal cancers has gained popularity, up to being considered the gold standard. However, RAPN is a challenging procedure with a steep learning curve. In this narrative review, different imaging technologies used to guide and aid RAPN are discussed. Three-dimensional visualization technology has been extensively discussed in RAPN, showing its value in enhancing robotic-surgery training, patient counseling, surgical planning, and intraoperative guidance. Intraoperative imaging technologies such as intracorporeal ultrasound, near-infrared fluorescent imaging, and intraoperative pathological examination can also be used to improve the outcomes following RAPN. Finally, artificial intelligence may play a role in the field of RAPN soon. RAPN is a complex surgery; however, many imaging technologies may play an important role in facilitating it.

Introduction: In the last years due to miniaturization of endoscopic instruments and percutaneous surgery, endourology has become very popular in paediatric urinary stone managment. We reported our single-centre experience in retrograde endoscopic procedures in children. Results and complications of URS/RIRS are discussed. Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed our experience in patients ≤ 16 years old affected by urinary stones who underwent URS/RIRS procedures performed by two surgeons with expertise in endourology. A total of 30 renal Units (RUs) underwent endoscopic procedures (URS, RIRS or both). Surgical complications according to the ClavienDindo’s classification and stone-free rate were evaluated at 3 months follow-up. Success of URS was defined as stone-free status after single procedure while RIRS success rate was considered as presence of residual stone fragments smaller than 4 mm at first procedure. Results: The mean age of our patients was 8 years, range 2- 16 years. A total of 30 renal units (RUs) underwent 40 endourological procedures (23 URS and 17 RIRS; 10 children underwent both procedures at the same time). 17/30 (56.6%) RUs were pre-stented before surgery. The stone-free status was achieved in 23/30 renal units treated, with a 76.6% success rate. The remaining 7 patients had residual stones greater than 4 mm and underwent further treatments. After a second surgery the stone-free rate turned out to be 93.3% (28/30 renal units). Conclusions: Rigid and flexible ureteroscopy (URS/RIRS) is a reliable technique for treatment of < 2 cm urinary stones in paediatric age group. It shows low rate of major complications and promising results in terms of stone-free rate.

Objective: Sepsis is the most serious complication of flexible ureteroscopy (F-URS) and laser lithotripsy. We assessed the influence of positive stone culture (SC) on major infectious complications (sepsis, septic shock). Methods: This prospective study enrolled adult patients deemed suitable for F-URS and laser lithotripsy from nine centers (January 2022–August 2023). Inclusion criteria were as follows: kidney stone(s), preoperative midstream urine culture (MSUC), stone(s) assessed at computed tomography scan, and SC. Exclusion criteria were as follows: bilateral procedures, ureteral stones, and children. Group 1 included patients with sterile SC. Group 2 included patients with positive SC. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors associated with having a positive SC. Results: In total, 293 patients were included. Median age was 51.0 (24) years. There were 167 (57.0%) males. Group 2 included 32 (2.5%) patients. Group 2 patients were significantly older [75.0 (14) vs 51.0 (23) years, p = 0.02]. Stone features were similar. Major infectious complications were higher in Group 2 (15.6% vs 0.4%). One patient died because of sepsis in Group 2. Two out of 6 (33.3%) patients with major infectious complications had the same pathogen in MSUC and SC. In the multivariable regression analysis, diabetes (OR 3.23), symptomatic urinary infections within 3 months before operation (OR 4.82) and preoperative stent/nephrostomy (OR 2.92) were factors significantly associated with higher odds of positive SC. Conclusions: Patients with positive SC have a higher incidence of major infectious complications after F-URS lithotripsy. SC should be performed whenever feasible because there is a poor correlation between MSUC and SC.

Objectives: To assess the change of storage symptoms (SS) and their impact on quality of life in men undergoing thulium:YAG laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuLEP) for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Materials and Methods: BPH patients requiring surgery were prospectively evaluated (April 2019–October 2020). Inclusion criteria: International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) ≥8, maximum urinary flow rate ≤15 mL/s, and urinary retention. Exclusion criteria: previous urethral/prostatic surgery, pelvic irradiation, bladder/prostate cancer, neurogenic bladder, concomitant transurethral surgery, and active urinary tract infection. IPSS, International Continence Society-Overactive Bladder (ICIQ-OAB) and International Continence Society-Overactive Bladder Quality of Life (ICIQ-OABq) scores were gathered before surgery and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Results: In total, 117 men were included. Mean age was 68.0 ± 7.7 years. Mean prostate volume was 86.6 ± 34 cc. Mean IPSS subscore was 8.7 ± 3.1 and 11.7 ± 4.7 for storage and voiding symptoms, respectively. Mean ICIQ-OAB was 29.1 ± 16.8. Mean ICIQ-OABq was 80.3 ± 30.6. Voiding IPSS decreased 72.8% at 1 month, whereas the reduction of storage IPSS was 38.0%. ICIQ-OAB decreased 49.6% at 1 month. ICIQ-OABq showed a 30.0% reduction. One year after surgery, the reduction of voiding IPSS was 94.8%, ICIQ-OAB 85.5%, storage IPSS 76.7%, and ICIQ-OABq 60.5%. Urge incontinence was present in 26.5% of men at 1 month, 15.4% at 3 months, and 4.3% at 6 months. Four (3.4%) patients complained of urge incontinence 12 months after surgery. Conclusion: Both storage and voiding lower urinary tract symptoms significantly decreased after ThuLEP, but storage symptoms showed less reduction with a significant impact on patients' quality of life, particularly during the first 3 months.