Kidney stone disease (KSD) is one of the most common urological diseases. The incidence of kidney stones has increased dramatically in the last few decades. Kidney stones are mineral deposits in the calyces or the pelvis, free or attached to the renal papillae. They contain crystals and organic components, and they are made when urine is supersaturated with minerals. Calcium-containing stones are the most common, with calcium oxalate as the main component of most stones. However, many of these form on a calcium phosphate matrix called Randall’s plaque, which is found on the surface of the kidney papilla. The etiology is multifactorial, and the recurrence rate is as high as 50% within 5 years after the first stone onset. There is a great need for recurrence prevention that requires a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in stone formation to facilitate the development of more effective drugs. This review aims to understand the pathophysiology and the main molecular mechanisms known to date to prevent recurrences, which requires behavioral and nutritional interventions, as well as pharmacological treatments that are specific to the type of stone.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) comprises various histologically distinct subtypes, each characterized by specific genetic alterations, necessitating individualized management and treatment strategies for each subtype. An exhaustive search of the PubMed database was conducted without any filters or restrictions. Inclusion criteria encompassed original English articles focusing on molecular mechanisms of kidney cancer. On the other hand, all non-original articles and articles published in any language other than English were excluded. Hereditary kidney cancer represents 5–8% of all kidney cancer cases and is associated with syndromes such as von Hippel–Lindau syndrome, Birt–Hogg–Dubè syndrome, succinate dehydrogenase-deficient renal cell cancer syndrome, tuberous sclerosis complex, hereditary papillary renal cell carcinoma, fumarate hydratase deficiency syndrome, BAP1 tumor predisposition syndrome, and other uncommon hereditary cancer syndromes. These conditions are characterized by distinct genetic mutations and related extra-renal symptoms. The majority of renal cell carcinoma predispositions stem from loss-of-function mutations in tumor suppressor genes. These mutations promote malignant advancement through the somatic inactivation of the remaining allele. This review aims to elucidate the main molecular mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of major syndromes associated with renal cell carcinoma. By providing a comprehensive overview, it aims to facilitate early diagnosis and to highlight the principal therapeutic options available.

Purpose: To evaluate the learning curve of robotic-assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) using a transvesical approach and to identify the impact of patient-related factors, such as prostatic volume and Body Mass Index (BMI), on operative efficiency. Materials and methods: A retrospective analysis of 103 consecutive RASP procedures performed by a single surgeon was conducted. A multiple linear regression model was developed to calculate predicted operative times adjusted for prostatic volume and BMI. Risk-adjusted Cumulative Sum (RA-CUSUM) analysis was applied to the residuals to characterize the learning curve. Perioperative outcomes were compared across the identified phases using the χ² test or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test for continuous variables. Results: Both prostatic volume ( p < 0.001) and BMI ( p = 0.029) were independent predictors of operative duration. The RA-CUSUM analysis identified a learning phase (cases 1–33), a proficiency phase (34–73), and a consolidation phase (74–103). Significant improvements were observed across phases for median operative time (210 vs. 176 vs. 190 min, p = 0.011) and median length of stay (11 vs. 9 vs. 9 h, p < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding complications or functional outcomes. Conclusions: Proficiency in robotic transvesical simple prostatectomy is achieved after approximately 33 cases, with technical consolidation occurring after the 75th procedure. The transvesical approach provides direct access that may mitigate the technical challenges associated with high BMI, although prostatic volume remains the primary driver of operative duration.