Asterios Symeonidis

Dr. Asterios Symeonidis

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

7Years (2020-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
IGIlias Giannakodimos
Ilias Giannakodimos
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
DDDimitrios Deligiannis
Dimitrios Deligiannis
MSMarios Stavropoulos
Marios Stavropoulos
MCMichael Chrisofos
Michael Chrisofos
Background/Objectives: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition that can significantly impair quality of life in aging men by causing lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), including nocturia, weak stream, and incomplete emptying. While pharmacotherapy and surgical approaches such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remain cornerstone treatments, minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) have emerged to bridge the gap between long-term medication use and invasive surgery. This narrative review assesses Rezūm therapy (water vapor thermal therapy, WVTT) by examining its mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety profile, and place in the BPH treatment algorithm. Methods: This narrative review synthesizes evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), prospective studies, real-world cohorts, and published systematic reviews with meta-analyses to provide a comprehensive evaluation of Rezūm therapy for BPH. Key outcomes assessed include changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urinary flow rates, retreatment rates, adverse events, and sexual function preservation. Results: Across multiple studies, Rezūm significantly reduces IPSS (typically by ≥50%) and increases peak urinary flow by 4–5 mL/s. These improvements are durable, with five-year follow-up data showing low retreatment rates of approximately 4–5% and sustained symptom relief. The procedure, performed under local or minimal anesthesia, has a favorable safety profile: most adverse events are mild or transient, and notable complications, such as bleeding requiring transfusion or persistent sexual dysfunction, are rare. Importantly, Rezūm preserves both erectile and ejaculatory function in most patients, setting it apart from many traditional surgical interventions associated with higher sexual side effect rates. Conclusions: Rezūm is an effective and minimally invasive alternative for men with moderate prostatic enlargement who desire durable symptom improvement while avoiding the morbidity and sexual side effects associated with more invasive surgery. Future research should aim to further refine patient selection and assess long-term outcomes in broader populations.

19 January 2022
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
ASAsterios Symeonidis
Asterios Symeonidis
ITIoannis Tsikopoulos
Ioannis Tsikopoulos
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
ITIoannis Tsifountoudis
Ioannis Tsifountoudis
AMAntonios Michailidis
Antonios Michailidis
MPMichail Papathanasiou
Michail Papathanasiou
The synchronous occurrence of renal cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma of the renal pelvis in the same kidney is extremely rare, although previously reported. With this study we aim to present our case and provide a literature review on this entity. An otherwise healthy 43-year-old military male with the chief complaint of left plank pain was seen in the office. Imaging revealed the presence of a 3.5 cm left renal mass. Left laparoscopic radical nephrectomy was performed for presumed renal malignancy. Pathology confirmed the presence of a clear cell RCC and revealed an area of low-grade UC arising from the ipsilateral renal pelvis, not visible in the preoperative imaging. Furthermore, a Pubmed database search in English language was conducted, up to June 2021, to identify the rate of simultaneous RCC and UC of the renal pelvis or ureter in RN specimen performed for presumed RCC or renal malignancy and subsequent management in these cases. A total of 53 articles reporting on 56 patients with synchronous ipsilateral RCC and UC of the renal pelvis were identified, together with our case. Eight cases (14%) were initially managed with RN, thereby requiring further management of the ureteral stump. Of these, six (75%) were managed with distal ureterectomy, one (12.5%) with active surveillance of the ureteral stump, while one case (12.5%) did not report subsequent management. To our knowledge, we present the youngest patient recorded in the literature, with this histology combination presenting synchronously in the same kidney. Although uncommon, the final pathology report may reveal neoplasms of dissimilar histology that may involve the renal pelvis. It is crucial for urologists and pathologists to be vigilant of such cases during a solid renal mass workup. Additional therapeutic adjustments may be necessitated, derailing the initial treatment plan.

5 June 2023 in Urologia Journal
Verified
Journal Article
Closed access
TZTheodosia Zeginiadou
Theodosia Zeginiadou
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
ASAsterios Symeonidis
Asterios Symeonidis
IVIoannis K Vakalopoulos
Ioannis K Vakalopoulos
As of 2021, roughly 5 million deaths were linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection based on World Health Organization estimates. The pandemic takes its staggering death toll, severely affecting the healthcare systems and leading to detrimental implications globally. While the severe impact on the respiratory system is well-established, the exact effect on male reproduction is still largely uncharted territory. When it comes to gender, men appear more vulnerable compared to women. Increasing evidence suggests that COVID-19 adversely affects spermatogenesis and hormonal balance in diverse ways. Semen parameters seem to be compromised at least temporarily, while long-term worsening needs to be clarified in studies with extended follow-up. For the time being, no data support the adverse effect of COVID-19 vaccines on a male’s reproductive health. In the present article, we examine the available literature and briefly discuss the impact of the virus on reproduction and fertility. We further provide a comprehensive overview of the current status of vaccination and its potential effect on male fertility. Ultimately, we address the need for future well-designed large-scale trials before drawing definite conclusions on the exact impact of the virus on a male’s fecundity.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
PSPetros Sountoulides
Petros Sountoulides
IAIrene Asouhidou
Irene Asouhidou
CGChrysovalantis Gkekas
Chrysovalantis Gkekas
ITIoannis Tsifountoudis
Ioannis Tsifountoudis
MPMichail Papathanasiou
Michail Papathanasiou
Hydrocele is the most common benign cause of painless scrotal enlargement and only very rarely can be reactive to an underlying testicular tumor. We present the case of a healthy young man, complaining of mild left scrotal discomfort and swelling. Physical examination revealed a non-tender fluctuant left scrotum and serum tumor markers were normal. Scrotal ultrasonography (US) showed a normal right hemiscrotum and testicle and a fluid collection among thickened irregular septations in the left hemiscrotum, a finding which was considered as a complex hydrocele. Intraoperatively the presumed “complex hydrocele” was in fact a multicystic testicular tumor. We proceeded with orchiectomy through the scrotal incision and pathology revealed a mixed germ cell tumor of the testis consisting of cystic teratoma, in situ germ cell neoplasia unclassified (IGCNU) and Sertoli cell tumor. This is the first reported case of this type of testis tumor presenting as complex hydrocele. The aim of this case presentation is to underline the need for an accurate preoperative diagnosis in cases of suspected scrotal pathology in young males.

25 July 2023 in Antioxidants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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TKThomas Kalfas
Thomas Kalfas
Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
ASAsterios Symeonidis
Asterios Symeonidis
Konstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOSKonstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOS
Konstantinos ATHANASIOS ZIKOPOULOS
Fotios DimitriadisFotios Dimitriadis
Fotios Dimitriadis
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), jeopardizes male fertility because of the vulnerability of the male reproductive system, especially the testes. This study evaluates the effects of the virus on testicular function and examines the potential role of antioxidants in mitigating the damage caused by oxidative stress (OS). A comprehensive PubMed search examined exocrine and endocrine testicular function alteration, the interplay between OS and COVID-19-induced defects, and the potential benefit of antioxidants. Although the virus is rarely directly detectable in sperm and testicular tissue, semen quality and hormonal balance are affected in patients, with some changes persisting throughout a spermatogenesis cycle. Testicular pathology in deceased patients shows defects in spermatogenesis, vascular changes, and inflammation. Acute primary hypogonadism is observed mainly in severely infected cases. Elevated OS and sperm DNA fragmentation markers suggest redox imbalance as a possible mechanism behind the fertility changes. COVID-19 vaccines appear to be safe for male fertility, but the efficacy of antioxidants to improve sperm quality after infection remains unproven due to limited research. Given the limited and inconclusive evidence, careful evaluation of men recovering from COVID-19 seeking fertility improvement is strongly recommended.

12 October 2024 in Cancers
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Aris KaltsasAris Kaltsas
Aris Kaltsas
MCMichael Chrisofos
Michael Chrisofos
Evangelos N. SymeonidisEvangelos N. Symeonidis
Evangelos N. Symeonidis
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOUATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
ATHANASIOS ZACHARIOU
MSMarios Stavropoulos
Marios Stavropoulos
NSNikolaos Sofikitis
Nikolaos Sofikitis
Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer (PCa) is a significant global health issue. The relationship between alcohol consumption and PCa risk has been the subject of extensive research, yet findings remain inconsistent. This review aims to clarify the association between alcohol intake and PCa risk, its aggressiveness, and the potential metabolic pathways involved in PCa onset. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed and MEDLINE, focusing on epidemiological studies, meta-analyses, cohort studies, and case–control studies. Studies evaluating alcohol consumption, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, and PCa risk were included. The review also explored the roles of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) in alcohol metabolism. Results: The analysis reveals a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and PCa. Heavy alcohol intake is associated with an increased risk of PCa, particularly more aggressive forms, and higher mortality rates. However, studies also show weak or no association between moderate alcohol consumption and PCa. The variability in findings may be attributed to differences in alcohol types, regional factors, and study methodologies. Conclusions: The link between alcohol consumption and PCa risk is multifaceted. While heavy drinking appears to increase the risk of aggressive PCa, the overall relationship remains unclear. Further research is needed to better understand these associations and inform public health recommendations and cancer prevention strategies.