Antibiotic prophylaxis in invasive urodynamics, a Delphi consensus of the Italian Society of Urodynamics (SIUD)

INTRODUCTION

Although antibiotic prophylaxis (AB) demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in bacteriuria after invasive urodynamics (UDS), no significant decrease in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTI) has been confirmed. No absolute recommendations on the use of AB in case of relevant potential risk of UTI have been reported, though some categories of patients at increased infective probability after UDS have been recognized. The aim of this study is to report the experts' consensus on the best practice for the use of AB before UDS in the main categories of patients at potential risk of developing UTI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic literature review was performed on AB before UDS in males and females. A panel of experts from the Italian Society of Urodynamics, Continence, Neuro-Urology, and Pelvic Floor (SIUD) assessed the review data and decided by a modified Delphi method on 16 statements proposed and discussed by the panel. The cut-off percentage for the consensus was a ≥70% of positive responses to the survey. The study was a Delphi consensus with experts' opinions, not a clinical trial involving directly patients.

RESULTS

The panel group was composed of 57 experts in functional urology and UDS, mainly urologists, likewise gynaecologists, physiatrists, infectivologists, pediatric urologists, and nurses. A positive consensus was achieved on 9/16 (56.25%) of the statements, especially on the need for performing AB before UD in patients with neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. Urine analysis and urine culture before UDS are mandatory, and in the event of their positivity, UDS should be postponed. A consensus was reached on avoiding AB in menopausal status, diabetes, age, gender, bladder outlet obstruction, high postvoid residual, chronic catheterization, previous urological surgery, lack of urological abnormalities, pelvic organ prolapse, and negative urine analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis is not recommended for patients without notable risk factors and with a negative urine test due to the potential morbidities that may result from antibiotic administration. However, AB can be used for risk categories such as neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression. The evaluation of urine analysis and urine culture and postponing UDS in cases of positive tests were considered good practices, as well as performing AB in the neurogenic bladder and immunosuppression.

Transperineal laser ablation of the prostate as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer: The results of a Delphi consensus project

Objective

To evaluate transperineal laser ablation (TPLA) with Echolaser® (Echolaser® TPLA, Elesta S.p.A., Calenzano, Italy) as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa) using the Delphi consensus method.

Methods

Italian and international experts on BPH and PCa participated in a collaborative consensus project. During two rounds, they expressed their opinions on Echolaser® TPLA for the treatment of BPH and PCa answering online questionnaires on indications, methodology, and potential complications of this technology. Level of agreement or disagreement to reach consensus was set at 75%. If the consensus was not achieved, questions were modified after each round. A final round was performed during an online meeting, in which results were discussed and finalized.

Results

Thirty-two out of forty invited experts participated and consensus was reached on all topics. Agreement was achieved on recommending Echolaser® TPLA as a treatment of BPH in patients with ample range of prostate volume, from <40 mL (80%) to >80 mL (80%), comorbidities (100%), antiplatelet or anticoagulant treatment (96%), indwelling catheter (77%), and strong will of preserving ejaculatory function (100%). Majority of respondents agreed that Echolaser® TPLA is a potential option for the treatment of localized PCa (78%) and recommended it for low-risk PCa (90%). During the final round, experts concluded that it can be used for intermediate-risk PCa and it should be proposed as an effective alternative to radical prostatectomy for patients with strong will of avoiding urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. Almost all participants agreed that the transperineal approach of this organ-sparing technique is safer than transrectal and transurethral approaches typical of other techniques (97% of agreement among experts). Pre-procedural assessment, technical aspects, post-procedural catheterization, pharmacological therapy, and expected outcomes were discussed, leading to statements and recommendations.

Conclusion

Echolaser® TPLA is a safe and effective procedure that treats BPH and localized PCa with satisfactory functional and sexual outcomes.

Xi Nerve-sparing Robotic Radical Perineal Prostatectomy: European Single-center Technique and Outcomes

Background

Radical prostatectomy (RP) represents the standard of care for the treatment of patients with organ-confined prostatic cancer. Historically, perineal RP has been described as the first surgical approach for the complete removal of the prostatic gland. In the past years, robotic techniques provided some technical advantages that allow resuming alternative approaches, such as robotic radical perineal prostatectomy (r-RPP).

Objective

To present in detail the technique of Xi nerve-sparing r-RPP and to report perioperative, oncological, and functional outcomes from a European tertiary center.

Design setting and participants

Patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostatic cancer not suitable for active surveillance and prostate volume up to 60 ml who underwent r-RPP between November 2018 and December 2020 were identified.

Surgical procedure

All patients underwent Xi nerve-sparing r-RPP.

Measurements

Baseline characteristics and intraoperative, pathological, and postoperative data were collected and analyzed. The complications were reported according to the standardized methodology to report complications proposed by European Association of Urology guidelines.

Results and limitations

Overall, our series included 26 patients who underwent r-RPP. Patients' median age was 62.5 yr. Thirteen (50%) and eight (30.7%) patients showed a body mass index (BMI) of 25-30 and >30, respectively. A history of past surgical procedures was present in seven (26.8%) patients. The median prostate volume was 40 (interquartile range [IQR]: 28-52) ml. The median operative time and blood lost were 246 (IQR: 230-268) min and 275 (IQR: 200-400) ml, respectively. Overall, four (15.4%) patients reported intraoperative complications and five (19.2%) reported postoperative complications, with one (3.8%) reporting major complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥3). No patient with biochemical recurrence (BCR) was reported at 1 yr of follow-up. Continence rates were 73.0%, 84.6%, and 92.3%, respectively, at 3, 6, and 12 mo after surgery. Erectile potency recovery rates were 57.1%, 66.6%, and 80.9% at 3, 6, and 12 mo of follow-up, respectively.

Conclusions

Xi r-RPP is a challenging but safe minimally invasive approach for selected patients. No patient reported BCR at 12 mo. The choice of the surgical approach for RP is likely to be based on the patient's characteristics as well as the surgeon's preferences.

Patient summary

Our study suggests that Xi radical perineal prostatectomy is a safe minimally invasive approach for patients with low- or intermediate-risk prostatic cancer, and complex abdominal surgical history or comorbidities.

Evaluation of the effect of 100U of Onabotulinum toxin A on detrusor contractility in women with idiopathic OAB: A multicentre prospective study

Aims

Intradetrusor injection of Onabotulinum Toxin A (BTX‐A) is a third‐line treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Voiding dysfunction and the need for intermittent catheterization are potential complications, consequent to bladder contractility (BC) decrement.

Primary aim: to evaluate BC variation after BTX‐A detrusor injection in women with idiopathic OAB.

Methods

A prospective multi‐institutional observational study was conducted. Medical history, bladder diary, 24‐h pad test, and invasive urodynamic parameters were recorded before and 4–6 weeks after BTX‐A 100U administration. BC was measured as Modified Projected Isovolumetric Pressure (PIP1), that is, maximum flow rate (Qmax) + detrusor pressure at Qmax (PdetQmax).

Continuous variables were expressed as median and interquartile range. We compared continuous variables using Wilcoxon test and proportions between two times with Fisher exact test.

Results

No changes in PIP1 were observed (p > 0.05) in 45 women enrolled between January 2018 and September 2019. Median age was 54.6 years. At baseline, 91.1% had urge urinary incontinence, with 4.9 ± 2.6 daily pads used and a 24‐h pad test of 205.4 ± 70.8 g. Baseline detrusor contractility was normal in all the patients.

Postoperatively, an improvement in the 24‐h pad test (p < 0.01), daily voids (p < 0.01), and nocturia (p < 0.01) occurred. Urodynamics pointed out a significant reduction of detrusor overactivity rate (p < 0.01) and an increase of median maximum cystometric capacity (p < 0.01). No difference was observed in median Qmax (p > 0.05), PdetQmax (p > 0.05), and PVR (p > 0.05). No patient needed postoperative catheterization.

Conclusions

The current series provides evidence that detrusor injection of botulinum toxin is an effective option for treating OAB, without causing voiding dysfunction and BC impairment.

Post-Operative Acute Urinary Retention After Greenlight Laser. Analysis of Risk Factors from A Multicentric Database

PURPOSE

Greenlight laser is a mini-invasive technique used to treat Benign Prostatic Obstruction (BPO). Some of the advantages of GreenLight photoselective vaporization (PVP) are shorter catheterization time and hospital stay compared to TURP. Post-operative acute urinary retention (pAUR) leads to patients' discomfort, prolonged hospital stay and increased health care costs. We analyzed risk factors for urinary retention after GreenLight laser PVP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a multicenter experience, we retrospectively analyzed the onset of early and late post-operative acute urinary retention in patients undergoing standard or anatomical PVP. The pre-, intra- and post-operative characteristics were compared betweene patients who started to void and the patients who developed post-operative urinary retention.

RESULTS

The study included 434 patients suitable for the study. Post-operative acute urinary retention occurred in 39 (9%). Patients with a lower prostate volume (P < .001), an adenoma volume lower than 40 mL (P < .001), and lower lasing time (P = .013) had a higher probability to develop pAUR at the univariate analysis. The multivariate logistic regression confirmed that lower lasing time (95% CI: 0.86-0.99, OR = 0.93, P = .046) and adenoma volume (95% CI: 0.89-0.98, OR = 0.94, P = .006) are correlated to pAUR. Furthermore IPSS ≥ 19 (95% CI: 1.19- 10.75, OR = 2.27, P = .023) and treatment with 5-ARI (95% CI: 1.05-15.03, OR = 3.98, P = .042) are risk factors for pAUR.

CONCLUSION

In our series, post-operative acute urinary retention was related to low adenoma volume and lasing time, pre-operative IPSS ≥ 19 and 5-ARI intake. These data should be considered in deciding the best timing for urethral catheters removal.

“Non-Parasitic” and “Non-Iatrogenic” Chyluria: Its Diagnosis and Treatment

Chyluria occurs in all its forms with milky urine, recurrent episodes of acute urinary retention, left renal colic and proteinuria. In non-parasitic or iatrogenic diseases, it is secondary to communicate between the cisterna system of the chyli and the lymphatics of the calyx system of the left urinary tract with a retrograde passage of a kilo and its appearance in the urine which therefore take on a milky appearance [1, 2]. Sometimes, episodically, especially after the ingestion of a high-fat meal, the quantity of kilo is so abundant that it can cause obstruction of the upper urinary tract and of the bladder, resulting in renal colic or acute urinary retention that may require their unblocking with double J stent or bladder catheter [3, 4]. After conservative attempts with a fat-free diet or with the parenteral diet, in case of their failure, surgery must be performed by performing a para-aortic and renal hilum lymphadenectomy and, in severe cases, with intraperitonealization of the kidney and left ureter. This is the case of the patient reported below and successfully treated recently with an innovative “open” surgical technique.

Operative profile, safety and functional outcomes after GreenLight laser prostate surgery: results from a 12 months follow-up multicenter Italian cohort analyses

BACKGROUND

Over the two past decades, GreenLight laser therapy has been considered a valid alternative for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia/benign prostatic obstruction (BPH/BPO). However, the debate on the effectiveness of laser therapy compared to conventional techniques is still open. The aim of our study is to analyze and describe the use of GreenLight laser prostate surgery in Italy, with regard to the surgical techniques performed and the surgical and functional outcomes at mid-term follow-up.

METHODS

From March 2012 to July 2018, patients who underwent GreenLight laser prostate surgery for LUTS due to BPH/BPO from 19 Italian centers were included. The following parameters were evaluated in the population: age, prostate volume, prostate adenoma volume, PSA tot, Q<inf>max</inf> at uroflowmetry (UFM), International Prostatic Symptoms Score (IPSS), previous therapy for LUTS, use of anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs. We recorded also the kind of anesthesia, mean laser time (min), mean irradiation time (min), TURP conversion/completion rate, postoperative day of catheter removal, postoperative acute urinary retention (AUR), hospital stay, variation of hematocrit (Ht) and hemoglobin levels (Hb). Early complications were classified according to the Clavien-Dindo classification, the re-operation rate within 30 days and after 30 days, the late complications and the Patient Global Impression of Improvement were also collected. Changes over time in terms of blood loss and functional outcomes (IPSS and Q<inf>max</inf> at the UFM at 6 and 12 months) were tested with Student's test for paired samples. We assumed P≤0.05 as level of statistical significance.

RESULTS

Overall, 1077 were enrolled in the study, 554 (56.4%) were treated with standard vaporization and 523 (48.6%) with anatomical vaporization. Student's t-test for paired samples showed no statistically significant differences in terms of reduction of Ht preoperative vs. Ht postoperative (42.80±3.91 vs. 39.93±5.35 95% CI P=0.3) and preintervention and postintervention Hb levels (14.28±1.46 vs. 13.72 P=0.35). Compared with the preoperative Q<inf>max</inf> (8.60±2.64), the 6- and 12-month UFM showed a significant improvement [19.56±6.29, P<0.01 and 19.99±5.92 P<0.01]. In terms of IPSS variation, compared to the baseline level (22±5.51) the 6- and 12-month follow-up confirmed a significant reduction (8.01±4.41 P<0.01 and 5.81±4.12 P<0.01 respectively). Postoperative complications were CD0, CD1, CD2, CD3, CD4 in 33.0%,35.3%, 2.9%, 0.3%, and 0.6%.

CONCLUSIONS

To the best of our knowledge, this is one of the most numerous surgical series of GreenLight laser vaporization and with the longest follow-up. This technique should be considered as a safe and effective alternative in the treatment of secondary LUTS to BPH.

Perioperative major acute cardiovascular events after 180-W GreenLight laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate

BACKGROUND

Major acute cardiovascular events (MACE) prevalence after 180-W GreenLight (180-W GL) laser photoselective vaporization (PVP) have never been explored. Aim of our study is to evaluate perioperative MACE that occurred concomitantly with 180-W GL PVP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We relied on a multi-institutional database that included 14 centers. Data from 923 patients who underwent 180-W GL PVP were reviewed. We abstracted pre- and perioperative data of patients who experienced perioperative MACE, such as angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, other chronic ischemic heart disease, transient ischemic attack, or cerebrovascular accident as well as deep venous thrombosis with or without pulmonary embolism. We relied on a case-series format to report the main findings of our analyses.

RESULTS

18 (1.9%) patients reported MACE in 7 centers. Median age was 69.5 (IQR 66.0-79.2) years. Of all, 7 patients underwent standard PVP and 11 anatomical PVP. Eleven patients (61.1%) were not under anticoagulant/antiplatelet treatment, 6 (33.3%) were under low dose aspirin, and 1 (5.6%) was under clopidogrel. Four patients (22.2%) had an instrumental and laboratory diagnosis of myocardial infarction, 7 (38.9%) had an episode of angina pectoris with or without rhythm alteration, 3 (16.7%) reported symptomatic deep venous thrombosis, and 4 (22.2%) had other MACE-like events.

CONCLUSIONS

Physician should take in consideration the possibility of MACE or MACE-like events. The real MACE rate may be different as only half of included centers reported MACE. Since the main target of laser surgery are high-risk bleeding patients, prospective observational trials focused on detection of these possible complications are warranted.