Epidemiologic studies indicate that millions of people suffer from recurrent cystitis, a pathology requiring antibiotic prophylaxis and entailing high social costs. Cranberry is a traditional folk remedy for cystitis and, which, in the form of a variety of products and formulations has over several decades undergone extensive evaluation for the management of urinary tract infections (UTI). The aim of this retrospective study is to summarize and review the most relevant and recent preclinical and clinical studies on cranberries for the treatment of UTIs. The scientific literature selected for this review was identified by searches of Medline via PubMed. A variety of recent experimental evidence has shed light on the mechanism underlying the anti-adhesive properties of proanthrocyanidins, their structure-activity relationships, and pharmacokinetics. Analysis of clinical studies and evaluation of the cranberry efficacy/safety ratio in the prevention of UTIs strongly support the use of cranberry in the prophylaxis of recurrent UTIs in young and middle-aged women. However, evidence of its clinical use among other patients remains controversial.
Our study evaluates the technical performance on a surgical simulator in the laboratory setting, with the use of standardized tasks and validated metrics. We believe that a controlled and safe environment aids objective evaluation of LESS compared to SL. Literature on this particular topic is somehow conflicting and heterogeneous. Our trial demonstrated that novices performed LESS tasks without any additional difficulties compared to standard laparoscopy. The aim of such investigation is to support knowledge of this new technology in order to facilitate its use in selected patients and surgical procedures.
Aim
Biopsy of localised renal masses is generally accurate at detecting benign or malignant histology but can cause complications. The aim of this study was to determine the detection rate and complication rate of renal mass biopsies.
Method
Patients undergoing a renal mass biopsy at a single tertiary centre between January 2015 and December 2019 were identified electronically using a prospective database. Details about their biopsies were recorded including tumour size, radiological guidance, number of cores, longest margin of biopsy, accuracy of biopsy, histology type, and complications.
Results
This study included 334 biopsies (Median age 68 years (IQR 60-72); 61.4% (n = 204) male). Median size of tumour was 30mm (IQR 25-50) and 79.9% (n = 267) were solid masses. The biopsies were done under ultrasound (78.4%) or computed tomography (21.6%) guidance. 91.9% had core biopsies (n = 307) with median biopsy margin of 14mm (IQR 9-21). Benign histology was observed in 18.9% (n = 63), malignant in 72.1% (n = 241) while biopsy was non-diagnostic in 9.0% (n = 30). 62.6% (n = 209) of the cases were renal cell carcinoma with clear cell subtype more commonly seen (72.2%, n = 151). Complications following biopsy included haematoma (n = 7, 2.1%), haemorrhage (n = 3, 0.9%), pneumothorax (n = 1, 0.3%) and vasovagal episode (n = 1, 0.3%), resulting in an overall complication rate of 3.6%.
Conclusions
Biopsy of localised renal masses in this study showed a detection rate of 91% and complication rate of 3.6%. This study suggests renal mass biopsies have high diagnostic yield and low complication rate.
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