European urology
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The natural history of biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) is variable and does not always translate into systemic progression or prostate cancer (PCa) death. ⋯ Only a minority of men experience systemic progression and death from PCa following BCR. The decision to institute secondary therapies must balance the risk of disease progression with the cost and morbidity of treatment, independent of time from RRP to BCR.
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The role of malnutrition has not been well studied in patients undergoing surgery for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). ⋯ ND is associated with higher mortality in patients undergoing surgery for locoregional RCC, independent of key clinical and pathologic factors. Given this mortality risk, it may be important to address nutritional status preoperatively and counsel patients appropriately.
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In percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), the best possible way to access the collecting system is still a matter of debate. There is little possibility of correcting a suboptimal access. ⋯ The optical puncture needle for PNL appears to be most helpful for confirming the optimal percutaneous access to the kidney prior to dilation of the nephrostomy tract, improving the safety of the technique.