Examining the utility of routine perioperative hemoglobin monitoring in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) are often admitted with protocolized bloodwork for several days following their operation, yet the clinical value of serial hemoglobin (Hgb) measurements has not been established. This can lead to unnecessary costs and can prolong patient stay, despite the absence of an intervention based on these lab values. This study sought to examine perioperative Hgb values and identify those patients at high risk of bleeding requiring intervention, as well as those patients who are unlikely to require further monitoring. METHODS: Patient and perioperative factors were retrospectively examined for a cohort of 259 radical nephrectomy patients from 2015-2021 in Atlantic Canada. Postoperative Hgb values and transfusion rates were recorded. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify variables associated with requiring a blood transfusion. RESULTS: Overall, 31 (12%) patients required a blood transfusion in the postoperative period. Median estimated blood loss (EBL) was 150 (interquartile range [IQR] 100-300) ml, with a median Hgb change of 15 (IQR 9-22) g/L from preoperative to postoperative day 1 (POD1). In patients with a Hgb loss of ≤15 g/L (n=131), transfusion was only required in four patients (3.1%). Among those with a POD1 Hgb >100 g/L (n=199), only four (2%) required transfusion. These patients were identified as having complications based on hemodynamic instability. On multivariate regression analysis, factors found to be associated with higher transfusion risk were age and intraoperative EBL, while higher preoperative Hgb was found to be associated with a lower transfusion risk. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have a reassuring POD1 Hgb value, with a drop of <15 g/L or an absolute value of >100 g/L, consideration can be made towards discontinuing routine Hgb testing in the absence of a clinical indication. Age, blood loss, and preoperative Hgb are factors that may affect a patient's overall risk of transfusion.

The value of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion targeted biopsies for clinical decision-making among patients with previously negative transrectal ultrasound biopsy and persistent prostate-specific antigen elevation.

INTRODUCTION: Targeted biopsy approaches have been shown to increase the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) within index prostate lesions. We report our initial experience with magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasound fusion biopsies (MRI-TB) in a population of men who had a previously negative transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsy, persistent prostate-specific antigen (PSA) elevation, and ongoing suspicion of PCa. Patients were followed prospectively to assess for changes in clinical management following targeted biopsy. METHODS: We prospectively followed the first 122 patients undergoing MRI-TB at our institution. All men had clinical suspicion of PCa, prior negative TRUS biopsies, and persistent PSA elevation. A total of 177 index lesions were identified on multiparametric MRI and reviewed using the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) v2 scoring system. Lesions classified as PI-RADS ≥3 received targeted biopsy. Biopsy-naive patients and those on active surveillance were excluded. The primary outcome was detection rate of csPCa, defined as International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) Grade Group (GG) ≥2. Multivariate analysis was used to determine predictors of csPCa on fusion biopsy. RESULTS: Prior to fusion biopsy, patients had a mean of 17.9±8.6 negative core biopsies per patient and a median PSA of 9.5 (standard deviation [SD] 6.2) ng/nl. MRI-TB resulted in diagnosis of csPCa in 42/122 (34.4%) patients. Clinically significant PCa was found in eight (13.1%), 14 (21.9%), and 25 (48.1%) of PI-RADS 3, 4, and 5 lesions, respectively. The location of csPCa was within the peripheral zone (55.3%), transitional zone (40.4%), and central zone (8.5%). Clinical outcomes of patients with newly diagnosed csPCa show 4.8%, 57.1%, and 38.1% receiving active surveillance, radiation treatment, and radical prostatectomy, respectively. Predictors for csPCa were presence of PI-RADS 5 lesions, age, length of time from MRI to biopsy, and smaller prostate volumes. CONCLUSIONS: MRI-TB yields high detection rates for csPCa in men with elusive PSA elevation and frequently guides a change in clinical management. Clinical decision-making based on MRI findings and PI-RADS lesion scores are best informed by an understanding of institutional reporting patterns.

Development of a 3D-printed testicular cancer model for testicular examination education.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy in young males. Testicular examination is a non-invasive and inexpensive means of detecting testicular cancer at an early stage. In this project, a set of 3D-printed models was developed to facilitate teaching testicular examination and improving understanding of testicular malignancies among patients and medical learners. METHODS: Five scrotum models were designed: a control model with healthy testes, and four models containing a healthy testicle and a testicle with an endophytic mass of varying size. The anatomy, texture, and composition of the 3D-printed models were refined using an iterative process between the design team and urologists. The completed models were assessed by six urologists, two urology nurse practitioners, and 32 medical learners. Participants were asked to inspect and palpate each model, and to provide feedback using a five-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Clinicians reported that the models enabled accurate simulation of a testicular examination involving both healthy and pathologic testes (χ̄=4.3±1.0). They agreed that the models would be useful teaching tools for both medical learners (χ̄=4.8±0.5) and patients (χ̄=4.8±0.7). Following an educational session with the models, medical learners reported improvements in confidence and skill in performing a testicular examination. CONCLUSIONS: 3D-printed models can effectively simulate palpation of both healthy and pathologic testes. The developed models have the potential to be a useful adjunct in teaching testicular examination and in demonstrating abnormal findings that require further investigation.

Evaluation of a Novel 3D-Printed Urinary Catheterization Simulation Model in Undergraduate Medical Teaching.

Introduction Urinary catheter insertion is a mandatory procedure taught during medical school. It is imperative that learners are provided the opportunity to practice the procedure, as an improper catheterization technique can result in urethral trauma and contribute to urinary tract infections. Simulation training offers the advantage of avoiding patient harm while allowing learners to feel comfortable to learn from their mistakes, resulting in increased user confidenceand shortening the learning curve for basic procedures. 3D-printed simulation models are anatomically accurate, low-cost, reusable, and effective for teaching basic procedural skills.This study aims to assess the self-rated effectiveness of the 3D model in increasing student confidence and preparedness. Methods Preclerkship undergraduate medical students (n=64) participated in procedural skills training sessions using the 3D-printed model. The students were provided with didactic teaching from a urologist, a hands-on demonstration, and then allowed to practice the procedure using the 3D model. Students were subsequently asked to complete a Likert-type survey to evaluate their experience and the 3D model as an educational tool. Results Respondents felt that the 3D-printed model allowed for the realistic and accurate performance of a urinary catheterization procedure, allowing students to increase their confidence, competence, and knowledge of the technique. Student responses for increasing competence were rated as an average of 4.48±0.62 (where 1 is "not at all effective" and 5 is "very effective"), confidence was rated as 4.40±0.71, and preparedness was reported as 4.15±0.76. Overall, the reported value as a training tool resulted in an average score of 4.62±0.58 (where 1 is "not at all relevant" and 5 is "very relevant"). Conclusions Preclerkship undergraduate medical students found the 3D-printed male catheter insertion model to be a useful learning tool with accurate anatomical representations and technical qualities. The 3D-printed model can be beneficial for increasing learner confidence and preparedness when completing a catheter insertion, allowing for the opportunity to practice on a low-cost, accessible simulator.

Identification of tumor size as the only factor associated with nondiagnostic biopsies in patients with small renal masses.

INTRODUCTION: As greater numbers of small renal masses (SRMs) are discovered incidentally, renal tumor biopsy (RTB) is an increasingly recognized step for the management of these lesions, ideally for the prevention of surgical overtreatment for benign disease. While the diagnosis can often be obtained preoperatively by RTB, indeterminate results create greater difficulty for patients and clinicians. This study examines a series of RTBs, identifying the portion of these that were able to yield a diagnosis, and correlates patient factors, including RENAL and PADUA scoring, with the outcome of a non-diagnostic result. METHODS: Patients were identified as having undergone RTB at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Ontario, Canada, between January 2000 and December 2009. Data was compiled from these 423 patients and analyzed using CART methodology to determine the level of association between various patient and tumor factors and the outcome of a non-diagnostic biopsy. Tumor size was further used to develop a classification tree to describe the prediction of a non-diagnostic biopsy. RESULTS: Of these 423 patients undergoing RTB, 66 (16%) resulted in a non-diagnostic biopsy. The only patient or tumor factor that was found to be associated with a non-diagnostic outcome was mass size, where small masses (<1.28 cm diameter) were found to have a 38% chance of being non-diagnostic, compared with a 13% chance in those tumors >1.28 cm diameter (86% accuracy, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.82-0.89). CONCLUSIONS: When evaluating SRMs for diagnostic workup, mass size is the only tumor or patient characteristic associated with a non-diagnostic RTB.