Endoscopic surgical simulation using low-fidelity and virtual reality transurethral resection simulators in urology simulation boot camp course: trainees feedback assessment study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of our study was to study trainees' feedback and rating of models for training transurethral resection of bladder lesions (TURBT) and prostate (TURP) during simulation. METHODS: The study was performed during the ''Transurethral resection (TUR) module" at the boot camp held in 2019. Prior to the course, all trainees were required to evaluate their experience in performing TURBT and TURP procedures. Trainees simulated resection on two different models; low-fidelity tissue model (Samed, GmBH, Dresden, Germany) and virtual reality simulator (TURPMentor, 3D Systems, Littleton, US). Following the completion of the module, trainees completed a questionnaire using a 5-point Likert scale to evaluate their assessment of the models for surgical training. RESULTS: In total, 174 simulation assessments were performed by 56 trainees (Samed Bladder-40, Prostate-45, TURPMentor Bladder-51, Prostate-37). All trainees reported that they had performed < 50 TUR procedures. The Samed model median scores were for appearance (4/5), texture (5/5), feel (5/5) and conductibility (5/5). The TURPMentor median score was for appearance (4/5), texture and feel (4/5) and conductibility (4/5). The most common criticism of the Samed model was that it failed to mimic bleeding. In contrast, trainees felt that the TURPMentor haptic feedback was inadequate to allow for close resection and did not calibrate movements accurately. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that both forms of simulators (low-fidelity and virtual reality) were rated highly by urology trainees and improve their confidence in performing transurethral resection and in fact complement each other in providing lower tract endoscopic resection simulation.

A Review of Telephone Urological Follow-Up in a District General Hospital During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

COVID-19 has had an unprecedented effect on healthcare with certain services being altered to minimise face-to-face contact. This aim of this project was to explore opinions on routine telephone consultations and whether they could be implemented as COVID pressures change. We randomly selected 100 patients who had a telephone consultation instead of their normal urological follow-up and posted them a questionnaire. We also compared the number of consultations and non-attendances with the pre-COVID era. Seventy percent of patients replied to the questionnaire, and 79% wanted to continue with telephone appointments. Eighty-two percent felt that despite COVID-19, their urological care was unaffected. Generally, the reason that telephone appointments were unacceptable for patients was a preference for face-to-face interaction. The majority expressed a lack of enthusiasm for potential video consultations with only 43% interested in this. Over 95% of patients who required investigations still had these tests performed. There was a reduction in patients who 'did not attend (DNAs)' from 7.5% prior to COVID-19 to 3% during the peak of the pandemic. This study has demonstrated our patients' satisfaction and acceptance of remote consultation and its efficiency in reducing missed appointments during the pandemic. It is now an option our patients can now choose as their mode of follow-up.

Design, implementation, and evaluation of a novel curriculum to teach transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): a 3-year experience of urology simulation bootcamp course.

OBJECTIVES: To present the three-year experience of the multi-component TURP module at Urology Simulation Bootcamp Course (USBC) and demonstrate trainee's competence progression and satisfaction. METHODS: During the USBC, a 4-h TURP module was developed and consisted of (a) familiarisation and assembly of resectoscope instrument, (b) didactic lecture on TURP operative techniques and postoperative complications, (c) learning hands-on resection on validated simulators [Samed, GmBH, Dresden, Germany; TURP Mentor™, Simbionix, Israel], and (d) practicing clot evacuation using the Ellik bladder Evacuator. Trainee's level of instrument knowledge, operative competence, and confidence were assessed pre- and post-course. Trainee's feedback was also collected. RESULTS: One hundred thirty trainees participated in the USBC between 2016 and 2018. Eighty-seven percent of trainees scored themselves as 1-3 (low confidence in resection) on a 5-point Likert scale. Trainees significantly improved in their ability to perform resectoscope assembly for resection, coagulation and incision by 33.6% (p < 0.001), 28.1% (p < 0.001) and 34.0% (p < 0.001), respectively. There was a significant improvement in scores in itemised technical skill on the TURP simulator following completion of the TURP module (Mean difference = 3.4 points, 95% CI 2-4, p < 0.001). Ninety-one percent of trainees agreed that the TURP module was useful for their development in urological training. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that it is feasible to develop and implement a focussed module for teaching TURP with significant improvement in learning. Trainee feedback suggests that they were highly satisfied with the teaching provided and models used. This style of training can be implemented for other common surgical procedures.

Urolithiasis in inflammatory bowel disease and bariatric surgery.

AIM: To analyse current literature focusing on pathogenesis and therapeutic aspects of urolithiasis with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and following bariatric surgery. METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, supplemented with additional references. Studies assessing the association of IBD or bariatric surgery with renal stones in both paediatric and adulthood were included. RESULTS: Certain types of stones are seen more frequently with IBD. Hyperoxaluria and hypocitraturia are the main metabolic changes responsible for urolithiasis. The incidence of renal stones in malabsorptive types of bariatric surgery such as gastric bypass is high; this is not as common in modern restrictive surgical methods. Preventative methods and urine alkalinisation have been shown to be beneficial. CONCLUSION: Both conditions are associated with renal stones. Patients' counselling and prevention strategies are the mainstay of urolithiasis management in these patients.

Thermal ablative therapies for treatment of localised renal cell carcinoma: a systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Small renal masses are commonly diagnosed incidentally. The majority are malignant and require intervention. The gold standard treatment is partial nephrectomy unless the patient has significant co-morbidities when surveillance or ablative therapies are utilised. The latter are relatively novel and their long-term efficacy and safety remain generally poorly understood. We performed a literature review to establish the current evidence on the oncological outcome of thermal ablative techniques in small renal masses treatment. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic literature search was performed using PubMed, supplemented with additional references. Articles were reviewed for data on indications, tumour characteristics, ablative techniques, oncological outcome, impact on renal function and complications. The vast majority of articles identified were observational studies. There has not been any direct comparison against partial nephrectomy. Radiofrequency ablation and cryoablation are the techniques that are more commonly used. They have favourable oncological results on intermediate follow-up and indications that successful outcome is sustained long term. The morbidity and impact on renal function appear to be minimal. CONCLUSION: Thermal ablative therapies are valid alternatives to partial nephrectomy for the treatment of small renal masses in patients unfit for surgery. Prospective long-term data will be needed before the indications for their use expand further.

The Use of Apnea During Ureteroscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and discuss the feasibility and the use of apnea during retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A discussion of the current literature about the different anesthesia techniques and the use of apnea to improve RIRS by avoiding renal movements over diaphragmatic excursion was performed. RESULTS: To date, there are no mentions in the literature about the use of apnea as a mechanism to facilitate this procedure that requires extremely precise laser use. A description of the feasibility of apnea during RIRS is described as a technical consideration and discussed. CONCLUSION: The use of apnea during RIRS has facilitated the procedure, avoiding renal movements, particularly in special cases where extremely precise maneuvers during laser use are required.

An unusual case of paratesticular mesothelioma on the site of previously excised epididymal adenomatoid tumour.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant paratesticular tumours are rare. We report a case of paratesticular malignant mesothelioma in a patient who had excision of an adenomatoid tumour on the same site in 2 occasions previously. PRESENTATION OF CASE: A middle aged man who had an adenomatoid tumour excised from his left hemiscrotum fifteen years previously was referred with a suspicious left epididymal lump. This was followed up sonographically for 2 years until it showed signs of enlargement and testicular invasion; it was then managed with radical orchidectomy. The histology showed paratesticular epithelioid malignant mesothelioma. The patient was referred to the Oncologists for further management. DISCUSSION: Paratesticular tumours are commonly benign. Scrotal ultrasonography is the preferred diagnostic imaging method. Paratesticular malignant mesotheliomas are very rare and appear to have poor prognosis. The optimal adjuvant treatment post radical orchidectomy is not established yet. In our case there is suggestion of possible malignant transformation from previous adenomatoid tumour. CONCLUSION: In recurrent paratesticular tumours the clinicians should question the possibility of malignant transformation and manage these cases accordingly.