Availability of platelet-rich plasma for treatment of erectile dysfunction and associated costs and efficacy: A review of current publications and Canadian data.

INTRODUCTION: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an increasingly used unconventional treatment option for erectile dysfunction (ED). The validity of PRP as a potential treatment for ED has been proposed in limited human trials. Furthermore, the costs associated with PRP for ED treatment are not readily promoted to patients. The goal of this review was to determine the efficacy and costs of PRP based on currently available literature and Canadian data. METHODS: A comprehensive literature review of available PRP studies and current published data pertaining to cost, availability, and provider clinics globally was conducted using the PubMed database. Physicians offering genital PRP in Canada were identified using internet searches and PRP provider directories. Physician qualifications, clinic locations, and cost information were obtained from provider websites and telephone calls to identified clinics. RESULTS: Availability of PRP injections offered for treating ED is increasing globally. There are currently no peer-reviewed publications to substantiate anecdotal evidence pertaining to the efficacy of PRP as a viable treatment option for ED patients. Our results indicate 19 providers for PRP injections in Canada, costing on average $1777 CAD per injection. No providers were affiliated with academic institutions and providers varied in their area of clinical speciality and training. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, there is currently no research underway investigating the clinical efficacy of PRP for ED treatment despite its broad availability and significant cost. Patients should be informed of the lack of substantiated efficacy and safety data, as the reliability of PRP treatments requires further evaluation.

The association between patient body mass index and perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy: An analysis using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy is a highly morbid procedure, with 30-day perioperative complication rates approaching 50%. Our objective was to determine the effect of patients' body mass index (BMI) on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. METHODS: We identified 3930 eligible patients who underwent radical cystectomy for non-metastatic bladder cancer using the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. The primary exposure was preoperative BMI, categorically operationalized in four strata according to the World Health Organization criteria: <18.5 kg/m2, 18.5-25 kg/m2, 25-30 kg/m2, and >30 kg/m2. Our primary outcome was major perioperative complication comprising mortality, reoperation, cardiac event, or neurological event. RESULTS: BMI was significantly associated with rates of major complications (p=0.003): major complications were experienced by 17.0% of patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2, 7.8% of patients with BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2, 7.9% of patients with BMI 25-30 kg/m2, and 10.8% of patient with BMI >30 kg/m2. Following multivariable adjustment for relevant demographic, comorbidity, and treatment factors, compared to patients with BMI 18.5-25 kg/m2, patients with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR] 2.28, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-4.78) and BMI >30 kg/m2 (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.17-2.16) were significantly more likely to experience a major complication in the 30 days following cystectomy. Among the secondary outcomes, significant differences were identified in rates of pulmonary complications (p=0.003), infectious complications (p<0.001), bleeding requiring transfusion (p=0.01), and length of stay (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients who are outside of a normal BMI range are more likely to experience major complications following radical cystectomy for bladder cancer.

Store-and-forward teledermatology: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Telemedicine is increasingly being used as part of routine practice for many physicians and healthcare providers across the country. Due to its visual nature, dermatology is ideally suited to benefit from this new technology. The use of teledermatology (telemedicine in dermatology) in a primary care setting allows for an expert opinion without the need for an in-person referral. Furthermore, it can improve patient access in remote areas. Store-and-forward teledermatology is the most commonly employed method. CASE PRESENTATION: This case describes a Caucasian male in his fifties with no fixed address or telephone number who presented to his family doctor with an enlarging nevus on his chest, and required a dermatology referral. Given these limitations, a traditional fax and phone referral would not be possible. Instead store-and-forward teledermatology was employed. It was then determined by the dermatologist that the nevus was benign and did not require treatment. CONCLUSION: This case demonstrates the utility of store-and-forward teledermatology in what is unfortunately not an uncommon scenario in Canada. The patient was successfully managed, and a logistically difficult and expensive in-person referral was avoided.