Does timing of targeted therapy for metastatic renal cell carcinoma impact treatment toxicity and surgical complications? A comparison of primary and adjuvant approaches.

INTRODUCTION: To compare surgical complications and tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-toxicities in patients who underwent primary cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) followed by adjuvant TKI therapy versus those who underwent neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to planned CN for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two-center retrospective analysis. Sixty-one mRCC patients underwent TKI therapy with sunitinib between July 2007 to January 2014. Patients were divided into three groups: primary CN followed by adjuvant TKI (n = 27, Group 1), neoadjuvant TKI prior to CN (n = 21, Group 2), and primary TKI alone (no surgery, n = 13, Group 3). Primary outcome was frequency and severity of surgical complications (Clavien). Secondary outcome was frequency and severity of TKI-related toxicities (NIH Common Toxicity Criteria). Multivariable analysis was carried out for factors associated with complications. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographics, ECOG status, and median number TKI cycles (p = 0.337). Mean tumor size (cm) was larger in Group 3 (12.8) than Group 2 (8.9) and Group 1 (9.3), p = 0.014. TKI-related toxicities occurred in 100%, 90.5%, and 88.9% in Group 3, Group 2, and Group 1 (p = 0.469). There was no difference in incidence of high grade (p = 0.967) and low grade (p = 0.380) TKI-toxicities. Overall surgical complication rate was similar between Group 2 (47.6%) and Group 1 (33.3%), p = 0.380. Group 2 had more high grade surgical complications (28.6%) than Group 1 (0%), p = 0.004. Multivariable analysis demonstrated increasing age was independently associated with development of surgical complications (HR 1.059, p = 0.040). CONCLUSION: Patients receiving neoadjuvant TKI therapy prior to CN experienced more high grade surgical complications than patients who underwent primary CN. Potential for increased high grade surgical complications requires further investigation and may impact pretreatment counseling.

Analysis of Renal Functional Outcomes After Radical or Partial Nephrectomy for Renal Masses ≥7 cm Using the RENAL Score.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if partial nephrectomy (PN) confers a renal functional benefit compared to radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (T2RM) when adjusting for tumor complexity characterized by the RENAL nephrometry score. METHODS: A 2-center study of 202 patients with T2RM undergoing RN (122) or PN (80) (median follow-up, 41.5 months). RN and PN cohorts were subanalyzed according to RENAL sum as a categorical variable of <10 or ≥10. Primary outcome was median change in estimated glomerular filtration rate (ΔeGFR) between preoperative to 6 months postoperative. Logistic regression-identified prognostic factors and survival models analyzed association between the RENAL sum and the freedom from de novo chronic kidney disease (CKD; eGFR<60 mL/min/1.73m(2)). RESULTS: No significant differences existed between PN and RN for RENAL score. ΔeGFR was greater in RN (-19.7) vs PN (-11.9; P = .006). De novo CKD was 40.2% after RN vs 16.3% after PN (P <.001). RENAL score ≥10 (odds ratio, 6.67; P = .025) and RN among patients with RENAL score <10 (odds ratio, 24.8; P <.001) were independently associated with de novo CKD at 6 months by logistic regression. Among patients with RENAL score <10, median CKD-free survival was PN 38 vs RN 16 months (P = .001). Cox proportional hazard demonstrated decreasing risk of CKD for PN vs RN from RENAL 10 (hazard ratio, 0.836) to RENAL 6 (hazard ratio, 0.003; P = .001). CONCLUSION: RN is independently associated with decreased renal function compared to PN for T2RM with RENAL sum ≤10, but not >10, with larger relative decrease in eGFR for each decrease in RENAL sum. Further investigation is required to determine optimal candidates for PN in T2RM.

Surgical management of traumatic penile amputation: a case report and review of the world literature.

INTRODUCTION: There is paucity of case reports that describe the successful reimplantation of a penis after amputation. We sought to report on self-inflicted penile amputation and comment on its surgical management and review current literature. AIM: To report on self-inflicted penile amputation and comment on its surgical management and review current literature. METHODS: A 19-year-old male with no prior medical history presented to our university-affiliated trauma center following sustaining a self-inflicted amputation of shaft penis secondary to severe methamphetamine-induced psychosis. He immediately underwent extensive reconstructive reimplantation of the penis performed jointly by plastics and urology teams reattaching all visible neurovascular bundles, urethra, and corporal and fascial layers. The patient was discharged with a suprapubic tube in place and a Foley catheter in place with well-healing tissue. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To review the current published literature and case reports on the management of penile amputation with particular emphasis its etiology, surgical repairs, potential complications and functional outcomes. RESULTS: We report herein a case of a traumatic penile amputation and successful outcome of microscopic reimplantation and review of the published literature with particular comments on surgical managements. CONCLUSION: We review the literature and case reports on penile amputation and its etiology, surgical management, variables effecting outcomes, and its complications. Raheem OA, Mirheydar HS, Patel ND, Patel SH, Suliman A, and Buckley JC. Surgical management of traumatic penile amputation: A case report and review of the world literature. Sex Med 2015;3:49-53.

Contemporary Trends in the Ambulatory Surgical Treatment of Urolithiasis: Population-Based Analysis.

PURPOSE: To describe the utilization of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) and ureteroscopy (URS) in ambulatory surgery centers, as well as to identify patient-specific factors predictive of one procedure over the other. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated the current trends in the use of SWL and URS in the ambulatory settings over a 5-year period in the state of California using the State of California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database. RESULTS: We identified 113,447 ambulatory kidney stone surgical procedures including 64,632 SWL (57%) and 48,815 URS (43%) treatments in the OSHPD database between 2005 and 2010. The total annual ambulatory stone surgeries increased from 17,831 cases in 2005 to 18,933 cases in 2010 (P<0.001). Between 2005 and 2010, the use of URS increased significantly from 6978 (39%) cases in 2005 to 9259 (49%) cases in 2010 (P<0.0012), whereas the use of SWL decreased from 10,853 (61%) cases in 2005 to 9674 (51%) cases in 2010 (P=0.0012). In multivariate analysis, age ≥ 75 years (P<0.001), hypertension (P=0.025), and obesity (P<0.001) all increased odds of undergoing URS. In addition, men (P=0.013) and non-Medicaid patients (P<0.001) were more likely to undergo URS. CONCLUSIONS: The use of URS increased significantly in the state of California among patients undergoing urinary stone surgical procedures in the ambulatory setting, while the use of SWL decreased between 2005 and 2010. Possible explanations for these trends include improved URS stone-free rates, improved cost-effectiveness of URS, and enhanced technology leading to increased use of URS over SWL.

Hospital-based trends in penile prosthetic surgery.

INTRODUCTION: We examined national and regional trends in hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery and identified patient-specific factors predicting receipt of inflatable vs. semi-rigid penile prostheses. AIMS: To improve our understanding of the surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: We utilized the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 1998 to 2010 in the United States and the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development (OSHPD) database from 1995 to 2010. Total number of penile implants performed and proportions of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prosthesis were examined. Multivariate analysis (MVA) was performed to identify factors associated with selection of inflatable vs. semi-rigid prostheses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome measure is the total number of hospital-based penile prosthetic surgeries performed in the United States over a 12-year period (1998-2010). Secondary outcome measures include proportion of inflatable and semi-rigid prosthesis implantations and factors influencing receipt of different prostheses. RESULTS: We identified 53,967 penile prosthetic surgeries in the NIS; annual number implanted decreased from 4,703 to 2,338. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had a similar length of stay (LOS). In MVA, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable prosthesis. We identified 7,054 penile prostheses in OSHPD; annual number implanted decreased from 760 to 318. The proportion of inflatable prostheses increased significantly from 78.4% to 88.4% between 2001 and 2010. Inflatable prostheses incurred higher costs but had similar median LOS. In MVA, Caucasians and men without spinal cord injury were more likely to receive inflatable prosthesis. CONCLUSION: Hospital-based penile prosthetic surgery has decreased substantially both nationwide and in California. In the United States, Caucasian race, Peyronie's disease, and private insurance were independently associated with receipt of an inflatable penile prosthesis. California population data correlated with national trends and can be utilized to further study surgical management of ED.

Prostate laser vaporization is safe and effective in elderly men.

INTRODUCTION: There are few data on the safety and efficacy of laser photoselective vaporization (LVP) in elderly men. We compared the safety and efficacy of LVP for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men ≥75 years, who we defined as elderly, to those <75 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Safety and efficacy outcomes in elderly men undergoing LVP for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH from 2005 to 2012 were compared with men <75 years. Differences between-groups in demographics, perioperative outcomes, complications, and postoperative changes in International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) were calculated. RESULTS: Of 202 patients, 49 (24%) were elderly (range: 75-95 years) and 153 (76%) were <75 years. Preoperatively, elderly men were more likely to have heart disease (35% vs. 20%, P = 0.03), gross hematuria (6.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.05), urinary retention (57% vs. 41%, P = 0.07), and take anti-coagulants (61% vs. 35%, P = 0.002). Elderly men had a longer median length of stay (1 day vs. 0 day, P = 0.001). There were no significant between-group differences in transfusion frequency (4.4% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.14) or Clavien III complications (2% vs. 2.6%, P = 1.0). One month postsurgery, elderly patients reported smaller median decreases in I-PSS (5.5 vs. 9, P = 0.02) and urinary bother (1 point vs. 2, P = 0.03) compared with preoperative values. At till 9 months follow-up, there were no significant between-group differences in median I-PSS or urinary bother scores. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a higher prevalence of preoperative comorbidity and urinary retention, elderly LVP patients experienced perioperative safety and shorter term efficacy outcomes comparable to younger men.

Does Listening to Music During Office-Based Flexible Cystoscopy Decrease Anxiety in Patients: A Prospective Randomized Trial.

PURPOSE: To validate the effect of listening to music on perceived anxiety and pain during office-based flexible cystoscopy using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), in a well-matched North American veteran patient population in a prospective, randomized fashion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 137 veteran patients receiving routine urologic care in a North American Veterans Affairs (VA) healthcare system were recruited over a 2-year period (June 2011 to June 2013). All patients were prospectively randomized to undergo office-based flexible cystoscopy with or without music. The music group consisted of 73 patients who listened to the same excerpt of classical music at the time of flexible cystoscopy; the nonmusic group consisted of 64 patients. RESULTS: The median postprocedural STAI anxiety scores between the music and nonmusic groups were statistically significantly different: 30 (range 23-39) and 35 (range 28-49), respectively (P=0.0017). The median postprocedural pain VAS score between the music and nonmusic groups reached statistical significance: 0 (range 0-1) and 2 (range 1-2), respectively (P<0.0001). The median delta STAI anxiety score was statistically significantly different between the music and nonmusic groups: 0 (range -3-0) and 2 (range 0-4), respectively (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that listening to music decreases anxiety and pain associated with flexible cystoscopy in a North American VA patient population. We recommend incorporating music as an effective adjunct to other maneuvers used at the time of flexible cystoscopy to reduce anxiety and pain.

What is the Incidence of Kidney Stones after Chemotherapy in Patients with Lymphoproliferative or Myeloproliferative Disorders?

Introduction This study describes the incidence and risk factors of de novo nephrolithiasis among patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative diseases who have undergone chemotherapy. Materials and Methods From 2001 to 2011, patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders treated with chemotherapy were retrospectively identified. The incidence of image proven nephrolithiasis after chemotherapy was determined. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Patients with a history of nephrolithiasis prior to chemotherapy were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of nephrolithiasis, and secondary outcomes were risk factors predictive of de novo stone. Comparative statistics were used to compare demographic and disease specific variables for patients who developed de novo stones versus those who did not. Results A total of 1,316 patients were identified and the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis was 5.5% (72/1316; symptomatic stones 1.8% 24/1316). Among patients with nephrolithiasis, 72.2% had lymphoproliferative disorders, 27.8% had myeloproliferative disorders, and 25% utilized allopurinol. The median urinary pH was 5.5, and the mean serum uric acid, calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels were 7.5, 9.6, 4.3, and 3.8 mg/dL, respectively. In univariate analysis, mean uric acid (p=0.013), calcium (p<0.001)), and potassium (p=0.039) levels were higher in stone formers. Diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.003), and hyperlipidemia (p<0.001) were more common in stone formers. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia predicted stone. Conclusions We report the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia are patient-specific risk factors that increase the odds of developing an upper tract stone following chemotherapy. .

Minimally invasive cystectomy is associated with improved perioperative patient safety outcomes compared with open cystectomy in a national cohort.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perioperative patient safety outcomes of minimally invasive cystectomy (MIC) with open cystectomy (OC) in a national cohort. Comparative outcomes data based on validated metrics are sparse for MIC, an emerging treatment for bladder cancer. METHODS: We identified patients undergoing MIC and OC for bladder cancer from 2005 to 2010 using the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample. We compared perioperative outcomes using Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs), validated metrics developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and used multivariate regression analyses to generate adjusted odds ratios. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, 42,919 patients underwent cystectomy. During this period, the prevalence of MIC increased from 0.8% to 10.3% of all cystectomies. Compared with OC, MIC patients were more likely to be male (P = .019) and treated at large teaching hospitals (P <.001). There were no significant differences in age, race, Charlson index, or region between groups. The median lengths of stay were 8 and 7 days for OC and MIC, respectively (P <.001). In multivariate regression analyses, MIC was associated with a 30% decreased likelihood of any PSI (odds ratio, 0.71; P = .038). Although the occurrence of any PSI was associated with increased mortality (P <.001), there were no significant differences in mortality between OC and MIC. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MIC has substantially increased in recent years. Patients undergoing MIC had superior perioperative patient safety outcomes as measured by PSIs. Further study is needed to explain these patterns and to promote the continued safe diffusion of this technology.

Primary mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra diagnosed on TURP: a case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Mucin-producing urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra is extremely rare. These lesions must be differentiated from other mucinous tumors including mucin-producing prostatic adenocarcinoma and metastases from either colonic or bladder primaries. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here a case of urothelial-type adenocarcinoma arising from the prostatic urethra. The patient is an 81 year-old man with a history of pT1 urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder status post trans-urethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) who initially presented with irritative lower urinary tract symptoms and mucosuria refractory to Flomax and finasteride. A shared decision was made for the patient to undergo trans-urethral resection of prostate (TURP). At the time of surgery, a papillary tumor emanating from the prostatic urethra was found and no urothelial lesions were noted in the bladder. Pathology of the resected prostatic chips revealed an invasive adenocarcinoma with intestinal-type differentiation that stained positive for CK7, CK20, and villin, but negative for PSA, PSAP, uroplakin, and CDX-2. Colonoscopy was normal and CT scan did not show any evidence of colonic lesions nor visceral or lymph node metastases. Thus, the patient was diagnosed with a primary urothelial-type adenocarcinoma of the prostatic urethra. CONCLUSION: Herein we review the literature regarding this unusual entity, and discuss the differential diagnosis, immunohistochemistry, and the importance of correctly identifying this rare tumor.

Prepubertal male genitourinary metastatic Crohn's disease: report of a case and review of literature.

Chronic penile swelling in prepubertal boys is an uncommon problem. The differential diagnosis includes primary and secondary lymphedema, trauma, previous penile surgery, and extraintestinal metastatic Crohn's disease. We report a 6-year-old boy who presented with persistent penile edema as an extraintestinal manifestation of Crohn's disease. In this case, the penile edema preceded the overt bowel symptoms associated with Crohn's disease, and a high index of suspicion led to the underlying diagnosis. Few previous reports have reviewed the different treatment options and their associated outcomes for Crohn's disease in prepubertal boys with genital edema.

Survival outcomes after radical and partial nephrectomy for clinical T2 renal tumours categorised by R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score.

OBJECTIVE: We evaluated survival outcomes of partial nephrectomy (PN) and radical nephrectomy (RN) for clinical T2 renal masses (cT2RM) controlling for R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A two-centre study comprised of 202 patients with cT2RM who underwent RN (122) or PN (80) between July 2002 and June 2012 (median follow-up 41.5 months). Kaplan-Meier analysis compared overall survival (OS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) among the entire cohort and within categories of R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 and <10. Association between procedure and PFS and OS was analysed using Cox-proportional hazard. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between PN and RN in clinical T stage and R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores. For RN and PN, the 5-year PFS was 69.8% and 79.9% (P = 0.115), CSS was 82.5% and 86.7% (P = 0.407), and OS was 80% and 83.3% (P = 0.291). Cox regression showed no association between RN vs PN and PFS; a R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score of ≥10 was associated with a shorter PFS (hazard ratio 6.69, P = 0.002). Kaplan-Meier analysis for RN vs PN showed no difference in PFS for entire cohort or within the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score categories of ≥10 and <10. The PFS was better for those with R.E.N.A.L nephrometry scores of <10 vs ≥10 (P < 0.001) and for cT2a vs cT2b tumours (P = 0.012). OS was no different between cT2a and cT2b tumours; patients with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of ≥10 were more likely to die from disease (P < 0.001) or any cause (P < 0.001) vs those with R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores of <10. CONCLUSIONS: PN may be oncologically effective for cT2RM. A R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score of ≥10 is negatively associated with OS among cT2RM compared with a score of <10 and provides additional risk assessment beyond clinical T stage. Further follow-up and prospective randomised investigation is requisite to confirm efficacy of PN for cT2RM.

What is the incidence of kidney stones after chemotherapy in patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders?

INTRODUCTION: This study describes the incidence and risk factors of de novo nephrolithiasis among patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative diseases who have undergone chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2001 to 2011, patients with lymphoproliferative or myeloproliferative disorders treated with chemotherapy were retrospectively identified. The incidence of image proven nephrolithiasis after chemotherapy was determined. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded. Patients with a history of nephrolithiasis prior to chemotherapy were excluded. The primary outcome was incidence of nephrolithiasis, and secondary outcomes were risk factors predictive of de novo stone. Comparative statistics were used to compare demographic and disease specific variables for patients who developed de novo stones versus those who did not. RESULTS: A total of 1,316 patients were identified and the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis was 5.5% (72/1316; symptomatic stones 1.8% 24/1316). Among patients with nephrolithiasis, 72.2% had lymphoproliferative disorders, 27.8% had myeloproliferative disorders, and 25% utilized allopurinol. The median urinary pH was 5.5, and the mean serum uric acid, calcium, potassium and phosphorus levels were 7.5, 9.6, 4.3, and 3.8 mg/dL, respectively. In univariate analysis, mean uric acid (p=0.013), calcium (p<0.001)), and potassium (p=0.039) levels were higher in stone formers. Diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hypertension (p=0.003), and hyperlipidemia (p<0.001) were more common in stone formers. In multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia predicted stone. CONCLUSIONS: We report the incidence of de novo nephrolithiasis in patients who have undergone chemotherapy. Diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and hypercalcemia are patient-specific risk factors that increase the odds of developing an upper tract stone following chemotherapy.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy use is increasing in the United States: an analysis of trends and complications.

PURPOSE: To report the use and complication rates of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) performed in the United States between 1998 and 2009. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample database was analyzed from 1998 to 2009 to identify all PCNL cases performed in adults ≥18 years old. Descriptive statistics were used for potential covariates: Demographics, comorbidities, academic/community hospital, rural/urban location, and U.S. geographic region. Common complications encoded by International Classification of Diseases-9 codes after PCNL were reported over time, and those found to be statistically significant were evaluated in the multivariate regression. Linear regression was used to analyze surgical trends. Multivariate regression was performed to identify covariates that predicted any surgical complication. RESULTS: The use of PCNL among inpatients increased significantly from 15 to 27 surgeries/100,000 discharges between 1998 and 2009 (P<0.001), and this increase was seen in all geographic regions of the United States. The increase in adoption of PCNL was accompanied by an increase in complications (14% to 19%, P<0.001). Higher comorbidity (Charlson ≥3) was the strongest predictor of complications in multivariate analysis (odds ratio=2.22, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to demonstrate an increase in PCNL use in the United States over the last decade. While there was an increase in surgical complications during this same period, the complication rate found reported is commensurate with other international reports. PCNL is safe and use of percutaneous surgery in the United States will most likely continue to increase.

RENAL nephrometry score is associated with complications after renal cryoablation: a multicenter analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze outcomes and complications of percutaneous (PRC) and laparoscopic renal cryoablation (LRC) using the radius, endophytic, nearness to collecting system, anterior/posterior, and location (RENAL) nephrometry system. METHODS: Retrospective multicenter analysis of 154 consecutive patients who underwent either ultrasound-guided LRC (n = 88) or computed tomography (CT)-guided PRC (n = 66) from March 2003 to December 2011. RENAL score and demographics were compared to postoperative complications (Clavien). Multivariable analysis was carried out for factors associated with development of postprocedure complications. RESULTS: Mean age was 68 years (94 men/60 women). Median follow-up was 34 months (range 23.6-45.6 months). Mean tumor size was 2.6 ± 1 cm. Mean RENAL score was 5.2 ± 1.4. Differences in (A)nterior/posterior component and (H)ilar domain of the RENAL scores were noted, with PRC favoring posterior tumors and hilar lesions compared to LRC (P < .001 and P = .044, respectively). There were 14.9% complications, all of which were low-grade (Clavien 1,2). There were no differences in complications between LRC and PRC (15.9% vs 13.6%, P = .82). Most common complication type was hemorrhagic in 9 of 154 patients (5.8%); significant increase in the hemorrhagic complication rate was noted for patients with "N" ("nearness") component score of 2 or 3 (5/36, or 13.9%), compared to patients with "N" score of 1 (4/115 or 3.5%, P = .033). multivariable analysis demonstrated that increasing RENAL score was associated with postprocedure complications (odds ratio [OR] = 1.37, P = .025). When separated into individual domains, multivariable analysis revealed that "N" score 3 was significantly associated with postoperative complications (OR 16.15, P = .027). CONCLUSION: Increasing RENAL score was associated development of postprocedure complications after renal cryotherapy. Further investigation is requisite to elucidate the role of RENAL nephrometry score in risk stratification prior to renal cryotherapy.

Diffusion of robotics into clinical practice in the United States: process, patient safety, learning curves, and the public health.

BACKGROUND: Robotic technology disseminated into urological practice without robust comparative effectiveness data. OBJECTIVE: To review the diffusion of robotic surgery into urological practice. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature review focusing on diffusion patterns, patient safety, learning curves, and comparative costs for robotic radical prostatectomy, partial nephrectomy, and radical cystectomy. RESULTS: Robotic urologic surgery diffused in patterns typical of novel technology spreading among practicing surgeons. Robust evidence-based data comparing outcomes of robotic to open surgery were sparse. Although initial Level 3 evidence for robotic prostatectomy observed complication outcomes similar to open prostatectomy, subsequent population-based Level 2 evidence noted an increased prevalence of adverse patient safety events and genitourinary complications among robotic patients during the early years of diffusion. Level 2 evidence indicated comparable to improved patient safety outcomes for robotic compared to open partial nephrectomy and cystectomy. Learning curve recommendations for robotic urologic surgery have drawn exclusively on Level 4 evidence and subjective, non-validated metrics. The minimum number of cases required to achieve competency for robotic prostatectomy has increased to unrealistically high levels. Most comparative cost-analyses have demonstrated that robotic surgery is significantly more expensive than open or laparoscopic surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence-based data are limited but suggest an increased prevalence of adverse patient safety events for robotic prostatectomy early in the national diffusion period. Learning curves for robotic urologic surgery are subjective and based on non-validated metrics. The urological community should develop rigorous, evidence-based processes by which future technological innovations may diffuse in an organized and safe manner.

The effect of restrictive bariatric surgery on urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery, a mixed malabsorptive/restrictive procedure, is associated with enteric hyperoxaluria and an increased risk of kidney stones. The incidence of nephrolithiasis after purely restrictive bariatric procedures such as adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy has not been well described. We aim to analyze the incidence of kidney stones in patients who undergo either adjustable gastric banding or sleeve gastrectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a retrospective study, we analyzed a pool of 332 patients who underwent adjustable gastric banding and 85 patients who underwent sleeve gastrectomy at the University of California, San Diego Center for the Treatment for Obesity within a 54-month period (September 2006 to February 2011). The primary outcomes of urinary calculus diagnosis and surgical treatment were investigated using manual chart review and International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems-9 code electronic search. RESULTS: Within the adjustable gastric banding cohort, we found a person-time incidence rate of 3.40 stone diagnoses per 1000 person-years. Within the sleeve gastrectomy cohort, we found a person-time incidence rate of 5.25 stone diagnoses per 1000 person-years. CONCLUSIONS: Questions remain whether purely restrictive bariatric procedures such as sleeve gastrectomy or adjustable gastric banding avoid the risk of kidney stones. Our study demonstrates a very low incidence of kidney stones after restrictive bariatric procedures, although larger sample sizes, longer follow-up times, and controlled prospective studies are necessary to validate this finding.

Prevalence of nephrolithiasis in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on the highly active antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Protease inhibitors, specifically indinavir, have historically been implicated as a cause of nephrolithiasis in the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. There is a paucity of data, however, on stone disease with nonindinavir etiologies since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We sought to describe the prevalence of nephrolithiasis in the HIV population since the use of HAART. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed HIV-positive patients currently receiving HAART treatment in whom image proven kidney and/or ureteral urolithiasis developed, between 1998 and 2010. A detailed analysis of patients' current treatment, surgical intervention, and metabolic studies was performed. RESULTS: A total of 436 HIV-positive patients were included and 46 (11%) patients had nephrolithiasis. Each patient included in this study was receiving nonindinavir-based antiretroviral therapy. There were 41 men of whom 36 were Caucasian. Eleven (24%) patients underwent 24-hour urine collections with 11 metabolic abnormalities identified. Stone analysis was available for seven patients (four calcium oxalate monohydrate, one cystine, one uric acid, and one atazanavir). CONCLUSIONS: We report the largest series of nephrolithiasis in an HIV population since the introduction of HAART and highlight not only the similar prevalence of nephrolithiasis to the non-HIV population but also the lack of consistent comprehensive metabolic evaluations in HIV patients with recurrent nephrolithiasis.