Economic Evaluation of 1470 nm Diode Laser Enucleation vs Bipolar Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

Purpose: Large meta-analyses demonstrate the noninferiority of laser enucleation to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) with regard to long-term efficacy and reoperation rate. Although the 1470 nm diode laser enucleation of the prostate (DiLEP) is superior in hemostasis and surgical visibility, its complexity and associated longer operative time limit its widespread usage. The objective of this study was to generate long-term cost estimates for bipolar TURP and DiLEP, taking into account perioperative and adverse event costs. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective review of patients who underwent DiLEP (n = 114; November 2016 to February 2020) or TURP (n = 194; January 2016 to December 2018). A decision analysis model was constructed to compare costs of the primary procedure and subsequent complications taking into account disposable costs, operating room time, length of stay, reoperation rates, and readmissions. Costs were estimated from internal data, published literature and Medicare procedure costs. Markov modeling was used to create cost projections up to 10 years. Results: DiLEP was associated with shorter length of stay and fewer total complications, but longer operative times and greater initial costs. Cost were recuperated at 8 years postoperatively. At 10 years postoperatively, DiLEP represented approximately $664 cost savings per patient over TURP. Conclusions: DiLEP is a cost-effective alternative to TURP for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the properly selected patient. DiLEP has greater initial costs due to longer operative times. Costs are recuperated by 10 years postoperatively due to higher rate of same-day discharges, and lower complication and reoperation rates, incurring a $664 cost savings per patient treated by DiLEP relative to TURP.

Concurrent urinary and bowel diversion: Surgical modification with sigmoid colon that avoids a bowel anastomosis

ABSTRACT Objective: Cystectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard for muscle invasive bladder cancer. It also may be performed as part of pelvic exenteration for non-urologic malignancy, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and chronic conditions that result in a non-functional bladder (e.g., interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis). Our objective is to describe the surgical technique of urinary diversion using large intestine as a conduit whilst creating an end colostomy, thereby avoiding a primary bowel anastomosis and to show its applicability with respect to urologic conditions. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed five cases from a single institution that utilized the described method of urinary diversion with large intestine. We describe operative times, hospital length of stay (LOS), and describe post-operative complications. Results: Five patients with a variety of urologic and oncologic pathology underwent the described procedures. Their operative times ranged from 5 hours to 11 hours and one patient experienced a Clavien III complication. Conclusion: We describe five patients who underwent this procedure for various medical indications, and describe their outcomes, and believe dual diversion of urinary and gastrointestinal systems with colon as a urinary conduit to be an excellent surgical option for the appropriate surgical candidate.

How Often is Digital Rectal Examination Performed? Is it Still Taught to Medical Students?

INTRODUCTION: Digital rectal examination is an essential skill. However, it is not clear how often it is performed by AUA (American Urological Association) members or if it is still taught in medical school. METHODS: Two web based surveys were administered to AUA members (practicing urologists and residents/fellows) and medical student members of the AUA. The surveys inquired how often digital rectal examination was performed, when and how it was taught, and how the AUA could promote it. RESULTS: There were 331 responses from AUA members and 160 responses from medical students. Most (64%) AUA members performed digital rectal examination on at least 50% of male patients. When respondents were subdivided according to the median age of 36 years, AUA members older than 36 years performed significantly more routine digital rectal examinations while those 36 years old or younger relied significantly more on prostate specific antigen screening (p <0.001). While few medical schools had a mandatory urology rotation, 89% of students reported that digital rectal examination was a required component of their medical school education and it was taught during the second year. While 81% of medical students were aware of the AUA Medical Student Curriculum only 43% of them were aware that the AUA has videos instructing students on digital rectal examination. Finally, AUA members and students provided insight as to how the AUA could promote digital rectal examination. CONCLUSIONS: This study underscores the importance and general attitude of AUA members and students toward the digital rectal examination. In the future the AUA could further develop clinical guidelines, content and educational videos with particular emphasis on augmenting medical student education on digital rectal examination.

Concurrent urinary and bowel diversion: Surgical modification with sigmoid colon that avoids a bowel anastomosis.

OBJECTIVE: Cystectomy with urinary diversion is the gold standard for muscle invasive bladder cancer. It also may be performed as part of pelvic exenteration for non-urologic malignancy, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, and chronic conditions that result in a non-functional bladder (e.g., interstitial cystitis, radiation cystitis). Our objective is to describe the surgical technique of urinary diversion using large intestine as a conduit whilst creating an end colostomy, thereby avoiding a primary bowel anastomosis and to show its applicability with respect to urologic conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed five cases from a single institution that utilized the described method of urinary diversion with large intestine. We describe operative times, hospital length of stay (LOS), and describe post-operative complications. RESULTS: Five patients with a variety of urologic and oncologic pathology underwent the described procedures. Their operative times ranged from 5 hours to 11 hours and one patient experienced a Clavien III complication. CONCLUSION: We describe five patients who underwent this procedure for various medical indications, and describe their outcomes, and believe dual diversion of urinary and gastrointestinal systems with colon as a urinary conduit to be an excellent surgical option for the appropriate surgical candidate.

Nephrostomy tube placement prior to percutaneous nephrolithotomy does not impact outcomes.

INTRODUCTION: This study aims to compare outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) performed with a nephrostomy tube placed prior to surgery versus access at the time of surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and August 2014, 233 PCNLs were performed. One hundred and nine of those cases underwent placement of nephrostomy tubes at least 1 day prior to surgery (Group A), and the remaining 124 cases were performed in which access was obtained at the time of PCNL (Group B). Patient demographics, comorbidities, stone size, sepsis rates, and additional complication rates including bleeding and inability to access stone were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in patient demographics, stone size, or comorbidities when comparing the two groups. Success rates were not significantly different, 92.7% in Group A compared to 94.4% in Group B. Similarly, there was no significant difference in complication rates or ICU admissions. The rate of sepsis in Group A was 1.83% compared to 2.42% in Group B, which showed no statistical significance. Notably, there were more patients with neurogenic bladders in the pre-placement group (p = 0.05). CONCLUSION: Pre-placement of a nephrostomy tube prior to PCNL did not result in a decreased incidence of complications or sepsis and did not demonstrate increased success rates. Patients with neurogenic bladders may be more vulnerable to suffering from sepsis and therefore role of timing of nephrostomy tube placement must be further studied.

Utility of MDCT findings in predicting patient management outcomes in renal trauma.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to assess the utility of computed tomography (CT) in predicting clinical outcomes in renal trauma. MATERIALS/METHODS: This retrospective study was IRB approved and HIPAA compliant; informed consent was waived. One-hundred-sixty-two, trauma-related renal injuries (157 adults) from January 01, 2006 to December 31, 2013 were included in this retrospective study. CT findings of vascular and collecting system (CS) injuries were recorded, and American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) renal injury grades were assigned. Fisher's exact test evaluated correlations between AAST grade and active hemorrhage, AAST grade and surgical/endovascular therapy, active hemorrhage and surgical/endovascular therapy, and size of perinephric hematomas and CS injuries. The unpaired t test correlated to the size of perinephric hematomas in CS injuries diagnosed on initial versus repeat imaging. RESULTS: AAST grades were as follows: 120 grades I-III and 42 grade IV/V. Active hemorrhage was diagnosed in 25 (15%) patients and CS injury in 22 (14%) patients. Seven (8%) patients received surgical/endovascular therapy. There were statistically significant correlations between AAST grade and active hemorrhage (p = 0.003), active hemorrhage and surgical/endovascular therapy (p < 0.0001), and large perinephric hematomas (>2 cm) and CS injuries (p < 0.0001). There was no significant correlation between AAST grade and surgical/endovascular therapy (p = 0.08). Of the CS injuries (50%), 11/22 had no evidence of CS injury on initial imaging, being detected on follow-up CT. These "masked cases" demonstrated significant differences in perinephric hematoma size when compared to CS injuries diagnosed on initial imaging (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Active hemorrhage in renal trauma is a significant predictor of surgical/endovascular therapy, in contradistinction to the AAST grade. In collecting system injuries, a large fraction was not detectable on initial CT, supporting the need for repeat imaging in cases with large perinephric hematomas.