Function of bidirectional sensitivity in the otolith organs established by transcription factor Emx2.

Otolith organs of the inner ear are innervated by two parallel afferent projections to the brainstem and cerebellum. These innervations were proposed to segregate across the line of polarity reversal (LPR) within each otolith organ, which divides the organ into two regions of hair cells (HC) with opposite stereociliary orientation. The relationship and functional significance of these anatomical features are not known. Here, we show regional expression of Emx2 in otolith organs, which establishes LPR, mediates the neuronal segregation across LPR and constitutes the bidirectional sensitivity function. Conditional knockout (cKO) of Emx2 in HCs lacks LPR. Tmie cKO, in which mechanotransduction was abolished selectively in HCs within the Emx2 expression domain also lacks bidirectional sensitivity. Analyses of both mutants indicate that LPR is specifically required for mice to swim comfortably and to traverse a balance beam efficiently, but LPR is not required for mice to stay on a rotating rod.

Revision ureteroneocystostomy in pediatric renal transplant patients for symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux and its effect on recurrent hospitalizations.

BACKGROUND: Nearly 13,000 pediatric renal transplantations have been performed since 1987 with improving overall mortality and morbidity; however, graft infection remains a significant post-transplant concern. Recurrent urinary tract infections in pediatric patients with vesicoureteral reflux into their renal transplant can result in graft dysfunction, increased hospital cost, and impaired social and cognitive development due to time spent hospitalized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of revision ureteroneocystostomy on pediatric renal transplant patients with symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in reducing hospitalizations and recurrent urinary tract infections. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed pediatric patients from 2002 through 2021 who underwent renal transplantation and required revision ureteroneocystostomy due to symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux. We analyzed the differences in days hospitalized, days hospitalized due to urinary tract infection, and treated urinary tract infections prior to and after revision ureteroneocystostomy. RESULTS: Ten patients requiring revision ureteroneocystostomy secondary to symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux were identified. There was no difference in the observation time between transplant to revision, and revision to last follow up (2.3 years (IQR 1.3-6.5) vs 1.7 years (IQR 1-6.7), p = 0.4446). Overall, there was a significant decrease in the total number of hospitalization days (21.5 days (IQR 3-43) vs 5.5 days (IQR 0-9), p = 0.006), total number of hospitalization days related to urinary tract infection (14.5 days (IQR 3-28) vs 0 days (IQR 0-3), p = 0.008) and treated urinary tract infections (3.5 (IQR 3-6) vs 1 (IQR 0-2), p = 0.019) following revision ureteroneocystostomy. The rate of hospitalization days for urinary tract infection was also significantly decreased following revision ureteroneocystostomy (7.15 per/year (IQR 0.4-11.75) vs 0 per/year (IQR 0-0.8), p = 0.008). DISCUSSION: Symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux in pediatric transplant patients is difficult to manage and some patients will ultimately require surgery. There have been previous studies on the success of revision ureteroneocystostomy in treating reflux but no data on the reduction in hospitalizations associated with recurrent infections following the procedure. Limitations of this study are the small cohort size, retrospective nature, multi-surgeon study, and inherent selection bias due to evaluation of only surgical patients. CONCLUSION: Revision ureteroneocystostomy can limit the negative consequences of recurrent graft infections with reduction in hospitalization days and improved hospitalization rates due to urinary tract infections. The reduction in hospitalizations can greatly improve the cost of care along with quality of life for transplant patients and should be strongly considered in children with symptomatic vesicoureteral reflux who have failed conservative therapy.

Trends in Surgical Case Volume During Pacific Partnership Missions Onboard USNS Mercy.

INTRODUCTION: Since 2006, the U.S. Navy has conducted six Pacific Partnership (PP) missions throughout Southeast Asia on board the U.S. Naval Ship Mercy (T-AH 19). This study describes trends in overall and surgical specialty operative volumes to better understand the burden of surgical disease treated during these humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) operations. This information can assist medical planners and surgical leaders involved in future humanitarian missions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following approval from the Naval Medical Center San Diego Institutional Review Board, a retrospective review of surgical case data was performed for the six PP missions from 2006 to 2018. Data collected included patient demographics, Current Procedural Terminology codes, and surgical specialty. The primary outcome was surgical case volume per specialty. Secondary outcomes included surgical staffing per mission and overall trends in operative volume. RESULTS: A total of 3,826 operative procedures were performed during the study period. Mission years in which case volume for both general surgery and ophthalmology were below their respective medians were associated with the least total surgical services to host nations (HNs). The number of active duty Navy surgeons varied with each mission; however, the staffing for a PP mission generally included at least two general surgeons, one ophthalmologist, one plastic surgeon, one pediatric surgeon, one orthopedic surgeon, one otolaryngologist, one oral surgeon, one urologist, and one obstetrician-gynecologist. Case volume per surgeon was highest in 2006 (50 cases per surgeon) and decreased after 2006, reaching an all-time low during the 2018 PP mission (10 cases per surgeon). Pediatric surgery and plastic surgery had the highest average case volumes per surgeon at 58 and 46 cases per surgeon, respectively, while oromaxillofacial surgery and neurosurgery had the lowest average case volumes per surgeon at 9 and 14 cases per surgeon, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Operative volume on military HCA missions is greatly influenced by the priorities of the HN, the mission focus, the number of individuals from the HN that present for screening, and the availability of personnel and resources available on the hospital ship. Future mission planning should optimize general surgery and ophthalmology staffing and essential equipment, as total mission case volumes were highly dependent upon the productivity of these two specialties. Careful determination of the surgical needs of HNs should serve as a guide for the selection of subspecialists to maximize effectiveness in future military HCA missions.

Learning Curve for Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node Dissection.

Introduction: Robotic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (R-RPLND) is a challenging procedure. We hypothesized that surgical times and operative complications would decrease as surgeons became more facile with R-RPLND. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 121 consecutive R-RPLNDs performed at Naval Medical Center San Diego and Mayo Clinic Arizona by 4 fellowship trained robotic surgeons between 2008 and 2018. Linear regression was used to analyze independent predictors of setup time, operative time, and lymph node counts. Logistic regression was used to analyze open conversions, overall complications, and high-grade complications. Variables included as independent predictors were: sequential case number, surgeon, clinical stage, chemotherapy status, RPLND template, and body mass index. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted. Statistical significance was established at α = 0.05. Results: There was no change in setup time with case number (p = 0.317), but differences were noted between surgeons. Operative times decreased with increasing case number (p < 0.001) but were negatively affected by clinical stage III testis cancer (p = 0.029) and history of chemotherapy exposure (p = 0.050). Surgical times are predicted to decrease by 1 hour after 44 cases. Lymph node counts were dependent only on the surgeon. No factors were predictive of open conversions. Fewer overall complications occurred as experience was gained (p = 0.001), but high-grade complications could not be predicted. Conclusions: Consistent with the learning curves shown for other technologically advanced surgical techniques, experience appears to improve surgical times and lower complication rates for R-RPLND.

Use of Lean Six Sigma to Improve Access to Care in a Surgical Subspecialty Clinic.

INTRODUCTION: At the Naval Medical Center San Diego urology clinic, patients reported waiting for greater than 1 month for an initial consult. A Lean Six Sigma approach was used to improve access to care (ATC) and decrease variation in access by improving scheduling. METHODS: A Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control approach was used. Delay to new patient visits was identified as the focus of intervention. The scheduling template was changed from a fixed stream to a modified wave based on simulation software analysis of appointment cycle times. Appointment length was adjusted based on cycle time analysis, and two rooms per clinician were used instead of one. The ratio of initial consults relative to established follow-ups and procedures was adjusted upward to better balance with the historic demand. RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was seen in ATC and compliance with the Defense Health Agency (DHA) standard that new consults be seen within 28 days. Average days for a new consult to be seen were reduced by 7.2 days in the pediatric urology clinic (P < 0.0001) and 6.4 days in the adult urology clinic (P < 0.0001). Compliance with the Defense Health Agency 28-day ATC standard increased from a baseline of 69.2% to 88.9% and 61.7% to 84.4%, respectively, in the pediatric and adult clinics (P < 0.001 for both). Patient satisfaction was maintained at or above the goal threshold throughout the project. CONCLUSIONS: An Lean Six Sigma model was used to improve timeliness of care for our patients, improving the overall quality of their healthcare experience. Simulation software can be used to model the clinic throughput and test alternative scheduling templates. ATC was significantly improved and patient satisfaction was maintained at or above goal thresholds.

Primary robotic RLPND for nonseminomatous germ cell testicular cancer: a two-center analysis of intermediate oncologic and safety outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the intermediate-term oncologic outcomes and safety profile of the largest case series of primary robotic retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy for low-clinical-stage non-seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer. METHODS: This was a two-center retrospective analysis of robotic RPLND cases for low-clinical-stage (stage I-IIB) non-seminomatous germ cell testicular cancer in the primary setting. Demographic, perioperative, operative and oncologic variables were collected between March 2008 and May 2019. Descriptive analyses were performed and presented as medians with interquartile ranges for continuous variables and frequency and proportions for categorical variables. A survival analysis of time to recurrence was performed using Cox proportional hazards model. Using logistic regression, risk factors for complications were analyzed. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients (CS 1 = 56, CS IIA = 2, CS IIB = 0) were identified. The median follow-up was 47 months and the 2-year recurrence-free survival rate was 91%. The five recurrences were all out of the performed dissection template (pelvis = 1 and lung = 4). Only five patients (29%) with occult metastasis underwent adjuvant chemotherapy. The median operative time was 319 min [interquartile range (IQR) 276-355 min], estimated blood loss was 100 ml (IQR 75-200 ml), node count was 26 (IQR 20-31), and length of stay 2 d (IQR 1-3 days). There were 2 (3.3%) intraoperative complications, 19 (32.7%) 30-day postoperative complications to include 14 (24.1%) Clavien grade I, 4 (6.9%) Clavien grade II, 1 (1.7%) Clavien grade III and 0 Clavien grade IV complications. No statistical significance was found on multivariate or univariate analysis for survival analysis of time to recurrence and risk factors for complications. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the largest case series of primary R-RPLND for the treatment of low-stage non-seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT). With 47 months of follow-up and a low rate of adjuvant chemotherapy, intermediate oncologic efficacy appears to be comparable to the gold standard open approach.

The "Rule of W" in Urology: Testing Surgical Dictum.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the timing and frequency of postoperative occurrences as described in the "Rule of W" mnemonic for modern urologic and general surgical cases. METHODS: Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, patients who underwent a urologic or general surgery procedure and developed a postoperative pneumonia (PNA), urinary tract infection (UTI), surgical site infection, venous thromboembolic event, or myocardial infarction (MI) were included. Frequency and median days to complication were compared. RESULTS: A total of 445,639 general surgery and 57,963 urology patients were included. Median time to occurrence differed between the cohorts for PNA, UTI, superficial infection, organ space infection, and MI. MI occurred earliest on POD3 for both groups (P = .0438). PNA occurred second on POD4 and POD5 for general surgery and urology, respectively (P = .0034). Venous thromboembolic events occurred third with PE occurring on POD8 for both cohorts (P = .1225) and deep venous thrombosis occurring on POD10 and POD11 (P = .6879) for general surgery and urology, respectively. Wound-related complications occurred at days 9-12 for general surgery and 11-13 for urology. The final sequence yielded waves, wind, walking, water/wound for general surgery and waves, wind, walking, wound, water for urology. CONCLUSION: A different chronology of postoperative events was found for urology patients than that described in the original mnemonic. UTIs and wound-related complications represent the most frequent morbidities for the urologic and general surgical patient, respectively. As patient demographics and practice patterns evolve, the "Rule of W", and other teaching tools, will need to be continually and critically reviewed.

Survey of Sexual Function and Pornography.

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to explore and describe the pornography habits of young men and women. Given recent upward trends in pornography use and erectile dysfunction, along with a plausible pathophysiology, we hypothesized that pornography use would correlate with sexual dysfunction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Surveys were distributed to 20-40 year old men and women presenting to a urology clinic. Information was collected on demographics and medical history. Sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) in men and the Female Sexual Function Index in women. Extent of potential addiction to pornography was measured with the pornography craving questionnaire and the obsessive passion scale. Pornography use was measured based on both frequency and duration, and analyzed relative to sexual dysfunction. RESULTS: Men used pornography significantly more frequently than women (81.1% vs. 39%). Computer and cellular phone image viewing were the most popular modalities in both sexes. There was no association between IIEF and craving for, or obsessive passion for, pornography. Preference for pornography with masturbation was found to be significantly associated with erectile dysfunction (p = 0.001). Rates of erectile dysfunction were lowest in those preferring partnered sex without pornography (22.3%) and increased significantly when pornography was preferred over partnered sex (78%). No correlation was found between any variables and female sexual dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Pornography and sexual dysfunction are common among young people. No clear relationship exists between extent of addiction to pornography and sexual dysfunction in either gender. However, men who prefer masturbation with pornography to partnered sex have a significantly increased risk of sexual dysfunction. Given sexual dysfunction may be associated with mental health concerns, further evaluation of its causes and impact on military operational readiness are warranted.

First Do No Harm: Predicting Surgical Morbidity During Humanitarian Medical Missions.

BACKGROUND: Despite good intentions, humanitarian surgical missions are unavoidably linked to some degree of complication. We hypothesized that the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS-SRC) could estimate the risk of complications of procedures performed during the US Navy's Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15) mission. METHODS: Patient information and surgical details recorded during PP15 were entered into the ACS-SRC. Risks of complications for each procedure were calculated. Receiver operating characteristics and Brier scores were calculated to compare the predicted outcomes to the observed complications. RESULTS: Of the 174 unique procedures performed during PP15 (representing 465 patients), 99 were found in the ACS-SRC (representing 256 patients). Risk calculations for PP15 were: 1.5% risk (IQR 0.9, 2.4) of "serious" complications and 2.0% risk (IQR 1.3, 2.8) of "any" complication. ACS-SRC specific risks were calculated as follows: pneumonia 0.1%, cardiac 0.0%, surgical site infection (SSI) 0.6%, urinary tract infection 0.2%, venous thromboembolism 0.1%, renal failure 0.0%, OR return 0.9%, and death 0.0%. The only specific ACS-SRC complication observed was "OR return" (0.35%) and SSI (0.35%). The observed PP15 rates for "serious" or "any" complications (ACS-SRC definition) were 0.70% (2/285) each. Receiver operating characteristics for ACS-SRC for predicting "serious" or "any" complication were 0.743 (p = 0.118) and 0.654 (p = 0.227), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Although the ACS-SRC over-predicted risk compared to observed outcomes, it may offer a good starting point for humanitarian surgery risk calculation. Observed outcomes may be limited by loss-to-follow-up bias. Emphasis should be placed on establishing patient follow-up as part of humanitarian surgical mission planning and execution.

Correction: Park, B.Y., et al. Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports. Behav. Sci. 2016, 6, 17.

The conflict of interest section of the published paper[...].

Endoscopic Management of Primary Obstructive Megaureter: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard treatment for primary obstructive megaureter (POM) with declining renal function, worsening obstruction, or recurrent infections is ureteral reimplantation with or without tapering. In infants, open surgery can be technically demanding and associated with significant morbidity. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with special interest in endoscopic management of POM and its outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A search was conducted of the MEDLINE/Ovid, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Only full-text articles written in the English language and involving greater than one reported pediatric case per publication were included. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed strength of evidence for each study. RESULTS: We found 11 retrospective and 1 prospective, single institution case series that met selection criteria, describing 222 patients with 237 obstructed renal units. Mean age at time of surgery was 24.6 months. The most common endoscopic approaches were cystoscopy+high-pressure balloon dilation+Double-J ureteral stent placement (49.5%), cystoscopy+incisional ureterotomy+Double-J ureteral stent placement (27.8%), and cystoscopy+Double-J ureteral stent placement (18.9%). For all approaches and age groups, anatomic and functional success rates were 79.3% (146/184) and 76.7% (132/172), respectively. Anatomic success rates were highest in children ≥12 months of age (82.3%, 117/142). Endoscopic retreatment was performed in 15.1% of cases with a 36.7% overall surgical reintervention rate. Forty-one ureters progressed to ureteral reimplantation. Complications were generally mild (Clavien-Dindo Grades I-II), but 12 ureters did develop vesicoureteral reflux. Mean follow-up period was 3.2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic management for persistent or progressive POM in children ≥12 months of age is a minimally invasive alternative to ureteral reimplantation with modest success rates. In infants, it may best be utilized as a temporizing procedure. Approximately one-third of patients require surgical reintervention.

To 'Pex or Not to 'Pex: What to Do for the Contralateral Testis When a Nubbin Is Discovered.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Testicular remnants or nubbins are commonly found in the evaluation and treatment of cryptorchidism. While much debate focuses on the management of the nubbin itself, there is also great uncertainty and variation in the management of the contralateral descended testis. Herein, we review the relevant literature informing the decision to perform a contralateral orchiopexy. RECENT FINDINGS: Although there is very little recent literature directly addressing the question, some studies have better characterized differences in practice, the risk of intravaginal torsion in the contralateral testis and potential consequences in the selection of technique. The etiology of a vanishing testis remains obscure, but appears more likely to be the result of a prenatal extravaginal torsion. While indeterminate, the risk of contralateral torsion of a descended testis appears to concentrate around the neonatal period with no substantially increased risk in later years. Contralateral orchiopexy, although a low-risk procedure, likely benefits very few and may carry an as yet poorly described risk to the contralateral testicle depending on the technique of fixation.

Robot-assisted vasovasostomy using a single layer anastomosis.

Of all patients who have vasectomies performed in the United States, upwards of 6% will pursue a vasectomy reversal. Currently, the gold-standard reversal procedure is a microscopic vasovasostomy utilizing either a one or two-layer vasal anastomosis. Unfortunately, most urologists do not perform these procedures as they require extensive training and experience in microsurgery. The objective of our study was to evaluate the feasibility and success rate of robot-assisted vasovasostomy performed at our institution. We completed a retrospective review of our experience with vasectomy reversal utilizing the da Vinci® Surgical System and a single layer vasal anastomosis. A successful reversal was defined as a return of sperm on semen analysis or light microscopy. Since 2009 we have completed 79 robotic vasectomy reversals, 60 of which utilized a single-layer vasal anastomosis. The average obstructive interval was 5.7 ± 2.2 years. Average operative time was 192 min. 42 patients returned for a post-operative semen evaluation at an average time of 4.3 months post-procedure revealing a success rate of 88% (37 out of 42). Post-operative semen parameters were significant for an average sperm density of 31.0 million/mL with an average motility of 29.1%. Robot-assisted vasovasostomy with a single layer anastomosis has overall success rates that are similar to that of reported microscopic vasovasostomy rates. Although more study is warranted with regard to cost, we feel as though our study demonstrates an alternative approach to vasectomy reversal that can be performed successfully by urologists trained in robotic surgery.

Is Internet Pornography Causing Sexual Dysfunctions? A Review with Clinical Reports.

Traditional factors that once explained men's sexual difficulties appear insufficient to account for the sharp rise in erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, decreased sexual satisfaction, and diminished libido during partnered sex in men under 40. This review (1) considers data from multiple domains, e.g., clinical, biological (addiction/urology), psychological (sexual conditioning), sociological; and (2) presents a series of clinical reports, all with the aim of proposing a possible direction for future research of this phenomenon. Alterations to the brain's motivational system are explored as a possible etiology underlying pornography-related sexual dysfunctions. This review also considers evidence that Internet pornography's unique properties (limitless novelty, potential for easy escalation to more extreme material, video format, etc.) may be potent enough to condition sexual arousal to aspects of Internet pornography use that do not readily transition to real-life partners, such that sex with desired partners may not register as meeting expectations and arousal declines. Clinical reports suggest that terminating Internet pornography use is sometimes sufficient to reverse negative effects, underscoring the need for extensive investigation using methodologies that have subjects remove the variable of Internet pornography use. In the interim, a simple diagnostic protocol for assessing patients with porn-induced sexual dysfunction is put forth.

Abdominoscrotal hydrocele: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Abdominoscrotal hydrocele (ASH) is an uncommon condition characterized by a fluid-filled mass with inguinoscrotal and abdominal components. Controversy exists regarding the best management. We conducted a systematic review of the literature with special interest in presentation, management and outcomes. METHODS: A search was conducted of the MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, Ovid, Web of Science and Scopus databases. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in each study. RESULTS: We found 18 case series that met selection criteria, describing 116 patients with 146 hydroceles. Unilateral ASH was found in 59% of cases with almost even distribution between left and right-sided hydroceles. Ipsilateral undescended testicle, testicular dysmorphism, and contralateral pathology (inguinal hernia) often accompanied ASH. Management was always surgical. The most common approaches were inguinal (67.2%), combined laparoscopic + inguinal (11.2%), and scrotal (10.3%). Complications were poorly reported, but were generally minor. There were a decreased number of complications with the scrotal approach because of avoidance of a difficult inguinal dissection. CONCLUSIONS: ASH is a rare entity treated most commonly via an inguinal approach. However, consideration should be given to combining with an extraperitoneal or laparoscopic approach given coexisting pathology, or to the scrotal approach for reducing morbidity.

Intraocular Pressure During Robotic-assisted Laparoscopic Procedures Utilizing Steep Trendelenburg Positioning.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of steep Trendelenburg (sTBURG) surgical positioning on intraocular pressure (IOP) during robotic-assisted laparoscopy (RAL) in subjects without previously identified ocular disease. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS AND CONTROLS: Eighteen patients undergoing RAL with sTBURG and 21 controls undergoing open and laparoscopic cases in horizontal positioning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Research data derived from an approved Naval Medical Center, San Diego, CA, IRB protocol. A study group undergoing RAL utilizing sTBURG (group 1) was compared with a control group undergoing open surgery in the horizontal position (group 2), and laparoscopic cases in the horizontal position (group 3). An ophthalmologic examination including Snellen visual acuity, IOP, Humphrey Visual Field (HVF) 24-2 with standard Swedish Interactive Thresholding Algorithm, time domain optical coherence tomography (OCT), retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) analysis, pachymetry, and dilated fundus examination was conducted preoperatively and at 1 month postoperatively. IOP was measured intraoperatively at discrete time-points. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: IOP values, change in OCT RNFL thickness, HVF mean deviation, and HVF pattern standard deviation. RESULTS: Baseline IOP (mm Hg) was similar, 13.7±3.2 for group 1 versus 15.3±3.2 for group 2 and 14.1±2.4 for group 3 (P=0.55). The IOP plateau from 60 minutes until case conclusion occurred at 29.9 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 27.4-32.5), 19.9 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 17.6-22.3), and 22.8 mm Hg (95% confidence interval, 20.2-25.4) for group 1, group 2, and group 3, respectively. There were no significant changes in OCT RNFL thickness, HVF mean deviation, and HVF pattern standard deviation. CONCLUSIONS: Significant elevations of IOP are experienced during robotic surgery utilizing sTBURG positioning in patients with healthy eyes, and we recommend a multidisciplinary approach in determining potential risk to those with known ocular disease who are candidates for these procedures.

Improving Clinic Productivity through a Shared Medical Appointment.

INTRODUCTION: Physicians are increasingly challenged to balance quality health care with fewer resources and limited time. To help achieve this balance, shared medical appointments have been described. We improved clinic-wide access to care by creating a shared medical appointment for minor penile complaints and anomalies. METHODS: We implemented a shared medical appointment in April 2013. We developed an intake form to efficiently gather patient history, and a standardized presentation to discuss diagnosis, treatment options, risks and benefits. Outcomes assessed included access to care time, the rate at which patients were seen within a target of 28 days, the number of appointments scheduled and patient complaints. To control for provider availability we evaluated the number of vacation days and operating room cases for the sole pediatric urologist. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The periods of November 2012 to March 2013 and May 2013 to September 2013 were evaluated. There was a statistically significant improvement in median (IQR) access to care, with a decrease from 26.6 days (26.4, 29.4) before to 20 days (17.1, 24.3) after implementation of the shared medical appointment (p=0.0163). The goal access to care standard was met with a median (IQR) of 81.4% (56.7, 82.8) after the shared medical appointment compared to 44.3% (25.0, 46.9) before the shared appointment (p=0.0283). After implementation of the shared medical appointment, more appointments were scheduled per month at 161 (156, 165) vs 128 (120, 130; p=0.1172). CONCLUSIONS: We successfully implemented a shared medical appointment and significantly improved our clinic productivity. This program allowed us to improve access to care by almost 1 week and to increase the overall volume of patients seen monthly.

Youth varicocele and varicocele treatment: a meta-analysis of semen outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To study youth who have a varicocele or are undergoing varicocele treatment, in relation to changes in semen, as measured by semen analysis (SA). DESIGN: Meta-analysis of studies identified via a search of PubMed, Medline, and the Cochrane Library covering the last 40 years. SETTING: Not applicable. PATIENT(S): Youth from studies that assessed the presence and/or treatment of varicocele with SA. INTERVENTION(S): Selected studies were analyzed in two separate meta-analyses: one for the effect of varicocele on semen, as measured by SA (hypothesis #1), the other for the effect of treatment on semen, as measured by SA (hypothesis #2). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted mean difference (WMD) of semen outcomes. Heterogeneity was calculated. Bias was assessed with funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULT(S): The initial literature search returned 1,180 potentially relevant articles. For hypothesis #1, 10 studies with a total of 357 varicocele and 427 control subjects were included. Sperm density, motility, and morphology were significantly decreased when associated with a varicocele, with a WMD of -24.0×10(6)/mL (95% confidence interval [CI; -39.5 to -8.6]), -7.5% (95% CI [-12.3% to -2.7%]), and -1.7% (95% CI [-2.4% to -1.1%]), respectively. Another 10 studies with 379 treated and 270 untreated subjects were analyzed for hypothesis #2. Sperm density and motility were significantly improved following treatment, with a WMD of 14.6×10(6)/mL (95% CI [7.1-22.1]) and 6.6% (95% CI [2.1%-11.2%]), respectively. CONCLUSION(S): The presence of varicocele in youth appears to negatively affect sperm density, motility, and morphology. Treatment appears to result in moderate improvement of sperm density and mild improvement in sperm motility.

Operating characteristics of follicle-stimulating hormone in azoospermic men.

OBJECTIVE: To validate factors predictive of nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA) and to determine the operating characteristics of FSH for predicting NOA. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care military treatment facility. PATIENT(S): One hundred forty azoospermic males undergoing infertility evaluation. INTERVENTION(S): Standard evaluation included history and physical, hormonal workup, and genetic evaluation. Diagnostic testicular biopsy was offered to characterize patients as obstructive azoospermia (OA) or NOA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Semen volume, semen fructose, FSH, T, E2, PRL, testicular atrophy. RESULT(S): Seventy-eight of 140 azoospermic patients underwent a biopsy. The ability to predict NOA based on logistic regression was statistically significant for FSH and testicular atrophy. On multivariate analysis, only FSH remained predictive of NOA. The area under the FSH receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.847, which is significant. The cut point of FSH with the highest likelihood ratio of predicting NOA on biopsy was ≥12.3 mIU/mL. CONCLUSION(S): FSH remains the best predictor of NOA. With full knowledge of the operating characteristics of FSH in this population, a patient can be properly educated and treatment can be individualized, based on the specific risk associated with that subject's measured FSH.