Sexually transmitted diseases and HIV co-infection among adult male patients in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis estimates sexually transmitted disease (STI) and HIV rates in male monkeypox patients during the 2022 outbreak. The study examines contextual factors that increase monkeypox risk. A systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted to find observational studies on monkeypox patients' demographics and medical characteristics from the 2022 outbreak. This review's meta-analysis followed the System for the Unified Management, Assessment, and Review of Information - Joanna Briggs Institute (SUMARI JBI) guidelines. All HIV and STI prevalence data for male monkeypox patients was exported into the SUMARI JBI. For point prevalence of HIV and STIs, we used the Freeman-Tukey-type arcsine square root transformation to stabilize raw proportion variances. A fixed-effects model weighted and pooled all estimates by inverse variance. We then used a random model to account for sampling variation and reported fixed-effect model effect size heterogeneity across studies. Study heterogeneity was measured using the I2 test statistic and P-values. I2 test results were interpreted as low (25%), moderate (50%), and high (75%). Six Spanish and English studies qualified. These studies included 541 male monkeypox patients, 214 of whom had HIV and 255 with other STIs. HIV prevalence was estimated at 40% (95% CI = 0.31%, 0.50%; ᵡ2=15) and STIs at 43% (95% CI = 25%, 61%; ᵡ2=118). Overall, analyses showed moderate to high heterogeneity. Four in ten male monkeypox patients in 2022 had HIV or other STIs. To prevent HIV and other STIs, public health measures should target male and female monkeypox patients.

From awareness to action: Unveiling knowledge, attitudes and testing strategies to enhance human papillomavirus vaccination uptake in Jordan.

Purpose: Vaccination against HPV plays a crucial role in preventing cervical cancer and related health issues. This study aimed to (1) assess knowledge, awareness, intentions, and attitudes regarding HPV and vaccination among Jordanian parents, and (2) evaluate the efficacy of two intervention strategies in promoting knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards HPV vaccinations. Methods: In study one, a web-based survey was used to collect data from Jordanian parents. In study two, participants were allocated into three groups: video-based intervention, lecture-based intervention, and a control group. Pre-post tests were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention strategies in promoting knowledge, awareness, and attitudes toward HPV vaccination among Jordanian parents. Results: A total of 572 participants took part in the survey. Knowledge levels about HPV and its vaccine were generally low. Intentions regarding HPV vaccination were uncertain for the majority of participants, with 92 % reported as not receiving any guidance from medical professionals about administering the HPV vaccine to themselves or their children. Only 22 % agreed that their children might get infected with HPV at any time in their lives. The pilot randomized clinical trial revealed an improvement in knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards HPV vaccination in both intervention groups compared to the control group with large effect sizes (eta squared between 0.29 and 0.68). Conclusions: Findings highlight the need for increased knowledge and awareness regarding HPV and vaccination. It also supported the potential effectiveness of basic educational efforts in significantly improving knowledge, awareness, and attitudes towards the HPV vaccine.

Does previous transurethral resection of the prostate affect the outcomes in robotic assisted radical prostatectomy?

PURPOSE: Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) is one of the surgical options for treating enlarged prostates with lower urinary symptoms (LUTS). In this older group of patients, concomitant prostate cancer is not uncommon. However, the fibrosis and distortion of the prostate anatomy by prior TURP can potentially hinder surgical efficacy at robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We aim to evaluate functional, and oncologic outcomes of RARP in patients with and without previous TURP. METHODS: 231 men with previous TURP underwent RARP (TURP group). These men were propensity score matched using clinicopathological characteristics to men without previous TURP who underwent RARP (Control group). Perioperative and postoperative variables were analysed for significant differences in outcomes between groups. Variables analysed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, catheter time, hospitalization time, postoperative complications, positive surgical margins (PSM) rates, cancer status, biochemical recurrence (BCR), potency, and continence rates. RESULTS: Patients in the TURP group showed no statistically significant differences in operative safety measures including median EBL, operative time, catheter time, hospitalization time or postoperative complications. No significant difference between the groups in terms of potency rates and continence rates. Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in oncological outcomes, including PSM rates (15% vs 18%, P = 0.3) and BCR. CONCLUSION: In RARP after TURP there is often noticeable distortion of the surgical anatomy. For an experienced team the procedure is safe and provides similar oncologic control and functional outcomes to RARP in patients without previous TURP.

Step-by-step Peritoneal Bladder Flap Bunching (PBFB) technique: an innovative approach following lymph node dissection in robotic radical prostatectomy.

INTRODUCTION: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) has become a popular surgical approach for localized prostate cancer due to its favorable oncological and functional outcomes, as well as lower morbidity. In cases of intermediate- and high-risk prostate cancer, bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) is recommended as an adjunct to RARP (1-3). Despite its benefits, PLND can lead to surgical complications, with postoperative lymphocele formation being the most common. Most postoperative lymphoceles are clinically insignificant with variable incidence, reaching up to 60% of cases 4. However, a small percentage of patients 2-8% may experience symptomatic lymphoceles (SL), which can cause significant morbidity (4, 5). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (6). After vesicourethral anastomosis a modified PF created to prevent symptomatic lymphocele. We start by suturing the peritoneal fold on the right side, medially to the vas deferens, followed by a similar stitch on the left side to approximate the edges in the midline. A running suture bunches the bladder peritoneum from both sides, passing through the pubic bone periosteum to secure it in place (7). This approach keeps the lateral pelvic gutters open for lymphatic drainage, while allowing fluid drainage from the true pelvis into the abdomen. A pelvic ultrasound was done for all patients at 6 weeks post operative, and additional clinical follow-up was carried out at 3 months following surgery. CONSIDERATIONS: We have demonstrated a modified technique of peritoneal flap (PBFB) with an initial decrease in postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles, the technique is feasible, safe, does not add significant morbidity, and does not require a learning curve.

Peritoneal Flap Following Lymph Node Dissection in Robotic Radical Prostatectomy: A Novel "Bunching" Technique.

BACKGROUND: Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) is recommended while performing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for patients with localized intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer. However, symptomatic lymphoceles can occur after surgery, adding significant morbidity to patients. Our objective is to describe a novel Peritoneal Bladder Flap Bunching technique (PBFB) to reduce the risk of clinically significant lymphoceles in patients undergoing RARP and PLND. METHODS: We evaluated 2267 patients who underwent RARP with PLND, dividing them into two groups: Group 1, comprising 567 patients who had the peritoneal flap (PBFB), and Group 2, comprising 1700 patients without the flap; propensity score matching carried out at a 1:3 ratio. Variables analyzed included estimated blood loss (EBL), operative time, postoperative complications, lymphocele formation, and the development of symptomatic lymphocele. RESULTS: The two groups exhibited similar preoperative characteristics after matching. There was no statistically significant difference in the occurrence of lymphoceles between the flap group and the non-flap group, with rates of 24% and 20.9%, respectively (p = 0.14). However, none of the patients in the flap group (0%) developed symptomatic lymphoceles, whereas 2.2% of patients in the non-flap group experienced symptomatic lymphoceles (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: We have demonstrated a modified technique for a peritoneal flap (PBFB) with the initial elimination of postoperative symptomatic lymphoceles and promising short-term outcomes.

Oncologic outcomes with and without amniotic membranes in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy: A propensity score matched analysis.

Objective: Placement of human placenta derived grafts during robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) hastens the return of continence and potency. The long-term impact on the oncologic outcomes remains to be investigated. Our objective was to determine the oncologic outcomes of patients with dehydrated human amnion chorion membrane (dHACM) at RARP compared to a matched cohort. Methods: In a referral centre, from August 2013 to October 2019, 599 patients used dHACM in bilateral nerve-sparing RARP. We excluded patients with less than 12 months follow-up, simple prostatectomy, and unilateral nerve-sparing. Patients with dHACM (amnio group) were 529, and were propensity score matched 1:1 to 2465 patients without dHACM (non-amnio group) and a minimum follow-up of 36 months. At the time of RARP, dHACM was placed around the neurovascular bundle in the amnio group. Continuous and categorical variables in matched groups was tested by two-sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and Fisher's exact test respectively. Outcomes measured were biochemical recurrence (BCR), adjuvant and salvage therapy rates. Results: Propensity score matching resulted in two groups of 444 patients. Cumulative incidence functions for BCR did not show a difference between the groups (p=0.3). Patients in the non-amnio group required salvage therapy more frequently than the amnio group, particularly after partial nerve-sparing RARP (6.3% vs. 2.3%, p=0.001). Limitations are the absence of prospective randomization. Conclusion: The data suggest that using dHACM does not have a negative impact on BCR in patients. Outcomes of cancer specific and overall survival will require follow-up study to increase our understanding of these grafts' impact on prostate cancer biology.

Impact of Prostate Size on the Functional and Oncological Outcomes of Robot-assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the main surgical approach for treatment of prostate cancer in the USA. Prostate size is always depicted as a factor affecting the outcomes of RARP as shown by many studies, but these studies are limited to a small number of patients. Our aim was to evaluate functional and oncologic outcomes of RARP across varying prostate size measured as prostate specimen weight. METHODS: A cohort of 14 481 patients who underwent RARP in a single center was divided into four groups according to prostate specimen weight: group 1, <50 g; group 2, 50-100 g; group 3, 100-150 g; and group 4, >150 g. Perioperative and postoperative variables and pathological and functional outcomes were compared among the four groups. Cumulative incidence functions were plotted to visualize the distribution of event-time variables among the groups, and differences were evaluated using the log-rank test. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: Patients with larger prostates (groups 3 and 4) were more likely to have higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA), lower biopsy grade group, and worse baseline urinary and sexual characteristics. Group 4 had lower rates of full nerve-sparing surgery (13.7% vs 38.3%) and lymph node dissection (51.3% vs 71.4%), more pT2 disease (69.8% vs 60.3%), less pT3 disease (30.2% vs 39.7%), and lower rates of positive surgical margins (12.8% vs 19.3%) and biochemical recurrence (5.9% vs 7.5%) than group 1. Finally, we observed differences in functional outcomes among the groups for greater prostate size, and patients in group 4 had worse rates of urinary continence (77.8% vs 89.5%) and recovery of sexual function (70.0% vs 84.1%) than group 1. Our study is limited by its retrospective design. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results demonstrate that in this large cohort of patients, greater prostate size affects multiple outcomes, including the rate of nerve-sparing surgery, potency and continence recovery, and oncological and pathological outcomes. These data will be valuable when counseling patients regarding possible RARP outcomes and the timeline for recovery. PATIENT SUMMARY: Our study shows that prostate size can affect the outcomes of robot-assisted removal of the prostate for patients with prostate cancer. Larger prostate size can be associated with worse functional outcomes after surgery.

Clinical applications of robotic surgery platforms: a comprehensive review.

Robotic surgery has expanded globally across various medical specialties since its inception more than 20 years ago. Accompanying this expansion were significant technological improvements, providing tremendous benefits to patients and allowing the surgeon to perform with more precision and accuracy. This review lists some of the different types of platforms available for use in various clinical applications. We performed a literature review of PubMed and Web of Science databases in May 2023, searching for all available articles describing surgical robotic platforms from January 2000 (the year of the first approved surgical robot, da Vinci® System, by Intuitive Surgical) until May 1st, 2023. All retrieved robotic platforms were then divided according to their clinical application into four distinct groups: soft tissue robotic platforms, orthopedic robotic platforms, neurosurgery and spine platforms, and endoluminal robotic platforms. Robotic surgical technology has undergone a rapid expansion over the last few years. Currently, multiple robotic platforms with specialty-specific applications are entering the market. Many of the fields of surgery are now embracing robotic surgical technology. We review some of the most important systems in clinical practice at this time.

Impacts on functional and oncological outcomes of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy 10 years after the US Preventive Service Taskforce recommendations against PSA screening.

OBJECTIVE: In the following years after the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate cancer screening with PSA in 2012, several authors worldwide described an increase in higher grades and aggressive prostate tumors. In this scenario, we aim to evaluate the potential impacts of USPSTF recommendations on the functional and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a referral center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included 11396 patients who underwent RARP between 2008 and 2021. Each patient had at least a 12-month follow-up. The cohort was divided into two groups based on an inflection point in the outcomes at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. The inflection point period was detected by Bayesian regression with multiple change points and regression with unknown breakpoints. We reported continuous variables as median and interquartile range (IQR) and categorical variables as absolute and relative percent frequencies. RESULTS: Group 1 had 4760 patients, and Group 2 had 6636 patients, with a median follow-up of 109 and 38 months, respectively. In the final pathology, Group 2 had 9.5% increase in tumor volume, 24% increase on Gleason ≥ 4+3 (ISUP 3) , and 18% increase on ≥ pT3. This translated to a 6% increase in positive surgical margins and 24% reduction in full nerve sparing in response to the worsening pathology. There was a significant decline in post-operative outcomes in Group 2, including a 12-month continence reduction of 9%, reduction in potency by 27%, and reduction of trifecta by 22%. CONCLUSIONS: The increasing number of high-risk patients has led to worse functional and oncologic outcomes. The initial rapid rise in PSM was leveled by the move towards more partial nerve sparing. Among some historical changes in prostate cancer diagnosis and management in the period of our study, the USPSTF recommendation coincided with worse outcomes of prostate cancer treatment in a population who could benefit from PSA screening at the appropriate time.

Impacts on functional and oncological outcomes of Robotic-assisted Radical Prostatectomy 10 years after the US Preventive Service Taskforce recommendations against PSA screening

ABSTRACT Objective: In the following years after the United States Preventive Service Task Force (USPSTF) recommendation against prostate cancer screening with PSA in 2012, several authors worldwide described an increase in higher grades and aggressive prostate tumors. In this scenario, we aim to evaluate the potential impacts of USPSTF recommendations on the functional and oncological outcomes in patients undergoing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in a referral center. Material and Methods: We included 11396 patients who underwent RARP between 2008 and 2021. Each patient had at least a 12-month follow-up. The cohort was divided into two groups based on an inflection point in the outcomes at the end of 2012 and the beginning of 2013. The inflection point period was detected by Bayesian regression with multiple change points and regression with unknown breakpoints. We reported continuous variables as median and interquartile range (IQR) and categorical variables as absolute and relative percent frequencies. Results: Group 1 had 4760 patients, and Group 2 had 6636 patients, with a median follow-up of 109 and 38 months, respectively. In the final pathology, Group 2 had 9.5% increase in tumor volume, 24% increase on Gleason ≥ 4+3 (ISUP 3), and 18% increase on ≥ pT3. This translated to a 6% increase in positive surgical margins and 24% reduction in full nerve sparing in response to the worsening pathology. There was a significant decline in post-operative outcomes in Group 2, including a 12-month continence reduction of 9%, reduction in potency by 27%, and reduction of trifecta by 22%. Conclusions: The increasing number of high-risk patients has led to worse functional and oncologic outcomes. The initial rapid rise in PSM was leveled by the move towards more partial nerve sparing. Among some historical changes in prostate cancer diagnosis and management in the period of our study, the USPSTF recommendation coincided with worse outcomes of prostate cancer treatment in a population who could benefit from PSA screening at the appropriate time.

Flu Shots Unveiled: A Global Systematic Review of Healthcare Providers' Uptake of, Perceptions, and Attitudes toward Influenza Vaccination.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Influenza, with its potential for widespread transmission and significant health repercussions for individuals and populations, demands the immediate implementation of effective preventive measures. Vaccination stands as a long-standing evidence-based strategic approach to bolster immunity, especially for healthcare providers at heightened risk due to repeated exposure. Nevertheless, studies indicate a variance in adherence to recommended vaccination protocols and a notable prevalence of hesitancy and negative attitudes toward influenza vaccination among this critical group globally. Recognizing the multifaceted nature of attitudes is essential for the development of targeted interventions and strategies tailored to address the specific concerns and motivations of healthcare providers. To this end, this study synthesized the evidence gathered from an exhaustive systematic review of studies on healthcare providers' uptake of and perceptions and attitudes toward influenza vaccination. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted across the databases PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and EMBASE. The review adhered to PRISMA guidelines, using Covidence for screening. The process involved 4970 references, with 2684 screened after duplicate removals and 1891 excluded, leaving 793 full texts evaluated, resulting in a final 368 selected references for analysis. Due to the considerable heterogeneity observed among the studies, a narrative synthesis method was employed. RESULTS: Five themes emerged from the systematic review's analysis, offering a multifaceted perspective on healthcare providers' attitudes toward influenza vaccination: (1) fostering positive views: factors promoting attitudes toward influenza vaccines; (2) navigating hesitancy: barriers and challenges to attitudes on influenza vaccines; (3) empowering change: interventions and their impact on healthcare providers' attitudes; (4) pandemic overlap: intersecting attitudes toward influenza and COVID-19 vaccines; and (5) twin challenges: the impact of mandatory policy on attitudes and influenza vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers' attitudes toward influenza vaccination are complex and influenced by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, barriers, demographics, organizational factors, interventions, pandemic contexts, and policy considerations. Effective strategies for promoting influenza vaccination should be multifaceted, adaptable, and tailored to address these interconnected aspects, ultimately contributing to improved vaccination rates and public health outcomes.

Technical and anatomical challenges to approach robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with Urolift®

ABSTRACT Introduction Urolift® is a surgical modality to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with enlarged prostates (1). However, the inflammatory process caused by the device usually displaces the prostate's anatomical landmarks and challenges surgeons performing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). In this video, we will illustrate several technical challenges in patients with Urolift ® who underwent RARP. Material and Methods We performed a video compilation with several surgical steps illustrating key aspects and critical details of the anterior bladder neck access, lateral bladder dissection from the prostate, and posterior prostate dissection to avoid ureteral and neural bundles injuries. Results We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (2 -6). The beginning of the case is performed like every patient with an enlarged prostate. We first identify the anterior bladder neck and then complete its dissection with Maryland and Scissors. However, extra care must be taken in the anterior and posterior bladder neck approach due to the clips found during the dissection. The challenge starts when opening the lateral sides of the bladder until the base of the prostate. It is crucial to perform the bladder neck dissection beginning at the internal plane of the bladder wall. Such dissection is the easiest way to recognize the anatomical landmarks and potential foreign materials, such as clips, placed during previous surgeries. We cautiously work around the clip to avoid using cautery on the top of the metal clips because energy is transmitted from one edge to the other of the Urolift ®. This can be dangerous if the edge of the clip is close to the ureteral orifices. The clips are usually removed to minimize cautery conduction energy. Finally, after isolating and removing the clips, the prostate dissection and subsequent surgical steps are continued with our conventional technique. Before proceeding, we ensure that all clips are removed from the bladder neck to avoid complications during the anastomosis. Conclusions Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with Urolift ® is challenging due to modified anatomical landmarks and intense inflammatory processes in the posterior bladder neck. When dissecting the clips placed next to the base of the prostate, it is crucial to avoid cautery because energy conduction to the other edge of the Urolift ® can cause thermal damage to the ureters and neural bundles.

Simultaneous hernia repair following robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy is safe with low rates of mesh-related complications.

Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) is the gold-standard treatment for localized prostate cancer in the USA. However, performing RARP along with a concomitant hernia repair with mesh is debatable because of the lack of well-designed studies on this subject. Some argue that this procedure may result in mesh infections and increased complications due to possible contact of mesh and urine. This study reports our experience with simultaneous hernia repair with mesh placement in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy. We compared 244 patients (from August 2008 to August 2021) who underwent RARP with concomitant hernia repair (inguinal, umbilical, and ventral) and mesh placement with 244 patients from 6275 RARPs operated on the same period without hernia repair. We performed a propensity score matching analysis using preoperative covariates and compared the perioperative outcomes, and complications in 90 days after surgery. Median follow-up was 36.6 months for the control and hernia groups respectively (p = 0.81). Eighty-three patients had unilateral inguinal hernia repair, 22 had a bilateral inguinal hernia repair, 95 had a ventral hernia repair, and 44 had an umbilical hernia repair. The median operative time was 112 min for the control group and 160 min for hernia groups (p < 0.001). We did not find statistically significant differences in minor complications (Clavien ≤ 2). Although the postoperative readmissions in 90-days were higher in the hernia group (18 vs. 7, p = 0.038), none was associated with mesh complications. Limitation includes the retrospective design of the study. Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy with simultaneous hernia repair and mesh placement is safe and does not increase complications related to the mesh. In our experience, hernia repair increases the operative time, usually due to initial peritoneal flap dissection and final suturing. Therefore, we believe that hernia repair with mesh during RARP is safe and spares patients the additional impacts of an additional surgical procedure.

Technical and anatomical challenges to approach robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with Urolift®.

INTRODUCTION: Urolift® is a surgical modality to treat lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in patients with enlarged prostates (1). However, the inflammatory process caused by the device usually displaces the prostate's anatomical landmarks and challenges surgeons performing robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). In this video, we will illustrate several technical challenges in patients with Urolift ® who underwent RARP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a video compilation with several surgical steps illustrating key aspects and critical details of the anterior bladder neck access, lateral bladder dissection from the prostate, and posterior prostate dissection to avoid ureteral and neural bundles injuries. RESULTS: We perform our RARP technique with our standard approach in all patients (2-6). The beginning of the case is performed like every patient with an enlarged prostate. We first identify the anterior bladder neck and then complete its dissection with Maryland and Scissors. However, extra care must be taken in the anterior and posterior bladder neck approach due to the clips found during the dissection. The challenge starts when opening the lateral sides of the bladder until the base of the prostate. It is crucial to perform the bladder neck dissection beginning at the internal plane of the bladder wall. Such dissection is the easiest way to recognize the anatomical landmarks and potential foreign materials, such as clips, placed during previous surgeries. We cautiously work around the clip to avoid using cautery on the top of the metal clips because energy is transmitted from one edge to the other of the Urolift ®. This can be dangerous if the edge of the clip is close to the ureteral orifices. The clips are usually removed to minimize cautery conduction energy. Finally, after isolating and removing the clips, the prostate dissection and subsequent surgical steps are continued with our conventional technique. Before proceeding, we ensure that all clips are removed from the bladder neck to avoid complications during the anastomosis. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy in patients with Urolift ® is challenging due to modified anatomical landmarks and intense inflammatory processes in the posterior bladder neck. When dissecting the clips placed next to the base of the prostate, it is crucial to avoid cautery because energy conduction to the other edge of the Urolift ® can cause thermal damage to the ureters and neural bundles.

Comparing the outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in black and white men: Experience of a high-volume center

ABSTRACT Background: Global cancer incidence ranks Prostate Cancer (CaP) as the second highest overall, with Africa and the Caribbean having the highest mortality. Previous literature suggests disparities in CaP outcomes according to ethnicity, specifically functional and oncological are suboptimal in black men. However, recent data shows black men achieve post radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes equivalent to white men in a universally insured system. Our objective is to compare outcomes of patients who self-identified their ethnicity as black or white undergoing RP at our institution. Materials and methods: From 2008 to 2017, 396 black and 4929 white patients underwent primary robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Exclusion criteria were concomitant surgery and cancer status not available. A propensity score (PS) match was performed with a 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratio without replacement. Primary endpoints were potency, continence recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), positive surgical margins (PSM), and post-operative complications. Results: After PS 1:1 matching, 341 black vs. 341 white men with a median follow-up of approximately 8 years were analyzed. The overall potency and continence recovery at 12 months was 52% vs 58% (p=0.3) and 82% vs 89% (p=0.3), respectively. PSM rates was 13.4 % vs 14.4% (p = 0.75). Biochemical recurrence and persistence PSA was 13.8% vs 14.1% and 4.4% vs 3.2% respectively (p=0.75). Clavien-Dindo complications (p=0.4) and 30-day readmission rates (p=0.5) were similar. Conclusion: In our study, comparing two ethnic groups with similar preoperative characteristics and full access to screening and treatment showed compatible RARP results. We could not demonstrate outcomes superiority in one group over the other. However, this data adds to the growing body of evidence that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer outcomes can be narrowed if patients have appropriate access to prostate cancer management. It also could be used in counseling surgeons and patients on the surgical intervention and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with full access to gold-standard screening and treatment.

Factors associated with geographic variations in the 2022 monkeypox outbreak; A systematic review.

Background: The review aimed at examining patient factors that were associated with the worldwide geographic variation in number of monkeypox cases during the 2022 outbreak. Methods: A systematic search was conducted using Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed/MEDLINE, to identify studies published in the year 2022 until 30 September on the 2022 monkeypox outbreak. Studies that described demographics and patient characteristics of the affected populations were eligible. Only countries/regions with the highest and lowest globally reported numbers were included. Results: A total of 24 eligible studies reported data from the most affected countries in Europe [Spain and UK]; Americas [USA and Brazil]; and the least affected region [South East Asia]. There were no eligible studies reporting data from the Eastern Mediterranean which was allegedly the least affected region. Cases from Europe and the Americas were mostly men having sex with men [MSM], in fourth and fifth decades of life, with a substantial proportion of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases. Sporadic cases among women [sexual, household] and children [household] were identified. Sexual orientation and/or mode of transmission were not clearly stated in most studies from South East Asia. Conclusions: The 2022 monkeypox outbreak was most obvious in the western part of the globe due mainly to sexual activities among MSM. Low numbers in the east may indicate the influence of the conservative social behaviors. Co-morbidities in the form of HIV and sexually transmitted diseases were identified. Detection of the disease among women and children highlights the importance of adopting appropriate preventive public health measures.

Comparing the outcomes of robotic assisted radical prostatectomy in black and white men: Experience of a high-volume center.

BACKGROUND: Global cancer incidence ranks Prostate Cancer (CaP) as the second highest overall, with Africa and the Caribbean having the highest mortality. Previous literature suggests disparities in CaP outcomes according to ethnicity, specifically functional and oncological are suboptimal in black men. However, recent data shows black men achieve post radical prostatectomy (RP) outcomes equivalent to white men in a universally insured system. Our objective is to compare outcomes of patients who self-identified their ethnicity as black or white undergoing RP at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2008 to 2017, 396 black and 4929 white patients underwent primary robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Exclusion criteria were concomitant surgery and cancer status not available. A propensity score (PS) match was performed with a 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 ratio without replacement. Primary endpoints were potency, continence recovery, biochemical recurrence (BCR), positive surgical margins (PSM), and post-operative complications. RESULTS: After PS 1:1 matching, 341 black vs. 341 white men with a median follow-up of approximately 8 years were analyzed. The overall potency and continence recovery at 12 months was 52% vs 58% (p=0.3) and 82% vs 89% (p=0.3), respectively. PSM rates was 13.4 % vs 14.4% (p = 0.75). Biochemical recurrence and persistence PSA was 13.8% vs 14.1% and 4.4% vs 3.2% respectively (p=0.75). Clavien-Dindo complications (p=0.4) and 30-day readmission rates (p=0.5) were similar. CONCLUSION: In our study, comparing two ethnic groups with similar preoperative characteristics and full access to screening and treatment showed compatible RARP results. We could not demonstrate outcomes superiority in one group over the other. However, this data adds to the growing body of evidence that the racial disparity gap in prostate cancer outcomes can be narrowed if patients have appropriate access to prostate cancer management. It also could be used in counseling surgeons and patients on the surgical intervention and prognosis of prostate cancer in patients with full access to gold-standard screening and treatment.

A case of acheiria.

Congenital limb anomalies are rare. Acheiria is a congenital limb abnormality that presents as an absence of the hand and it is often diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography. Herein we present a case of an 11-year-old female patient with acheiria. This case stresses on further studying the relationship between advanced pregnancy age, drugs or herb use during pregnancy and acheiria.

Da Vinci SP radical prostatectomy: a multicentric collaboration and step-by-step techniques

ABSTRACT Introduction Several techniques of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci SP (SP) have been described since its clearance by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2018 ( 1 , 2 ). Even with the expanding literature about this robot, the SP technology has been restricted to a few centers in the US and Asia due to the recent release of this robot in the marked.3 In this scenario, we provided, in this video compilation, a consensus of SP referral centers describing the current approaches and techniques of da Vinci SP Radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). Surgical Technique We have illustrated five different techniques, including transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, Retzius-sparing, transvesical, and transperineal ( 4 - 6 ). Each surgery demonstrated crucial steps from the trocar placement until anastomosis. All approaches follow anatomic concepts and landmarks to minimize positive surgical margins, optimize oncological outcomes and promote optimal functional recovery. The trocar placement and the use of an assistant port were selected according to the operative technique of each institution. None of these surgeries had intra- or postoperative complications, and the pain management until discharge was controlled without using narcotics. All patients were discharged in less than 16 hours of surgery. Conclusion Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy performed with the da Vinci SP is feasible and safe with optimal perioperative outcomes. Five different approaches were described in this video compilation, and we believe that the technical details provided by this multicentric collaboration are crucial for centers willing to initiate the SP approach to radical prostatectomy.

Da Vinci SP radical prostatectomy: a multicentric collaboration and step-by-step techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Several techniques of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) using the da Vinci SP (SP) have been described since its clearance by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2018 (1, 2). Even with the expanding literature about this robot, the SP technology has been restricted to a few centers in the US and Asia due to the recent release of this robot in the marked.3 In this scenario, we provided, in this video compilation, a consensus of SP referral centers describing the current approaches and techniques of da Vinci SP Radical prostatectomy (SP-RARP). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: We have illustrated five different techniques, including transperitoneal, extraperitoneal, Retzius-sparing, transvesical, and transperineal (4-6). Each surgery demonstrated crucial steps from the trocar placement until anastomosis. All approaches follow anatomic concepts and landmarks to minimize positive surgical margins, optimize oncological outcomes and promote optimal functional recovery. The trocar placement and the use of an assistant port were selected according to the operative technique of each institution. None of these surgeries had intra- or postoperative complications, and the pain management until discharge was controlled without using narcotics. All patients were discharged in less than 16 hours of surgery. CONCLUSION: Robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy performed with the da Vinci SP is feasible and safe with optimal perioperative outcomes. Five different approaches were described in this video compilation, and we believe that the technical details provided by this multicentric collaboration are crucial for centers willing to initiate the SP approach to radical prostatectomy.