Bladder Outlet Obstruction Relief and Symptom Improvement Following Medical and Surgical Therapies for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Suggestive of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Symptomatic benefit and urodynamic obstruction relief represent relevant outcomes of therapies for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH). We summarized evidence from studies concurrently assessing variations in terms of symptoms severity and invasive urodynamic measures of obstruction following medical and surgical therapies for LUTS/BPH. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in June 2023. KEY FINDINGS AND LIMITATIONS: We identified 29 publications: 14 (872 patients) and 15 (851 patients) studies addressing medical and surgical therapies, respectively. The mean percentage total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) improvements ranged from -2.5% to 56.3% and from 35.1% to 82.1% following medical and surgical therapies, respectively. The corresponding mean percentage Bladder Outlet Obstruction Index (BOOI) improvements ranged from 7.8% to 53.5% and from 22.4% to 138.6%, respectively. Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) provided IPSS improvements in the higher range and the greatest BOOI reduction. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Globally, based on available evidence, more pronounced symptomatic benefits are observed following treatments providing greater deobstructive effect. In detail, patients undergoing surgery exhibit greater IPSS and BOOI improvements than those receiving medical therapy. PATIENT SUMMARY: Treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia providing greater urodynamic improvements also provide greater symptomatic benefit. Surgical procedures provide greater symptomatic and urodynamic outcomes than medical therapies. Maximal obstruction relief, together with symptomatic benefits in the higher ranges, is observed following holmium laser enucleation of the prostate.

Treatment modalities for small-sized urolithiases and their impact on health-related quality of life.

INTRODUCTION: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is often reduced in patients with urolithiasis. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review to describe impact on HRQoL based on different modalities of treatment for small urolithiases with a diameter smaller or equal to 10 mm. METHODS: Electronic databases were searched with no language or date restrictions to identify studies which were included if they reported: adult patients (≥18 years old), renal or ureteral stone(s) confirmed on imagery, validated reporting of HRQoL, and stone diameter equal or smaller than 10 mm undergoing active surveillance, medical expulsive therapy (MET), shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), or ureteroscopy (URS). RESULTS: Of 672 citations, nine articles were eligible. Five studies (all ureteral) reported HRQoL according to medical stone management. Three of them found that HRQoL in MET patients was better than in active surveillance patients and two studies found no difference in HRQoL between MET and active surveillance groups. Four studies (three ureteral, one renal) reported HRQoL according to surgical stone management. Of the ureteral stone studies, two reported better HRQoL in URS patients than in SWL patients, while one study found no difference between URS and SWL groups. In the renal stone study, SWL patients had better HRQoL than URS patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with urinary stones 10 mm or smaller have better HRQoL when treated with MET vs. active surveillance, when treated with SWL vs. URS for renal stones, and when treated with URS vs. SWL for ureteral stones. There is an important need for more studies on this topic.

An analysis of benign prostatic hyperplasia surgical treatment reimbursement trends across Canada: Examining provincial changes over the recent decade with comparison to cost of living changes.

INTRODUCTION: A variety of procedures for the endoscopic surgical treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refractory to medical therapy have existed for decades. The present study examines trends in surgeon compensation for these treatments within Canada. METHODS: The physician fee schedule for BPH surgery across 10 Canadian provinces for the years 2010 and 2023 were obtained. A descriptive study examining first, the provincial reimbursement for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) and laser ablative/enucleation surgery; second, the difference in TURP reimbursement between 2010 and 2023; and third, the annual change in TURP reimbursement juxtaposed with the annual change in the provincial Consumer Price Index (CPI) and annual salary for the working population aged 35-44. RESULTS: Seven of 10 Canadian provinces reimburse laser BPH surgery equally to TURP. The average provincial TURP reimbursement is $545, ranging from $451 in Ontario to $688 in Saskatchewan. Since 2010, TURP reimbursement has varied by province from a 0% net change in Ontario to an increase of 21% in Nova Scotia. Reimbursement for TURP has increased at a slower pace than the local CPI, and for half of the provinces at a slower pace than the annual salary for people aged 35-44. CONCLUSIONS: The compensation model for endoscopic BPH surgery does not have a unified structure in Canada that is consistent across provinces, nor does it keep up with inflation, possibly impacting future recruitment, increasing geographic disparities, and most importantly, limiting the adoption of new BPH therapies.

Incidence and risk factors of chronic postoperative pain in same-day surgery: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The amount of same-day surgery has increased markedly worldwide in recent decades, but there remains limited evidence on chronic postsurgical pain in this setting. METHODS: We assessed pain 90 days after ambulatory surgery in an international, multicentre prospective cohort study of patients ≥45 years old with comorbidities or ≥65 years old. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory. Chronic postsurgical pain was defined as a change ≥1 in self-rated average pain at the surgical site between baseline and 90 days, and moderate to severe chronic postsurgical pain as a score ≥4 in self-rated average pain at the surgical site at 90 days. Risk factors for chronic postsurgical pain were identified using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Between November 2021 and January 2023, a total of 2054 participants were included, and chronic postsurgical pain occurred in 12% of participants, of whom 93.1% had new chronic pain at the surgical site (i.e., participants without pain prior to surgery). Moderate to severe chronic postsurgical pain occurred in 9% of overall participants. Factors associated with chronic postsurgical pain were: active smoking (OR 1.82; 95% CI 1.20 to 2.76), orthopaedic surgery (OR 4.7; 95% CI 2.24 to 9.7), plastic surgery (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.97 to 9.2), breast surgery (OR 2.74; 95% CI 1.29 to 5.8), vascular surgery (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.09 to 6.7), and ethnicity (i.e., Hispanic/Latino ethnicity OR 3.41; 95% CI 1.68 to 6.9 and First Nations/Native persons OR 4.0; 95% CI 1.05 to 15.4). CONCLUSIONS: Persistent postsurgical pain after same-day surgery is common, usually moderate to severe in nature, and occurs mostly in patients without chronic pain prior to surgery.

Prevalence and determinants of shared decision-making for PSA testing in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Shared decision-making (SDM) is recommended for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing but appears underutilized. This population-based study assessed the prevalence and determinants of SDM for PSA testing among US men. METHODS: We assessed PSA testing rates and SDM engagement in men aged 40 and older without prostate cancer history using the 2019 National Health Interview Survey. SDM was defined as discussing the advantages and disadvantages of PSA testing with a physician. We used multivariable logistic regression with machine learning to identify factors associated with lack of SDM. RESULTS: Among 9723 eligible participants (mean age 58 years), lifetime PSA testing prevalence was 45.9% and the 1-year testing incidence was 29.1%. Only 24.1% reported engaging in SDM with a physician, while 62.9% never discussed PSA testing. Younger age and lower education levels were the primary determinants of decreased SDM engagement. Men with less education engaged in SDM less than half as often as those with higher education levels across all age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Societal guidelines recommend SDM for PSA testing. However, most men, regardless of age, have never engaged in SDM conversations with a healthcare provider about PSA testing, especially those with less education. More efforts are needed to improve patient-provider conversations about the potential benefits and harms of PSA testing.

The impact of kidney stone disease on quality of life in high-risk stone formers.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of kidney stone disease (KSD) and its treatment on the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of high-risk stone formers with hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, malabsorptive disease, and medullary sponge kidney. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life questionnaire was used to evaluate HRQOL in 3301 patients with a history of KSD from 16 institutions in North America between 2014 and 2020. Baseline characteristics and medical history were collected from patients, while active KSD was confirmed through radiological imaging. The high-risk group was compared to the remaining patients (control group) using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS: Of 1499 patients with active KSD included in the study, the high-risk group included 120 patients. The high-risk group had significantly lower HRQOL scores compared to the control group (P < 0.01). In the multivariable analyses, medullary sponge kidney disease and renal tubular acidosis were independent predictors of poorer HRQOL, while alkali therapy was an independent predictor of better HRQOL (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with active KSD, high-risk stone formers had impaired HRQOL with medullary sponge kidney disease and renal tubular acidosis being independent predictors of poorer HRQOL. Clinicians should seek to identify these patients earlier as they would benefit from prompt treatment and prevention.

Experts' recommendations in laser use for the treatment of bladder cancer: a comprehensive guide by the European Section of Uro-Technology (ESUT) and Training and Research in Urological Surgery and Technology (TRUST)-Group.

PURPOSE: To identify laser settings and limits applied by experts during laser vaporization (vapBT) and laser en-bloc resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) and to identify preventive measures to reduce complications. METHODS: After a focused literature search to identify relevant questions, we conducted a survey (57 questions) which was sent to laser experts. The expert selection was based on clinical experience and scientific contribution. Participants were asked for used laser types, typical laser settings during specific scenarios, and preventive measures applied during surgery. Settings for a maximum of 2 different lasers for each scenario were possible. Responses and settings were compared among the reported laser types. RESULTS: Twenty-three of 29 (79.3%) invited experts completed the survey. Thulium fiber laser (TFL) is the most common laser (57%), followed by Holmium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Ho:YAG) (48%), continuous wave (cw) Thulium:Yttrium-Aluminium-Garnet (Tm:YAG) (26%), and pulsed Tm:YAG (13%). Experts prefer ERBT (91.3%) to vapBT (8.7%); however, relevant limitations such as tumor size, number, and anatomical tumor location exist. Laser settings were generally comparable; however, we could find significant differences between the laser sources for lateral wall ERBT (p = 0.028) and standard ERBT (p = 0.033), with cwTm:YAG and pulsed Tm:YAG being operated in higher power modes when compared to TFL and Ho:YAG. Experts prefer long pulse modes for Ho:YAG and short pulse modes for TFL lasers. CONCLUSION: TFL seems to have replaced Ho:YAG and Tm:YAG. Most laser settings do not differ significantly among laser sources. For experts, continuous flow irrigation is the most commonly applied measure to reduce complications.

Incidence and trends in the treatment of kidney stones in Canada: A population-based cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Our objective was to assess the incidence of kidney stones requiring acute care, trends in the surgical treatment of stones, and the demographics of stone formers in Canada. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort study using administrative data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. We included Canadian residents age >18, outside of Quebec, who presented between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, with a kidney stone episode. This was defined as a kidney stone resulting in hospital admission, emergency department visit, or stone intervention, specifically shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), ureteroscopy (URS), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). RESULTS: There were 471 824 kidney stone episodes, including 184 373 interventions. The number of kidney stone episode increased from 277/100 000 in 2013 to 290/100 000 in 2018. The median age was 53 (interquartile range 41-65) and 59.9% were male. The crude rate for stone intervention was 877/100 000. The age- and gender-standardized rate for interventions was highest in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador and lowest in Prince Edward Island. The most common intervention in Canada was URS (73.5%), followed by SWL (19.8%) and PCNL (6.7%). The percent utilization of SWL was highest in Manitoba, whereas for URS, it was highest in Prince Edward Island and Alberta. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the first population-based data on the demographics of stone formers and treatment trends across Canada. There has been a 4.7% increase in kidney stone episodes over the study period. Those presenting to hospital or requiring intervention for a kidney stone are more likely to be male, age 41-65, and undergo URS.

Use of the Schelin Catheter for transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia prior to Rezum treatment.

Minimally invasive surgery techniques (MIST) have become newly adopted in urological care.  Given this, new analgesic techniques are important in optimizing patient outcomes and resource management. Rezum treatment (RT) for BPH has emerged as a new MIST with excellent patient outcomes, including improving quality of life (QoL) and International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSSs), while also preserving sexual function.  Currently, the standard analgesic approach for RT involves a peri-prostatic nerve block (PNB) using a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) or systemic sedation anesthesia.  The TRUS approach is invasive, uncomfortable, and holds a risk of infection.  Additionally, alternative methods such as, inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitric oxide, general anesthesia, as well as intravenous (IV) sedation pose safety risks or mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team.  Transurethral intraprostatic anesthesia (TUIA) using the Schelin Catheter (ProstaLund, Lund, Sweden) (SC) provides a new, non-invasive, and efficient technique for out-patient, office based Rezum procedures.  Through local administration of an analgesic around the prostate base, the SC has been shown to reduce pain, procedure times, and bleeding during MISTs.  Herein, we evaluated the analgesic efficacy of TUIA via the SC in a cohort of 10 patients undergoing in-patient RT for BPH.

Comparing prostatic artery embolization to surgical and minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To summarize current evidence to report a comparative systematic review and meta-analysis of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and open simple prostatectomy (OSP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies published from inception until August 2021. The search terms used were (prostate embolization OR prostatic embolization) AND (prostatic hyperplasia OR prostatic obstruction) as well as the abbreviations of PAE and BPH. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies-of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool for observational studies. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.4. RESULTS: Seven studies were included with 810 patients: five RCTs and one observational study compared PAE with TURP, and one observational study compared PAE with OSP. The included studies had considerable risk of bias concerns. TURP and OSP were associated with more statistically significant improvements in urodynamic measures and BPH symptoms compared to PAE. However, PAE seems to significantly improve erectile dysfunction compared to OSP and improve other outcome measures compared to TURP, although not significantly. PAE appeared to reduce adverse events and report more minor complications compared with TURP and OSP, but it is unclear whether PAE is more effective in the long-term. CONCLUSION: PAE is an emerging treatment option for patients with symptomatic BPH who cannot undergo surgery or have undergone failed medical therapy. Overall, PAE groups reported fewer adverse events. Future ongoing and longer-term studies are needed to provide better insight into the benefit of PAE compared to other treatment options.

Ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A review of Aquablation, Rezum, and transperineal laser prostate ablation.

INTRODUCTION: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common diseases affecting men and can present with bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Historically, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) has been considered the gold standard in the treatment of LUTS due to BPH. However, TURP and other traditional options for the surgical management of LUTS secondary to BPH are associated with high rates of sexual dysfunction. In the past decade, several novel technologies, including Aquablation therapy, convective water vapor therapy (Rezum), and transperineal prostate laser ablation (TPLA), have demonstrated promising evidence to be safe and effective while preserving sexual function. METHODS: In this review, we discuss three ablative minimally invasive surgeries: Aquablation, Rezum, and TPLA. We review their techniques, safety, as well as perioperative and functional outcomes. We go into further detail regarding sexual function after these ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies. RESULTS: Aquablation is a surgeon-guided, robot-executed, heat-free ablative waterjet procedure with sustained functional outcomes at 5 years while having no effect on sexual activity. Rezum is an innovative office-based, minimally invasive surgical option for BPH that delivers convective water vapor energy into prostate adenoma to ablate obstructing tissue. Rezum leads to significant improvements in Qmax, IPSS while preserving sexual function. TPLA is another office-based technology which uses a diode laser source to produce thermoablation. It leads to improvement in Qmax, IPSS, and QoL while preserving ejaculatory function. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies have demonstrated excellent safety and efficacy profiles while preserving sexual function. These modalities should be discussed with patients to ensure informed and shared decision-making. Ablative minimally invasive surgical therapies may be particularly interesting to patients who value the preservation of their sexual function.

Gender disparity within the Canadian Urological Association A comparison with the Quebec Urological Association.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to examine gender diversity within the Canadian Urological Association (CUA) and to compare it with the Quebec Urological Association (QUA). METHODS: A retrospective review of women's representation regarding membership, committees' composition, awards, grants, and conferences between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Data and gender were extracted from databases and annual meeting programs provided by the CUA and the QUA. RESULTS: In 2022, females accounted for 18% (256/1431) of the membership at the CUA and 23% (52/228) at the QUA. The female proportion of committee members at the CUA increased from 9% (63/676) from 2012-2016 to 14% (177/1230) from 2017-2022 (p≤0.0001). In 2022, the QUA had a significantly higher proportion of female committee members than the CUA, with 39% (15/38) vs. 22% (50/225) women (p=0.0226), respectively. Moreover, from 2012-2022, 11% (5/46) of the CUA awards were given to women, whereas 38% (13/34) of the award winners at the QUA were women over the same time period (p=0.0038). Between 2012 and 2022, there were 16% (20/126) female CUA grant recipients and 44% (14/32) at the QUA (p=0.0095). The proportion of grants awarded to women at the CUA increased from 13% (5/39) in 2012-2016 to 17% (15/87) in 2017-2022. Two percent (1/53) of the plenary invited speakers at the CUA annual meetings from 2012-2016 were women, compared with 21% (14/66) from 2017-2022 (p=0.0016). In 2022, 53% (9/17) of invited plenary faculty were women at the QUA annual conference, compared to 23% (3/13) at the CUA annual meeting (p=0.0980). CONCLUSIONS: Over the past 10 years, there has been an increase in women's representation at the CUA and the QUA; however, data show that the increase in female representation at the QUA has outpaced that of the CUA.

Sacral neuromodulation in the golden years: Treatment outcomes in elderly 75 years and older.

INTRODUCTION: Despite high prevalence and increased severity and burden of overactive bladder (OAB) and fecal incontinence (FI) in the elderly, sacral neuromodulation (SNM) is often overlooked as a potential treatment option for this demographic. In this study, we report the outcomes of SNM in patients aged 75 years or older at the time of surgery. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent SNM implantation between 2013 and 2022 performed by a single, high-volume urologist at a tertiary center. Success, complication, and adjunct therapy rates were analyzed by Fisher's or Wilcox rank-sum test as appropriate. We compared outcomes between patients aged 75-79 years and octogenarians. RESULTS: Of 632 patients, 50 were ≥75 years. Patients had a mean age of 78.4±2.6 years and were predominantly female (84%). The indications for SNM were 66% OAB, 16% FI, 16% non-obstructive urinary retention, and 4% pelvic pain. Within the first year, 94% of patients reported satisfaction and improvement in symptoms, while 76% continued to experience improvement beyond one year. SNM insertion led to reduced oral medication use from 68% to 24% (p<0.0001). The complication rate was 16% and mostly included device pain. No significant difference was observed in treatment success, complication, or adjunct therapy rate between age groups. CONCLUSIONS: SNM is a safe and effective option in well-selected patients over the age of 75 years. Treatment success rate is comparable to younger cohorts. Advanced age should not preclude third-line therapy options in this population.

Prospective Multicenter Evaluation of Pain Before and After Removal of Nonobstructing Renal Calculi: A CoRE Initiative.

PURPOSE: Flank pain associated with stone disease is typically caused by a stone that obstructs urine flow. However, it is plausible that nonobstructing kidney stones may still cause pain. We performed a multicenter, observational trial to evaluate whether treatment of small nonobstructing calyceal stones improves pain and kidney stone-specific health-related quality of life. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged 18 years or older with nonobstructing renal stone(s) up to 10 mm in longest diameter and moderate to severe pain were recruited. All participants completed 3 questionnaires: the Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System pain interference form 6a, and the Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life questionnaire. Thereafter, all participants underwent ureteroscopy for renal stone treatment. All 3 questionnaires were repeated at 2, 6 to 8, and at 12 weeks postprocedure. The primary outcomes were change in preoperative to 12-week postoperative mean BPI score and worst BPI pain score. RESULTS: A total of 43 patients with nonobstructing kidney stones and associated flank pain were recruited. All stones were removed. Preoperatively, BPI scores for mean pain and worst pain were 5.5 and 7.2, respectively which decreased to 1.8 and 2.8 respectively at 12 weeks postoperatively. Wisconsin Stone Quality of Life questionnaire mean score increased from 70.4 to 115.3 at 12 weeks postoperatively. A total of 86% and 69% of patients had at least a 20% and 50% reduction in their mean pain scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study determined that patients benefit significantly from the removal of calyceal nonobstructing kidney stones for at least 12 weeks with a reduction in pain and an increase in quality of life. Therefore, surgical removal of these stones in this patient population should be offered as a treatment option.

Peri-prostatic nerve block using Clarius EC7 HD3 handheld ultrasound guidance.

Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) is a common modality used during urological procedures that require real-time visualization of the prostate, such as prostate biopsy and peri-prostatic nerve blocks (PNB) for surgical procedures. Current practice for TRUS-guided PNB requires use of costly, fixed, and non-portable ultrasound machinery that can often limit workflow. The Clarius endocavity EC7 probe, a digital, handheld and pocket-sized endocavity ultrasound (US) device, is an alternative, portable technology which was recently shown to accurately visualize and measure prostate dimensions and volume. Moreover, in recent years, there has been a renaissance of office-based treatments for minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). More specifically, the Rezum procedure has been demonstrated to offer men a short, outpatient therapy with excellent 5-year outcomes in durability and preservation of antegrade ejaculation. While other anesthetic techniques have been described for Rezum, including inhaled methoxyflurane (Penthrox), nitrous oxide, IV sedation and general anesthesia (which often mandate the presence of an anesthesiology team), US-guided local blocks offer the urologist an independent method for pain management. While most urologists may not have direct access to expensive, cart-based ultrasound systems, point of care ultrasound (POCUS) technology, such as Clarius (Vancouver, BC, Canada) and Butterfly (Butterfly Network, Inc, Guilford, CT, USA), can provide high-resolution imaging in combination with smart phone technology. Herein, we sought to describe the technique for using Clarius EC7 for TRUS-guided PNB and its use in urological application with the Rezum BPH procedure.

Aquablation versus TURP: 5-year outcomes of the WATER randomized clinical trial for prostate volumes 50-80 mL.

INTRODUCTION: To report the 5-year efficacy and safety of Aquablation compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with prostate volumes 50-80 mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a large double-blinded, multicenter, and prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 randomized men with 50-80 mL prostates who underwent Aquablation or transurethral prostate resection were prospectively identified for subgroup analysis. Follow up was performed for up to 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo (CD) postoperative complications grade 1 persistent and grade 2 or higher at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Reduction in IPSS score was significantly higher in the Aquablation group across 5 years of follow up (-14.1 vs. -10.8, p = 0.02). The Aquablation group achieved a significantly lower rate of CD1P and CD2 or higher events at 3 months follow up (risk difference of -23.1%). Among recorded adverse events, de novo postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction was notably lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -21.9%), while the risk of bleeding remained similar after 6 months. The surgical and medical retreatment rate at 6 months was also lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -14.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the 50-80 mL prostate volume subgroup, Aquablation yields superior long-term symptom relief and lower complication rates than standard transurethral resection, with notably lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction. This further supports the adoption of Aquablation for men with medium-sized prostates.

Venture capital investment in urology, 2011 to mid-2021.

INTRODUCTION: To characterize venture capital (VC) investments in urology in the past decade that represent promising innovations in early-stage companies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of deals made between VC investors and urologic companies from January 1, 2011, through June 28, 2021, was conducted by using a financial database (PitchBook Platform, PitchBook Data Inc). Data on urologic company and investor names; company information and funding categories (surgical device, therapeutic device, drug discovery/pharmaceutical, and health care technology companies); and deal sizes (in US dollars) and dates were abstracted and aggregated. Descriptive and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Urology-related VC funding fluctuated from 2011 through mid-2021, but no substantial change was observed in funding over time. In total, 191 distinct deals were made involving urologic companies, totaling $1.1 billion. The four largest funding categories together accounted for $848 million and comprised therapeutic devices ($373 million), surgical devices ($187 million), drug discovery/pharmaceuticals ($185 million), and health care technology ($102 million). At least $450 million (41% of total investments) was invested in companies developing minimally invasive surgical devices. CONCLUSIONS: Urologic VC investments did not increase in the past decade and were allocated more toward devices than pharmaceuticals or health care technology. Given relative patterns within urology, VC investments may shift toward health care technology and away from pharmaceuticals but remain stable for devices. Further investments in promising technologies may help urologists more effectively manage urologic disease while optimizing outcomes.

Evaluating the perceptions of Canadian urology residents and program directors regarding the current training in genitourinary imaging.

INTRODUCTION: Competency in interpreting genitourinary (GU) imaging is an important skill for urologists; however, no nationally accredited GU imaging curriculum exists for Canadian urology residency training programs. The main objectives of our study were to 1) characterize GU imaging training in Canada; (2) evaluate residents' self-perceived competencies in interpreting GU imaging; (3) explore program directors' (PD) and residents' perceptions regarding the current imaging curriculum and suggestions for future directions. METHODS: From November to December 2022, a survey examining current imaging education in residency, perceived resident imaging knowledge, avenues for improvement in imaging education, and the role of point-of-care ultrasound within urology was distributed to all Canadian urology PDs and residents. RESULTS: All PDs (13/13) and 40% (72/178) of residents completed the survey. Only two programs had a formal GU imaging curriculum. PDs and residents reported trainees were least comfortable interpreting Doppler ultrasound of renal, gonadal, and penile vessels. PDs reported that residents were most comfortable with non-contrast computed tomography (CT) scans (9.5/10), CT urogram (9.3/10), and retrograde pyelography (9.3/10). All but one PD favored increasing imaging training in their program. PDs highlighted the lack of time in the curriculum (n=3) and lack of educators (n=3) as the primary barriers to increasing imaging training in their program. CONCLUSIONS: Most PDs and residents believe there needs to be more imaging training offered at their institution; however, addressing this is challenging due to the limited time in the curriculum and the need for available educators.