Postvasectomy Semen Analysis Compliance With Utilization of a Mail-In Semen Analysis Kit.

PURPOSE: The AUA recommends postvasectomy semen analysis (PVSA) to verify successful vasectomy. However there remains poor patient compliance. We sought to assess whether mail-in PVSA improves patient compliance across a wide range of practice types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data were collected on all men who received a Fellow PVSA kit between April 2021 and August 2023 in a nationwide cohort. Date of kit activation, practice type, clinic zip code, and date of kit accession/processing at the lab was collected. Compliance rates for each practice area were reported. χ2 tests of independence, logistic regression models, and multivariable logistic analysis were performed to assess the impact of relevant variables. RESULTS: Overall compliance across all practice areas was 69% following an 18-week period of observation (n = 16,105) and 82% (n = 6687) following a 40-week period. Compliance rates were highest and similar for small urology practices (<5 providers), including Veterans Affairs practices, ranging from 76% to 82% at 18 weeks to 85% to 87% at 40 weeks. Large urology practices had slightly lower compliance rates with 66% at 18 weeks to 80% at 40 weeks. The univariable logistic regression model demonstrated that patients in small urology practices have a 63% greater odds of 26-week compliance, on average, compared to those who receive care in large urology practices (odds ratio 1.63, 95% CI 1.48-1.79). CONCLUSIONS: Fellow's mail-in PVSA offers improved PVSA compliance over previously published data. Improved compliance is seen across all practice types. Despite these successes, there is significant room for improvement to achieve 100% compliance.

A scoping review of office-based prostatic stents: past, present, and future of true minimally invasive treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To conduct a scoping review of the existing literature and recent developments on prostatic stents for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed on Embase, MEDLINE, and Web of Science to identify English literature on prostatic stents for the treatment of BPH. Additional studies and upcoming devices were identified through grey literature search and expert consultation. Study characteristics and stent information were extracted and tabulated narratively. RESULTS: Of the 1171 search results, 64 studies were included in this review. iTiND was the prostatic stent with the most long-term evidence. iTiND is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for BPH that preserves sexual function. Adverse events are mild and transitory. Emerging stents (e.g. Zenflow, Butterfly, Urocross, and Exime) had 7/64 eligible studies, where no studies had long-term follow-up. These newer stents show promising results for quality of life and BPH symptom management; however, long-term monitoring and head-to-head comparisons are needed. CONCLUSION: Over the last 50 years, prostatic stents have evolved and demonstrated improved clinical efficacy. iTiND provides a safe and effective outpatient treatment of LUTS secondary to BPH preserving erectile and ejaculatory function. Emerging prostatic stents are a promising, effective, and safe intervention in well-selected patients interested in its benefits.

Development of a North American coordinated registry network for surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

PURPOSE: To create a prospective, multicenter coordinated registry network (CRN) of robust "real world" data for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) that links surgical practices to objective and subjective outcomes of patients who undergo surgery for the improvement in lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to BPH. METHODS: We gathered a group of BPH experts from various institutions to identify the minimum core data elements needed to assess BPH procedures. To achieve consensus on the data elements, we used a Delphi method adaptation, in which a series of surveys were answered by the expert panel individually and anonymously. Survey results were collected and analyzed. Questions for the following round were based on response analysis from the prior survey. This process was repeated until consensus was achieved. RESULTS: Participation rates in the first and second rounds were 100% and 90%, respectively. The expert panel reached consensus on 148 data elements out of the 182 proposed, capturing patient medical and surgical history, procedure, discharge, short- and long-term follow-up, device factors, surgery, and surgeon factors. CONCLUSION: We have successfully developed a set of core data elements to support the study of BPH surgical therapies by gathering an expert panel on BPH and using the Delphi method. These data elements influence provider decisions about treatment and include important outcomes related to efficacy and safety.

Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA GUIDELINE PART II-Surgical Evaluation and Treatment.

PURPOSE: Surgical therapies for symptomatic bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are many, and vary from minimally invasive office based to high-cost operative approaches. This Guideline presents effective evidence-based surgical management of male lower urinary tract symptoms secondary/attributed to BPH (LUTS/BPH). See accompanying algorithm for a detailed summary of procedures (figure[Figure: see text]). MATERIALS/METHODS: The Minnesota Evidence Review Team searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and AHRQ databases to identify eligible studies published between January 2007 and September 2020, which includes the initial publication (2018) and amendments (2019, 2020). The Team also reviewed articles identified by Guideline Panel Members. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table[Table: see text]). RESULTS: Twenty-four guideline statements pertinent to pre-operative and surgical management were developed. Appropriate levels of evidence and supporting text were created to direct urologic providers towards suitable and safe operative interventions for individual patient characteristics. A re-treatment section was created to direct attention to longevity and outcomes with individual approaches to help guide patient counselling and therapeutic decisions. CONCLUSION: Pre-operative and surgical management of BPH requires attention to individual patient characteristics and procedural risk. Clinicians should adhere to recommendations and familiarize themselves with criteria that yields the highest likelihood of surgical success when choosing a particular approach for a particular patient.

Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA GUIDELINE PART I-Initial Work-up and Medical Management.

PURPOSE: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a histologic diagnosis describing proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells within the prostatic transition zone. The prevalence and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in aging men are progressive and impact the health and welfare of society. This revised Guideline provides a useful reference on effective evidence-based management of male LUTS/BPH. See the accompanying algorithm for a summary of the procedures detailed in the Guideline (figures 1 and 2[Figure: see text][Figure: see text]). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Minnesota Evidence Review Team searched Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and AHRQ databases to identify eligible English language studies published between January 2008 and April 2019, then updated through December 2020. Search terms included Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and keywords for pharmacological therapies, drug classes, and terms related to LUTS or BPH. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1[Table: see text]). RESULTS: Nineteen guideline statements pertinent to evaluation, work-up, and medical management were developed. Appropriate levels of evidence and supporting text were created to direct both primary care and urologic providers towards streamlined and suitable practices. CONCLUSIONS: The work up and medical management of BPH requires attention to individual patient characteristics, while also respecting common principles. Clinicians should adhere to recommendations and familiarize themselves with standards of BPH management.

Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline Amendment 2020.

PURPOSE: The AUA Guideline panel provides evidence-based recommendations for the surgical management of male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Panel amended the Guideline in 2020 to reflect additional literature published through September 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the Panel assigned the body of evidence a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, the Panel provided additional information as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (See table 1[Table: see text]). RESULTS: Amendments to these Guidelines include: 1) an amended statement (Guideline 1) to include conducting a physical examination; 2) a new statement (Guideline 6) discussing concepts of treatment failure and retreatment; 3) an amended statement (Guideline 15) with updated supporting text for prostatic urethral lift (PUL); 4) an amended statement (Guideline 16) for PUL; 5) an amended statement (Guideline 17) with updated supporting text for transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT); 6) an amended statement (Guideline 18) with updated supporting text for water vapor thermal therapy; 7) updated supporting text for water vapor thermal therapy (Guideline 19); 8) an amended statement (Guideline 21) with updated supporting text for laser enucleation; 9) an amended statement (Guideline 22) with updated supporting text for Aquablation; and 10) an amended statement (Guideline 23) with updated supporting text for Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE). CONCLUSIONS: These evidence-based updates to the AUA Guidelines further inform the surgical management of LUTS/BPH.

Re-evaluation of birth trends and pregnancy complications among female urologists: Have we made any progress?

AIMS: Females are becoming surgeons at ever-increasing rates and doing so while many have or wish to have children. This study follows up on a 2007 effort to study the problems and conditions such women faced. We ask here if these challenges are different after a decade that included changes in working rules. METHODS: A survey was sent to all female American Board of Urology diplomates. Birth trends, pregnancy complications, infertility service requirements, and satisfaction were evaluated in respondents (n = 183) and compared to the previous survey of female urologists who completed residency before August 2007 as well as Center for Disease Control data. RESULTS: Seventy-six physicians completed the survey who were residents before 2007, while 107 replied who experienced residency after. The first group's average age was 50.2 and the second's 38.3. Overall, these women gave birth 6 to 7 years later than the US mean. Complications did not decrease, infertility occurred at similar levels, and both were higher than US norms. Length of maternity leave correlated with respondents' level of overall satisfaction. The most positive responses came from those with more than 8 weeks off (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Women practicing in urology gave birth later, had greater fertility issues, used assisted reproductive technology (ART) more and reported a higher level of at least one complication during pregnancy than American women overall. Changes in hours and awareness of this issue have not made giving birth a healthier event for these physicians. Further investigation into factors other than work hours is needed.

Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline Amendment 2019.

PURPOSE: Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men and can have negative effects on quality of life (QoL). It is the hope that this Guideline becomes a reference for effective evidence-based surgical management of LUTS/BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evidence team searched Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality database to identify studies indexed between January 2007-September 2017. Following initial publication, this guideline was amended in 2019 and reflects relevant literature published through January 2019. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1 in supplementary unabridged guideline, https://www.jurology.com). RESULTS: This Guideline provides evidence-based recommendations regarding management of LUTS/BPH utilizing surgery and minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST). Additional statements are made regarding diagnostic and pre-operative tests. Clinical statements are made in comparison to what is generally accepted as the gold standard (i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP] monopolar and/or bipolar). This guideline is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm (see figure).[Figure: see text]Conclusions:The prevalence and the severity of LUTS increases as men age and is an important diagnosis in the healthcare of patients and the welfare of society. This document will undergo updating as knowledge regarding treatments and future surgical options continues to expand.

Surgical Management of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms Attributed to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: AUA Guideline.

PURPOSE: Male lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is common in men and can have negative effects on quality of life (QoL). It is the hope that this Guideline becomes a reference on the effective evidence-based surgical management of LUTS/BPH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The evidence team searched Ovid MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) database to identify studies indexed between January 2007 and September 2017. When sufficient evidence existed, the body of evidence was assigned a strength rating of A (high), B (moderate), or C (low) for support of Strong, Moderate, or Conditional Recommendations. In the absence of sufficient evidence, additional information is provided as Clinical Principles and Expert Opinions (table 1 in supplementary unabridged guideline, http://jurology.com/). RESULTS: This Guideline provides updated, evidence-based recommendations regarding management of LUTS/BPH utilizing surgery and minimally invasive surgical therapies; additional statements are made regarding diagnostic and pre-operative tests. Clinical statements are made in comparison to what is generally accepted as the gold standard (i.e. transurethral resection of the prostate [TURP]-monopolar and/or bipolar). This guideline is designed to be used in conjunction with the associated treatment algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and the severity of LUTS increases as men age and is an important diagnosis in the healthcare of patients and the welfare of society. This document will undergo additional literature reviews and updating as the knowledge regarding current treatments and future surgical options continues to expand.

Holmium laser for the surgical treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) is a surgical approach for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Limited evidence suggests laser ablation/vaporization is inferior to enucleation with respect to reoperation rates. Our objective was to determine if properly performed laser ablation results in outcomes similar to enucleation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 198 patients with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms and/or acute urinary retention had holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) or HoLAP between 2008 and 2014. Patients with metastatic prostate cancer, prior pelvic radiation, or bladder cancer involving the bladder neck or prostatic urethra were excluded. All procedures involved residents and were supervised by one experienced surgeon. The decision to perform HoLAP versus HoLEP was made intraoperatively. Demographics, pre, peri and postoperative data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 169 men were analyzed: 54 had HoLAP and 115 had HoLEP. Mean follow up was 27.16 months for HoLAP, and 38.18 months for HoLEP. As expected, the HoLEP group had larger prostates, longer mean operative times, and greater reduction in total PSA. There was no difference in the net change of flow rate between groups. CONCLUSION: Both HoLEP and HoLAP are appropriate surgical interventions for the management of BPH, when properly performed. Our findings suggest that adequate ablation of prostatic adenoma results in similar 2 year outcomes as enucleation.

Bladder oxidative stress in sleep apnea contributes to detrusor instability and nocturia.

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with voiding symptoms in humans and animals, and yet its effects on the urinary tract are poorly understood. We examined bladder structure and function, markers of oxidative damage and the redox survival pathway in a rat model of obstructive sleep apnea to identify changes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: To model obstructive sleep apnea we used a rat oxycycler system to create cyclical interruption in breathing oxygen, thereby producing intermittent hypoxemia. Male Sprague Dawley® rats were divided into an obstructive sleep apnea, a sham treated and a control group of 8 each. After 8-week exposure to obstructive sleep apnea conditions we assessed daytime and nighttime rat voiding behavior in metabolic cages. Cystometrograms were done and bladder tissue was processed for biochemical assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Increased urinary frequency and total urine output developed in rats exposed to obstructive sleep apnea conditions. Cystometric changes included detrusor instability, bladder noncompliance and increased spontaneous contractions. These changes were associated with bladder oxidative stress characterized by significant increases in tissue levels of malondialdehyde and advanced oxidation protein products. Obstructive sleep apnea activated cell survival signaling manifested by increased expression of PI3K and phosphorylated Akt1. Transmission electron microscopy revealed marked ultrastructural damage to subcellular elements. CONCLUSIONS: Intermittent hypoxia in obstructive sleep apnea causes oxidative stress with ultrastructural and functional changes in the bladder. Sleep apnea related nocturia/voiding symptoms could be the result of these direct changes. Untreated sleep apnea has significant health consequences. Identifying urinary oxidative stress products in patients with nocturia may be useful as an economical noninvasive biomarker to identify undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea.

Nocturia: Current Evaluation and Treatment for Urology.

Nocturia is a very common yet a highly underreported entity. Recently, there has been an increasing interest in nocturia because of its association with serious adverse health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, elevated BMI, and mortality. Frequency volume charts are the cornerstone of initial assessment and are pivotal in determining the type of nocturia and associated causes. The diagnostic evaluation is aimed at clarifying the underlying cause: sleep disturbances, reduced bladder capacity (functional or extrinsic), and increased urine production (nocturnal or daily). Obstructive sleep apnea is an important cause of nocturnal polyuria and should always been considered. Management is focused on treating the underlying cause; a range of behavioral and pharmacologic options are available.

Laser prostate enucleation techniques.

INTRODUCTION: Laser treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) through enucleation techniques has become increasingly more utilized in the field of urology. Laser enucleation of the prostate (LEP) is a transurethral procedure that employs several different types of lasers to dissect the adenoma from the surgical capsule in a retrograde fashion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We review basic laser physics and current laser prostate enucleation techniques. Holmium-LEP (HoLEP), Thulium-LEP (ThuLEP), Greenlight-LEP (GreenLEP) and Diode-LEP (DiLEP) applications are discussed. We summarize the current literature with respect to functional outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Although each laser device used for prostate enucleation has the same goal of removal of the adenoma from the surgical capsule, each has unique characteristics (i.e. wavelength, absorption rates) that must be understood by the practicing surgeon. Mastery of one LEP technique does not necessarily translate into facile use of an alternative enucleation energy source and/or approach. The various LEP techniques have demonstrated similar, if not superior, postoperative results to transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), the current gold standard in the treatment of BPH. CONCLUSIONS: This article outlines the current LEP techniques and should serve as a quick reference for the practicing urologist.

Office-Based HE-TUMT Costs Less than Medication over Four Years in Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVES: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can cause lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Medications are first line treatment for mild-moderate BPH. Office-based minimally invasive therapies (MITs) are also acceptable early treatment options but comparisons of MIT to medications are limited. MIT may be equally effective and less costly compared to long-term medical therapy. We compared data from a medication trial to pooled data of high-energy transurethral microwave therapy (HE-TUMT) to evaluate differences in outcomes and costs between the modalities. STUDY DESIGN: Covariate-adjusted comparison of treatments from independent clinical trials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from Medical Therapy of Prostatic Symptoms (MTOPS) study arms were compared to Urologix pooled data from seven HE-TUMT studies at 25 centers. Improvements in voiding symptoms and quality of life (QoL) were determined and a repeated measure logistic regression analysis to control for baseline covariates was performed. Cost data were collected using published outcomes, Medicare 2013 national averages, and discount online pharmacy prices. RESULTS: HE-TUMT provided significant improvement in voiding symptoms and QoL compared to all MTOPS arms through two years. At four years, all therapies maintain similar improvements when adjusting for baseline covariates. Four year cumulative costs of HE-TUMT ($3,620) were less than combination medical therapy ($7,200). CONCLUSIONS: HE-TUMT provides better improvement of LUTS compared to medication for two years. At four years, all therapies provide comparable improvement but HE-TUMT is less expensive with better QoL. This suggests that HE-TUMT is an excellent alternative to medical therapy that should be routinely discussed and offered during detailed management of BPH.

Injectable Penile Enhancement Procedures: A Review of Agents, Risks, and Complications.

Penile dysmorphophobic disorder describes men who feel their normal penile size is inadequate. Penile fillers have been used to address penile size dissatisfaction. However, unpredictability of these procedures can yield unfavorable outcomes. Reactions to these foreign bodies are inherently uncertain, owing to an array of materials, concentrations, and biocompatibility. Management of complications also varies. As fillers are more commonly used in cosmetic procedures to augment facial features, most genitourinary surgeons are unfamiliar with these therapies. This review seeks to describe the available materials, techniques, and risk profiles of the various types of fillers used for penile augmentation.

Enterococcal Urinary Tract Infections: A Review of the Pathogenicity, Epidemiology, and Treatment.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common causes of infections worldwide and can be caused by numerous uropathogens. Enterococci are Gram-positive, facultative anaerobic commensal organisms of the gastrointestinal tract that are known uropathogens. Enterococcus spp. has become a leading cause of healthcare associated infections, ranging from endocarditis to UTIs. In recent years, there has been an increase in multidrug resistance due to antibiotic misuse, especially in enterococci. Additionally, infections due to enterococci pose a unique challenge due to their ability to survive in extreme environments, intrinsic antimicrobial resistance, and genomic malleability. Overall, this review aims to highlight the pathogenicity, epidemiology, and treatment recommendations (according to the most recent guidelines) of enterococci.

Procedural Intervention for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Men ≥ Age 70 Years - A Review of Published Literature.

Objective: We set out to review studies reporting on the use of surgical intervention to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in elderly men ≥70 years of age. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using Scopus, PubMed-MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Wiley Online Library databases including studies published between January 2012 through December 2022. This 10-year interval was chosen given the recent plethora of new modalities that have entered the BPH armamentarium, many of which have been marketed as appropriate for older and high-risk patients. The following database search words were used either individually or in conjunction: "BPH", "elderly", "surgical", "ablation", "resection", "embolization", and "aging". Results: We identified 28 studies for inclusion in this review. The pros and cons of these modalities are presented, specifically as applicable to an older and higher risk population. Conclusion: There are a wide variety of surgical procedures available for surgically treating BPH in elderly men with varying states of health. Each of these comes with different risks and benefits, supporting that individualized approaches are important. Long-term data and further studies comparing modalities, specifically as regards the elderly and frail, would enhance our approaches to BPH treatment in this patient population.

Trends and attitudes in surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has changed over the past 15 years with newer techniques emerging such as laser therapy that can be used with anticoagulation, an increasing issue with modern patients. We sought to evaluate current trends in procedure utilization based on age, location, type of practice, and experience. We also hoped to determine what factors influence surgeons' decisions to choose or reject particular surgical techniques. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A 90-item on-line survey was sent via electronic mail to the American Urological Association (AUA), Veterans Administration, Society for Government Service Urologists, and Endourological Society. Data concerning utilization of 12 BPH surgical techniques were analyzed and compared to the surgeons' demographics using categorical data analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of approximately 5500 urologists contacted, 600 urologists replied with 570 currently performing BPH surgery. The two procedures that continue to be utilized by urologists are open prostatectomy (OP) at 78% and monopolar transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) at 73%. When stratified by urologist age and year of residency completion, there were no differences in procedure utilization. There were no differences in types of procedures utilized between AUA sections except in the Northeastern AUA section which utilized less monopolar TURP and the New York section which utilized less photoselective vaporization (PVP). Higher volume surgeons were more likely to perform holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP), diode laser vaporization of the prostate, holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP), and thulium laser ablation. There were no trends for low volume surgeons. There were no differences in types of procedures performed in full time academic versus non-academic settings except for robotic prostatectomy and button TURP which were utilized more often in academic settings. Urologists were more likely to accept a technique that produces good clinical outcomes, is safe in practice, and minimally invasive. Urologists reject procedures most frequently due to preference for another technique or lack of training/equipment. Interestingly, reimbursement/cost issues were never reported as primary reasons for acceptance/rejection of any approach. CONCLUSIONS: Change in technology has led urologists to change their approach to surgical treatment of BPH. OP and monopolar TURP are still the procedures utilized by most urologists, however, laser therapy is emerging as a commonly used technique. As more high-risk patients are treated, laser therapies may become a more popularized technique. Further larger scale studies evaluating surgeon attitudes might clarify how changing technology influences practice patterns.

Personal, professional and financial satisfaction among American women urologists.

PURPOSE: Although nearly half of American medical school classes are comprised of women, less than 5% of female medical students enter the surgical subspecialties compared to nearly 20% of male students. Many women are concerned that a career in a surgical field will limit their personal choices. In an effort to evaluate if urology is conducive to a satisfying lifestyle, we surveyed all 365 board certified women urologists in the United States in 2007 to find out how satisfied they are with their choice of urology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 114 item anonymous survey was mailed to all 365 American Board Certified female urologists in 2007. Results were analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 244 women (69%) who responded, 86.8% (211) reported being satisfied with their decision to enter urology. Given the choice to repeat the decision, 81% (198) said that they would remain in medicine and 91.4% (222) would choose a surgical subspecialty again. The majority of respondents who stated they would choose a career outside of medicine also stated their family life had been significantly compromised by their career. Those who did not think their family life was compromised reported they would remain in medicine. There was a positive correlation between the level of satisfaction with the work itself and with income level (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Despite the small number of women who choose a career in urology, the number of satisfied women indicates urology is a career conducive to having a balanced and fulfilling life; professionally, personally and financially.

Satisfaction of women urologists with maternity leave and childbirth timing.

PURPOSE: Women physicians must consider many conflicting issues when timing childbirth. We characterized maternity leave, breast-feeding practices and satisfaction associated with pregnancy timing in women urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 114-item anonymous survey including questions on maternity leave duration for firstborn children, workplace policies, attitudes and satisfaction was mailed to all 365 American board certified women urologists in May and July 2007. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with greater satisfaction. RESULTS: A total of 243 women urologists (69%) responded, of whom 158 had at least 1 biological child. Average maternal age at first birth was 32.6 years. Of the children 10%, 32% and 52% were born before, during and after residency, respectively. Only 42% of women reported the existence of a formal maternity leave policy. Of the women 70% took 8 weeks or less of leave. Those with 9 weeks or greater were 3.8 times more likely to report satisfaction (p = 0.001). Although women in practice were 2.0 times more likely to take 9 weeks or greater compared to those in training or earlier (p = 0.046), only 30% in practice took this much time. Dissatisfaction with leave was not related to birth timing (residency vs practice) or maternal age at delivery but to work/residency related issues in 69% of respondents, financial concerns in 13% and personal/other in 18%. For breast-feeding 67% of respondents were satisfied with the duration and 22% were not. Dissatisfaction was secondary to work factors. CONCLUSIONS: Satisfaction with leave was related to the amount of maternity leave with women with 9 weeks or greater more likely to report satisfaction. Women in practice were more likely to take 9 weeks or greater but most did not due to strong stressors related to work, partners/peers or finances. Work factors were cited for dissatisfaction with breast-feeding.