Mixed reality for teaching catheter placement to medical students: a randomized single-blinded, prospective trial.

BACKGROUND: Cost-effective methods to facilitate practical medical education are in high demand and the "mixed-reality" (MR) technology seems suitable to provide students with instructions when learning a new practical task. To evaluate a step-by-step mixed reality (MR) guidance system for instructing a practical medical procedure, we conducted a randomized, single-blinded prospective trial on medical students learning bladder catheter placement. METHODS: We enrolled 164 medical students. Students were randomized into 2 groups and received instructions on how to perform bladder catheter placement on a male catheterization training model. One group (107 students) were given their instructions by an instructor, while the other group (57 students) were instructed via an MR guidance system using a Microsoft HoloLens. Both groups did hands on training. A standardized questionnaire covering previous knowledge, interest in modern technologies and a self-evaluation was filled out. In addition, students were asked to evaluate the system's usability. We assessed both groups's learning outcome via a standardized OSCE (objective structured clinical examination). RESULTS: Our evaluation of the learning outcome revealed an average point value of 19.96 ± 2,42 for the control group and 21.49 ± 2.27 for the MR group - the MR group's result was significantly better (p = 0.00). The self-evaluations revealed no difference between groups, however, the control group gave higher ratings when evaluating the quality of instructions. The MR system's assessment showed less usability, with a cumulative SUS (system usability scale) score of 56.6 (lower half) as well as a cumulative score of 24.2 ± 7.3 (n = 52) out of 100 in the NASA task load index. CONCLUSIONS: MR is a promising tool for instructing practical skills, and has the potential to enable superior learning outcomes. Advances in MR technology are necessary to improve the usability of current systems. TRIAL REGISTRATION: German Clinical Trial Register ID: DRKS00013186.

Three-Tesla dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI: a critical assessment of its use for differentiation of renal lesion subtypes.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the ability of dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) 3-T MRI for preoperative differentiation between benign and malignant renal tumors and RCC subtypes. METHODS: Sixty consecutive patients undergoing preoperative DCE 3-T MRI of the kidney were evaluated in this retrospective IRB-approved evaluation. Fifty-four malignant tumors and 17 benign tumors upon surgical verification were included. Relative enhancement values of complete lesions and the most enhancing part of the lesions (hotspot) were measured using four repetitions: precontrast, arterial, venous, and delayed. RESULTS: Mean relative enhancement patterns between malignant and benign lesions did not differ significantly during any postcontrast phase (p > 0.05). The highest mean enhancement during all postcontrast phases was identified in clear cell RCC followed by chromophobic RCC. The enhancement pattern in papillary RCC was significantly less than that of non-papillary RCC lesions. Arterial enhancement was an independent predictor for RCC subtypes (papillary vs. non-papillary, p = 0.008). The diagnostic accuracy for differentiation of papillary from non-papillary RCC based on ROC analysis was 76.4% [95% CI 62.2-87.2%]; p < 0.0001. CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI at 3 T showed intermediate diagnostic capability for differentiation between papillary and non-papillary RCC subtypes but could not differentiate between benign and malignant renal lesions.

[Urinary diversion in old patients (80+ years)]. / Harnableitung beim alten Patienten (80+).

With increasing life expectancy there is also an increased need for the management of older (≥ 80 years) patients with the diagnosis of muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Radical cystectomy with urinary diversion is the state of the art treatment (with neoadjuvant chemotherapy, as long as the patient is fit enough). Choosing the best urinary diversion with respect to morbidity compared to functionality and quality of life remains a challenge in these patients. Physical age alone is not decisive for making a decision. A thorough preoperative assessment of medical features, physical and cognitive impairments is more important. Older patients are generally provided with an ileal conduit as an incontinent urinary diversion, as the intervention involves reduced operating times and complexity compared to continent urinary diversions; however, in the case of good health status with an adequate life expectancy and sufficient compliance, continent diversions may be considered even in aged candidates. In the case of multimorbid patients with a high perioperative risk, ureterostomy with permanent ureteric stents is an important alternative. Most importantly, a thorough preoperative counselling enables patients to reach an informed decision.

Incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans in boys younger than 10 years presenting with phimosis.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the true incidence of balanitis xerotica obliterans (BXO) among boys younger than 10 years. METHODS: In a period of 13 months, 75 boys younger than 10 years were treated for phimosis. Suspicion of BXO was raised in phimosis grade 2 or 3 (classification by Kikiros). Patients were offered primarily either circumcision or conservative therapy and circumcision secondarily (if treatment failed in the conservative group). Each circumcision specimen was examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Circumcision was primarily performed in 29 and secondarily in 17 patients. The mean age was 3.7 years (range 1-10). BXO, chronic inflammation, and normal histological results were found in 8/26/12 (17.4/56.5/26.1%) cases, respectively. The mean follow-up was 8.1 months. No recurrences were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BXO appears to be higher than previously reported. The clinical appearance in children may be confusing. The preoperative BXO suspicion did not correlate with the final histopathological results.

[Imaging for urolithiasis]. / Bildgebung bei Urolithiasis.

The substantial reduction of radiation exposure using (ultra-)low dose programs in native computed tomographic imaging has led to considerable changes in imaging diagnostics and treatment planning in urolithiasis in recent years. In addition, especially in Germany, ultrasound diagnostics is highly available in terms of equipment and with increasing expertise. This can largely replace the previous radiation-associated procedures in emergency and follow-up diagnostics, but also in intraoperative imaging, e.g., in percutaneous stone therapy (intraoperative fluoroscopy). This is reflected in the international guidelines, which recommend these two modalities as first-line diagnostics in all areas mentioned. Continuous technical development enables ever higher resolution imaging and thus improved diagnostics with high sensitivity and specificity. This also enables reliable imaging of particularly vulnerable patient groups, such as children or pregnant women. In addition, methods from the field of artificial intelligence (AI; machine learning, deep learning) are increasingly being used for automated stone detection and stone characterization including its composition. Furthermore, AI models can provide prognosis models as well as individually tailored treatment, follow-up, and prophyaxis. This will enable further personalization of diagnostics and therapy in the field of urolithiasis.

[Processing of medical products in the urological practice]. / Aufbereitung von Medizinprodukten in der urologischen Praxis.

The reprocessing of medical products is an important topic both in urological practices and in hospitals. The complexity is caused by the increasing variety of medical instruments and also by the increasing demands on the legally required quality of the reprocessing. The Robert Koch Institute (RKI) and the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) have published recommendations for the processing of MD and last updated them in 2012. This article summarizes the legal framework for the reprocessing of medical devices, how medical devices are categorized before the appropriate procedure for reprocessing can be selected and the various steps in the reprocessing. A special focus is placed on medical products that are typically found in urological practices or outpatient departments and are processed there. Furthermore, the necessity of validating the processing method and the required training (expertise) of the personnel are discussed.

[Learning from coding data-surgical treatment of benign prostatic syndrome : Big data for BPS]. / Lernen aus Kodierungsdaten ­ chirurgische Behandlung des benignen Prostatasyndroms : Big Data bei N40-Diagnose.

Benign prostatic syndrome (BPS) is one of the most common urological diseases. Currently, there are numerous surgical methods to treat BPS. The digitalisation of medicine enables new study approaches in healthcare research using digital data from individual treatment pathways. In the present work, BPS-specific longitudinal trend analyses were performed. Treatment-related figures, both with regard to the therapy methods and predefined patient cohorts, could be examined after validating the datasets. This meant that information on relevant characteristics of surgical BPS treatment could be read and calculations made that reflect the overall impact of these processes. In the future, it is expected that increasingly comprehensive, higher-quality digital datasets on different clinical pictures will be available for analytical purposes. Intensification of research projects in this field is desirable. The results thus obtained enable further optimisation steps of certain treatment actions and provide important key figures for the strategy development of a medical facility.

[Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT)]. / Transurethrale Resektion von Blasentumoren (TUR-B).

Transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT) is the standard of care for the diagnostics and primary treatment of bladder tumors. These are removed by fragmentation using loop diathermy. The resection area is coagulated for hemostasis. An important aspect is always a complete resection with an adequate amount of detrusor muscle in the specimen. Postoperative intravesical instillation of single-shot chemotherapy has been proven to reduce recurrence rates. Methods for improved tumor visualization (particularly photodynamic diagnostics) are used to enhance tumor detection rates particularly in multifocal tumors or carcinoma in situ (CIS). Thus, recurrence and progression rates can be reduced. Depending on the histological examination of the TURBT specimen, follow-up treatment for non-muscle invasive bladder tumors are adjuvant instillation treatment using chemotherapy or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), second look TURBT and early cystectomy or for muscle invasive bladder tumors, radical cystectomy or (oncologically subordinate) trimodal treatment with renewed TURBT, radiotherapy and chemotherapy are indicated. Possible complications of TURBT include bleeding with bladder tamponade, extraperitoneal or intraperitoneal bladder perforation and infections of the urogenital tract.

[Safety and efficacy of en bloc vs. conventional transurethral resection of bladder tumors: a meta-analysis and systematic review]. / Sicherheit und Effizienz der en bloc vs. konventionellen transurethralen Resektion von Blasentumoren: eine Metaanalyse und systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: En bloc tumor resection of bladder tumors (ERBT) is a novel alternative procedure to conventional resection of bladder tumor (cTURBT), which might help to address common problems of the standard method, such as inadequate detrusor muscle in specimens, high re-resection rates and high recurrence rates. OBJECTIVE: To analyze current data on ERBT in efficacy and safety compared to cTURBT. DATA SOURCES: PubMed. STUDY SELECTION: Two independent authors identified trials based on keywords and inclusion criteria. A third author was consulted in case of discrepancies. Screening keywords: ERBT, en bloc transurethral resection of bladder tumor, TURBT en bloc. A meta-analysis of 13 studies was performed. The effect size was estimated based on odds ratios and mean differences including their corresponding two-sided 95% confidence intervals. DATA SYNTHESIS: The analyzed studies comprised a homogenous collective in terms of tumor size, tumor multiplicity and tumor stage. Operation time did not significantly differ between the methods. Differences were observed in hospitalization and catheterization time in favor of ERBT. Reported complications did not show clear differences. There was significantly more detrusor muscle in the specimens in the ERBT group. No significant differences were found in recurrence up to 2 years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: ERBT is a safe alternative to conventional TURBT with promising features regarding effective resection of detrusor muscle. More standardized data on recurrence rates, different resection modalities and resection margin results are needed.

Complete removal of the foreskin--why?

Partial circumcision techniques frequently lead, on account of the remaining foreskin, to functional complications and unsatisfactory cosmetic results requiring re-operation. A series of pictures taken from our own sample of patients illustrates the problem. Review of the literature also attests to higher complication rates after partial circumcision. From a medical point of view, complete circumcision is preferable.

Ureteric avulsion caused by lumbar exostosis.

A 72-year-old woman sustained a ureteric avulsion following circulatory collapse at home. Urosonographic imaging revealed hydronephrosis at the left kidney, and abdominal emergency computed tomography showed some fluid around it. Left retrograde pyelography proved ureteral disruption at the level of the ureteropelvic junction (UPJ). Immediate open surgery was performed to restore ureteropelvic continuity. Correct and early diagnosis of UPJ transsection is difficult under emergency service conditions and lack of symptoms. With the rapid increase in the aging population, the presence of degenerative exostoses will increase, and its exclusive pathomechanism and pattern of injury might be seen more frequently in emergency care. Trauma specialists should be aware of this pathology.

[Innovative laser technologies in the treatment of urolithiasis : A change to more gentle methods with increased patient safety]. / Innovative Lasertechnologien in der Harnsteintherapie : Ein Wandel zu schonenderen Methoden mit hoher Patientensicherheit.

Management of urolithiasis has undergone fundamental changes with the introduction of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and percutaneous and ureterorenoscopic techniques in the 1980s. Since then, these minimally invasive techniques have been continuously optimized and specific laser techniques for stone disintegration have emerged. Besides the established holmium laser, other types of lasers are also emerging. Especially the thulium fiber laser is the subject of promising research due to its variable adjustment options. In terms of patient safety, both holmium and thulium techniques seem to be similar . While serious direct physical lesions are rare, there is increasing evidence of clinically relevant secondary thermal injury due to increased temperatures in the upper urinary tract during treatment. Our research group has recently demonstrated in both in vitro and in vivo (porcine animal model) experiments that monitoring the fluorescence spectra of calculi allows precise target differentiation between stone, tissue, and endoscope components. Consequently, pulse emissions were only emitted when stone material was detected. We believe that target monitoring will minimize the risk of laser-induced urothelial damage and decrease energy release into the upper urinary tract allowing adequate temperature management.

[Minimally invasive treatment options for the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Minimal-invasive Therapieoptionen zur Behandlung des benignen Prostatasyndroms.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is one of the most common diseases of aging men. Hyperplasia of the glandular tissue can cause distressing lower urinary tract symptoms, which can be treated with both drugs and interventions. For a long time, transurethral resection of the prostate and simple prostatectomy were considered the gold standard of surgical treatment. In order to be able to offer patients an outpatient treatment with few complications, shorter hospital stays and high efficiency, a variety of minimally invasive treatment options have been developed. While recommendations have already been made for the excision by focused waterjet, prostatic urethral lift, and prostatic artery embolization, there are several other very promising procedures for which, however, long-term data and data from comparative studies with reference procedures must still be awaited.

[Robotics and intraoperative navigation]. / Robotik und intraoperative Navigation.

Urology has always been closely linked to technological progress. In the last few decades, we have witnessed increasing implementation of various technologies and innovations in subdisciplines of urology. While conventional laparoscopy is increasingly being replaced by robot-assisted procedures and the introduction of new robotic systems from various manufactures will continue for years, the field of endourolgy is still not dominated by robotic systems. However, new systems (e.g., autonomous, robot-controlled aquablation of the prostate) are becoming increasingly popular and numerous development projects will also probably change clinical care in coming years. In addition, further advancements in the combination of robotics with intraoperative navigation through the integration of imaging and augmented-reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technology can be expected. This combination of navigation and robotic technology is already being used successfully in prostate biopsy.

[Empowerment for our patients : Innovation in everyday urology]. / Empowerment für unsere Patienten : Gelebte Innovation im urologischen Alltag.

Patient empowerment includes measures that promote their autonomy and self-determination in the physician-patient relationship. In addition to successful medical treatment, goals include long-term treatment satisfaction and the best possible quality of life for the patients and their social environment. Various initiatives and projects from German urology are already used to empower our patients. Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs (decision aid for prostate cancer) and the German language decision aid for advanced bladder cancer and for the choice of urinary diversion are implemented under the umbrella of the PatientenAkademie (patient academy) of German Urologists. With more than 12,000 users, Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs is very well established in urological care in Germany. The randomized evaluation study with planned 1200 participants is close to the successful completion of recruitment. Another project from the German urology sector is the project "antiCoagulation Help App for SurgERy" (CHASER). The aim is to develop a smartphone-based decision aid for the perioperative management of patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy. Online support groups can also contribute to empowerment and have been analyzed systematically for prostate cancer patients. A large randomized study on this topic is currently in preparation. Continuing advances in digitalization can thus provide us with useful support in order to provide individual information to our patients. The German Urological Association and its PatientenAkademie have been committed to this for many years.

[Enhanced imaging in urological endoscopy]. / Erweiterte Bildgebung in der urologischen Endoskopie.

White light cystoscopy and the concise documentation of pathological findings are standard diagnostic procedures in urology. Additional imaging modalities and technical innovations may support clinicians in the detection of bladder tumors. Modern endoscopy systems provide ultra-high-resolution imaging and the option of digital contrast enhancement. Photodynamic diagnostics and narrow band imaging are well-established in clinical routine and have shown significant benefits in the detection of bladder cancer. By means of multispectral imaging, different modalities can now be combined in real-time. Probe-based procedures such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) or Raman spectroscopy can further contribute to advanced imaging through an "optical biopsy" which may primarily improve diagnostics in the upper urinary tract. The aim of all techniques is to optimize the detection rate in order to achieve a more accurate diagnosis, resection and lower recurrence rates. Current research projects aim to digitalize the documentation of endoscopy and also make it more patient- and user-friendly. In the future, the use of image processing and artificial intelligence may automatically support the surgeon during endoscopy.

Morphology and chemical composition of Ag/Sn/Ag interconnections.

The main goal of the present contribution was to describe morphology and chemical composition of the intermetallic phases, which were formed during diffusion soldering process of the silver using tin. The Ag(3)Sn intermetallics is the main constituent of the joint after diffusion soldering at 235 degrees C and 265 degrees C. A closer inspection of the Ag/Ag(3)Sn interface revealed also the small crystallites of the second intermetallic phase, Ag(5)Sn, which was not previously observed using scanning electron microscope. Both phases are characterized by high melting temperatures: 480 degrees C and 724 degrees C, respectively. Therefore, their presence guarantees high thermal stability of the interconnection, which can be even three times higher than the temperature used for soldering.

[Novel surgical techniques for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia]. / Neue operative Techniken zur Therapie des benignen Prostatasyndroms.

In recent years new surgical techniques to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia have been introduced into urological practice and evaluated in clinical studies. Complications of standard procedures, e.g. transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), can be avoided while maintaining equivalent clinical outcomes. The main goal is preservation of erectile and ejaculatory function. Furthermore, outpatient treatment associated with a rapid patient recovery would be desirable. This article presents the course of the interventions, the mechanisms of action and current clinical evidence for novel mechanical approaches of recanalization, water-based ablation as well as prostate artery embolization. Initial study results partially indicate that in the future practically all patients can be offered an individualized surgical technique, which provides optimal symptomatic and functional improvements with a minimized risk of complications.

Magnetic Ureteral Stents Are Feasible in Kidney Transplant Recipients: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Insertion of ureteral catheters is a common procedure in kidney transplantation. The stent is usually removed by cystoscope. Magnetic ureteral stents may be an alternative to conventional stents. OBJECTIVE: To assess the functional efficacy and feasibility of magnetic double J (DJ) stents in kidney transplant recipients. METHODS: We used 6 Fr (diameter), 22 cm (length) magnetic DJs. We examined 7 cases of exclusively AB0-identical living donations. Stent were removed 10-12 days after transplantation. Ureteral Stent Symptoms Questionnaire (USSQ) and visual analog scale (VAS) were used to determine quality of life and pain of the recipients. The total removal time was recorded and cost reduction was calculated. RESULTS: Removal of the magnetic DJ was successful in all cases. The mean±SD duration of the removal was 3.4±1.6 min. The mean±SD overall pain score on the VAS during the procedure was 2.6±1.1. Using this technique was associated with a cost reduction of € 130. CONCLUSION: Using magnetic ureteral stents is a feasible option for living donation AB0-identical kidney transplant recipients.

Impact of surgeon's experience on outcome parameters following ureterorenoscopic stone removal.

Within the BUSTER trial, we analyzed the surgeon's amount of experience and other parameters associated with URS procedures regarding the stone-free rate, complication rate, and operative time. Patient characteristics and surgical details on 307 URS procedures were prospectively documented according to a standardized study protocol at 14 German centers 01-04/2015. Surgeon's experience was correlated to clinical characteristics, and its impact on the stone-free rate, complication rate, and operative time subjected to multivariate analysis. 76 (25%), 66 (21%) and 165 (54%) of 307 URS procedures were carried out by residents, young specialists, and experienced specialists (> 5 years after board certification), respectively. Median stone size was 6 mm, median operative time 35 min. A ureteral stent was placed at the end of 82% of procedures. Stone-free rate and stone-free rate including minimal residual stone fragments (adequate for spontaneous clearance) following URS were 69 and 91%, respectively. No complications were documented during the hospital stays of 89% of patients (Clavien-Dindo grade 0). According to multivariate analysis, experienced specialists achieved a 2.2-fold higher stone-free rate compared to residents (p = 0.038), but used post-URS stenting 2.6-fold more frequently (p = 0.023). Surgeon's experience had no significant impact on the complication rate. We observed no differences in this study's main endpoints, namely the stone-free and complication rates, between residents and young specialists, but experienced specialists' stone-free rate was significantly higher. During this cross-sectional study, 75% of URS procedures were performed by specialists. The experienced specialists' more than two-fold higher stone-free rate compared to residents' justifies ongoing efforts to establish structured URS training programs.