Gender-affirming care in urology: emergency care of the gender-affirming surgical patient-what the primary urologist needs to know.

OBJECTIVE: To present a narrative review of fundamental information needed to manage postoperative complications in patients who have undergone genital gender-affirming surgery (GAS). METHODS: A narrative review was performed using the following keywords: 'gender-affirming surgery', 'complications', 'emergency', 'postoperative'. Articles were included after being reviewed by two primary authors for relevance. Four clinicians with significant experience providing both primary and ongoing urological care to patients after GAS were involved in article selection and analysis. RESULTS: The most common feminising genital GAS performed is a vaginoplasty. The main post-surgical complications seen by urologists include wound healing complications, voiding dysfunction, postoperative bleeding, vaginal stenosis, acute vaginal prolapse and graft loss, rectovaginal fistula, and urethrovaginal fistula. The most common masculinising genital GAS options include metoidioplasty and phalloplasty. Complications for these surgeries include urethral strictures, urethral fistulae, and urethral diverticula. Penile implants may also accompany phalloplasties and their complications include infection, erosion, migration, and mechanical failure. CONCLUSION: Genital GAS is increasing, yet there are still many barriers that individuals face not only in accessing the surgeries, but in receiving follow-up care critical for optimal outcomes. Improved education and training programmes would be helpful to identify and manage postoperative complications. Broader cultural level changes are also important to ensure a safe, gender-inclusive environment for all patients.

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.

Safety and efficacy of GreenLight PVP in octogenarians: evaluation of the Global GreenLight Group database.

INTRODUCTION: The present study analyzes the largest international GreenLight database, the Global GreenLight Group (GGG), to evaluate the functional and safety profile of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in octogenarians. METHODS: The GGG is a database comprised of patients that underwent GreenLight PVP from 2011 to 2019 performed by 8 experienced urologists at 7 international hospitals. Patients 80 years or older at the time of surgery were categorized as octogenarians. They were compared to a similar group of PVP patients below the age of 80. RESULTS: Among 3,648 patients, 586 men were above the age of 80. Compared to patients under the age of 80, octogenarians had larger prostates (76.0 vs 71.9 ml, p = 0.02) and a lower BMI (25.6 vs 26.7, p = 0.045). Operative time was not significantly longer in octogenarians. The improvement in functional outcomes between 80-year-old patients and control patients was not significantly different at one-year follow-up, with the exception of maximum urinary flow (Qmax) that favoured younger patients (10.3 vs 12.6 ml/s, p = 0.02). The odds of transfusion were greater for older patients [OR 8.2 (95% CI 3.6-18.9, p < 0.01)], but they were not at increased risk of hematuria. Octogenarians had higher readmission rates (23.0 vs 11.9%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GreenLight PVP is a safe option in well-selected octogenarians in a cohort of patients treated by surgeons experienced with the technology. The odds of transfusion were higher in patients over 80, but the absolute risk remains low. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was higher in octogenarians.

Diagnostic test accuracy for cessation of circulation during death determination: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: To synthesize the available evidence comparing noninvasive methods of measuring the cessation of circulation in patients who are potential organ donors undergoing death determination by circulatory criteria (DCC) with the current accepted standard of invasive arterial blood pressure (IAP) monitoring. SOURCE: We searched (from inception until 27 April 2021) MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We screened citations and manuscripts independently and in duplicate for eligible studies that compared noninvasive methodologies assessing circulation in patients who were monitored around a period of cessation of circulation. We performed risk of bias assessment, data abstraction, and quality assessment using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation in duplicate and independently. We presented findings narratively. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We included 21 eligible studies (N = 1,177 patients). Meta-analysis was not possible because of study heterogeneity. We identified low quality evidence from four indirect studies (n = 89) showing pulse palpation is less sensitive and specific than IAP (reported sensitivity range, 0.76-0.90; specificity, 0.41-0.79). Isoelectric electrocardiogram (ECG) had excellent specificity for death (two studies; 0% [0/510]), but likely increases the average time to death determination (moderate quality evidence). We are uncertain whether point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) pulse check, cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), or POCUS cardiac motion assessment are accurate tests for the determination of circulatory cessation (very low-quality evidence). CONCLUSION: There is insufficient evidence that ECG, POCUS pulse check, cerebral NIRS, or POCUS cardiac motion assessment are superior or equivalent to IAP for DCC in the setting of organ donation. Isoelectric ECG is specific but can increase the time needed to determine death. Point-of-care ultrasound techniques are emerging therapies with promising initial data but are limited by indirectness and imprecision. STUDY REGISTRATION: PROSPERO (CRD42021258936); first submitted 16 June 2021.

RéSUMé: OBJECTIF: Synthétiser les données probantes disponibles comparant les méthodes non invasives de mesure de l'arrêt de la circulation chez les patients qui sont des donneurs d'organes potentiels soumis à une détermination du décès selon des critères circulatoires (DCC) avec la norme actuellement acceptée de surveillance invasive de la tension artérielle (TA). SOURCES: Nous avons mené des recherches dans les bases de données MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science et le registre Cochrane des essais contrôlés de leur création jusqu'au 27 avril 2021. Nous avons examiné les citations et les manuscrits de manière indépendante et en double pour en tirer les études éligibles qui comparaient des méthodologies non invasives d'évaluation de la circulation chez les patients qui étaient sous surveillance avant, pendant et après une période d'arrêt de la circulation. Nous avons réalisé l'évaluation du risque de biais, l'extraction des données et l'évaluation de la qualité en nous fondant sur la méthodologie GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) en double et de manière indépendante. Nous présentons les résultats de façon narrative. CONSTATATIONS PRINCIPALES: Nous avons inclus 21 études éligibles (N = 1177 patients). Une méta-analyse n'a pas été possible en raison de l'hétérogénéité des études. Nous avons identifié des données de faible qualité issues de quatre études indirectes (n = 89) montrant que la palpation du pouls est moins sensible et spécifique que la mesure invasive de la TA (plage de sensibilité rapportée, 0,76-0,90; spécificité, 0,41-0,79). L'électrocardiogramme (ECG) isoélectrique avait une excellente spécificité pour le décès (deux études; 0 % [0/510]), mais augmente probablement le délai moyen avant la détermination du décès (données probantes de qualité modérée). Nous ne savons pas si la vérification du pouls par échographie ciblée (POCUS), la spectroscopie proche infrarouge (SPIR) cérébrale ou l'évaluation ciblée (POCUS) des mouvements cardiaques sont des examens précis pour la détermination de l'arrêt circulatoire (données probantes de très faible qualité). CONCLUSION: Il n'y a pas suffisamment de données probantes pour affirmer que l'ECG, la vérification ciblée du pouls, la SPIR cérébrale ou l'évaluation ciblée des mouvements cardiaques sont supérieurs ou équivalents à la mesure invasive de la TA pour un DCC dans le cadre du don d'organes. L'ECG isoélectrique est spécifique, mais peut augmenter le délai nécessaire avant de déterminer le décès. Les techniques d'échographie ciblée sont des thérapies émergentes avec des données initiales prometteuses, mais elles sont limitées par leur caractère indirect et l'imprécision de l'examen. ENREGISTREMENT DE L'éTUDE: PROSPERO (CRD42021258936); soumis pour la première fois le 16 juin 2021.

Litigation associated with 5-alpha-reductase-inhibitor use: A Canadian legal database review.

INTRODUCTION: 5α-reductase inhibitors (5ARI) are commonly prescribed medications. There is ongoing controversy about the adverse events of these medications. The aim of this study is to characterize lawsuits in Canada involving medical complications of 5ARIs use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Legal cases were queried from CanLII. Cases were included if they involved a party taking a 5ARI who alleged an adverse event. Relevant full cases were retained, and pertinent characteristics were extracted with the help of a legal expert. RESULTS: Our deduplicated search yielded 67 unique legal documents from December 2013 to February 2019. Twelve of these documents met the inclusion criteria (representing 3 cases, considering each case had several hearings). The medical complaints filed by the plaintiffs were all related to medication side effects (n = 3, 100%). The plaintiffs were commonly patients themselves. Defendants were exclusively pharmaceutical companies. Persistent erectile dysfunction after stopping the medication was cited as a side effect in all complaints. The prescriptions were made for male pattern hair loss (n = 3, 100%) in all cases. All cases represent class actions brought by the plaintiffs, and they have been certified by their respective court. However, the cases are still ongoing. CONCLUSION: While 5ARI use has been linked to undesired sexual side effects, there have been few litigations on this issue in Canada. Persisting sexual dysfunction after stopping the medication is the only complaint presented in legal action. To date, no judgment against a physician or pharmaceutical company was identified. Cases are still ongoing.

CARD 2020: antibiotic resistome surveillance with the comprehensive antibiotic resistance database.

The Comprehensive Antibiotic Resistance Database (CARD; https://card.mcmaster.ca) is a curated resource providing reference DNA and protein sequences, detection models and bioinformatics tools on the molecular basis of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR). CARD focuses on providing high-quality reference data and molecular sequences within a controlled vocabulary, the Antibiotic Resistance Ontology (ARO), designed by the CARD biocuration team to integrate with software development efforts for resistome analysis and prediction, such as CARD's Resistance Gene Identifier (RGI) software. Since 2017, CARD has expanded through extensive curation of reference sequences, revision of the ontological structure, curation of over 500 new AMR detection models, development of a new classification paradigm and expansion of analytical tools. Most notably, a new Resistomes & Variants module provides analysis and statistical summary of in silico predicted resistance variants from 82 pathogens and over 100 000 genomes. By adding these resistance variants to CARD, we are able to summarize predicted resistance using the information included in CARD, identify trends in AMR mobility and determine previously undescribed and novel resistance variants. Here, we describe updates and recent expansions to CARD and its biocuration process, including new resources for community biocuration of AMR molecular reference data.

Advances in human In vitro spermatogenesis: A review.

Recent advances surrounding in vitro spermatogenesis (IVS) have shown potential in creating a new paradigm of regenerative medicine in the future of fertility treatments for males experiencing non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA). Male infertility is a common condition affecting approximately 15% of couples, with azoospermia being present in 15% of infertile males (Cocuzza et al., 2013; Esteves et al., 2011a). Treatment for patients with NOA has primarily been limited to surgical sperm retrieval combined with in vitro fertilization intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI); however, sperm retrieval is successful in only half of these patients, and live birth rates typically range between 10 and 25% (Aljubran et al., 2022). Therefore, a significant need exists for regenerative therapies in this patient population. IVS has been considered as a model for further understanding the molecular and cellular processes of spermatogenesis and as a potential regenerative therapeutic approach. While 2D cell cultures using human testicular cells have been attempted in previous research, lack of proper spatial arrangement limits germ cell differentiation and maturation, posing challenges for clinical application. Recent research suggests that 3D technology may have advantages for IVS due to mimicry of the native cytoarchitecture of human testicular tissue along with cell-cell communication directly or indirectly. 3D organotypic cultures, scaffolds, organoids, microfluidics, testis-on-a-chip, and bioprinting techniques have all shown potential to contribute to the technology of regenerative treatment strategies, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). Although promising, further work is needed to develop technology for successful, replicable, and safe IVS for humans. The intersection between tissue engineering, molecular biology, and reproductive medicine in IVS development allows for multidisciplinary involvement, where challenges can be overcome to realize regenerative therapies as a viable option.

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.

Absence of Race/Ethnicity Reporting in Clinical Trials of True Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies for the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the extent of racial reporting and enrollment in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of minimally invasive surgical therapies (MIST) for the office-based treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). METHODS: A systematic review was conducted for RCTs assessing 6 office-based MISTs: transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT), prostatic artery embolization, prostatic urethral lift, temporary implantable nitinol device, water vapor thermal therapy, and Optilume. MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane CENTRAL databases were searched up to November 3, 2023. Publications were excluded if they (1) did not address one of the aforementioned office-based MISTs for the treatment of BPH; (2) were not RCTs; (3) were an abstract or conference proceeding; or (4) were not published in English. In addition to study characteristics, data about racial reporting were collected. Two independent reviewers completed screening at title, abstract, and full-text levels, with conflicts resolved by consensus with a third reviewer. RESULTS: A total of 61 publications representing 37 unique RCTs (n = 4027 unique patients) were reviewed, with publication years spanning from 1993 to 2023. TUMT was the most frequently studied MIST. Most publications (79%) were based solely in Europe or North America. Over 50% of the publications were multicenter trials. None of the included publications reported on race/ethnicity of study participants. CONCLUSION: None of the 61 included publications of RCTs of office-based MISTs provided information on racial/ethnic composition of study participants. There is a staggering gap in the standardization of race/ethnicity reporting and enrollment within RCTs of MISTs. More granular data on race/ethnicity allow for better generalizability and equity.

Industry-sponsored research funding to urologists in the United States between 2014 and 2022.

PURPOSE: Urologists face challenges in obtaining public research funding, leading to increasing reliance on the industry for research support. This study aimed to examine the extent and trends in industry-sponsored research payments to urologists from 2014 to 2022 in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified all US urologists using the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) database and extracted their industry-sponsored research payments data from the CMS Open Payments Database. We performed descriptive analyses of the payments data. RESULTS: Among 13,902 US urologists, 1330 (9.6%) received at least one industry-sponsored research payment. Urologists received $605.1 million between 2014 and 2022. Of all research payments, 98.7% ($597.4 million) were associated research payments for research where urologists served as principal investigators. The top 10% of urologists in research payments received 79.3% ($480.0 million) of total research payments. Only 0.4% ($2.3 million) of research payments were for preclinical research, while registered clinical trials totaled $159.0 million (26.3% of all research payments). The annual value of research payments increased from $35.2 million in 2014 to $101.7 million in 2022. The average percentage change in total payments showed a significant annual increase of 13.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 11.6% to 16.3%, p<0.001) in value. There was no significant trend in the number of urologists receiving research payments. CONCLUSION: Industry-sponsored research payments to urologists are substantial and have increased in both payment amount and number over time.

Perioperative Factors Associated With Postoperative Delirium in Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis.

Importance: Postoperative delirium (POD) is a common and serious complication after surgery. Various predisposing factors are associated with POD, but their magnitude and importance using an individual patient data (IPD) meta-analysis have not been assessed. Objective: To identify perioperative factors associated with POD and assess their relative prognostic value among adults undergoing noncardiac surgery. Data Sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL from inception to May 2020. Study Selection: Studies were included that (1) enrolled adult patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, (2) assessed perioperative risk factors for POD, and (3) measured the incidence of delirium (measured using a validated approach). Data were analyzed in 2020. Data Extraction and Synthesis: Individual patient data were pooled from 21 studies and 1-stage meta-analysis was performed using multilevel mixed-effects logistic regression after a multivariable imputation via chained equations model to impute missing data. Main Outcomes and Measures: The end point of interest was POD diagnosed up to 10 days after a procedure. A wide range of perioperative risk factors was considered as potentially associated with POD. Results: A total of 192 studies met the eligibility criteria, and IPD were acquired from 21 studies that enrolled 8382 patients. Almost 1 in 5 patients developed POD (18%), and an increased risk of POD was associated with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status 4 (odds ratio [OR], 2.43; 95% CI, 1.42-4.14), older age (OR for 65-85 years, 2.67; 95% CI, 2.16-3.29; OR for >85 years, 6.24; 95% CI, 4.65-8.37), low body mass index (OR for body mass index <18.5, 2.25; 95% CI, 1.64-3.09), history of delirium (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 2.69-5.66), preoperative cognitive impairment (OR, 3.99; 95% CI, 2.94-5.43), and preoperative C-reactive protein levels (OR for 5-10 mg/dL, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.59-3.50; OR for >10 mg/dL, 3.56; 95% CI, 2.46-5.17). Completing a college degree or higher was associated with a decreased likelihood of developing POD (OR 0.45; 95% CI, 0.28-0.72). Conclusions and Relevance: In this systematic review and meta-analysis of individual patient data, several important factors associated with POD were found that may help identify patients at high risk and may have utility in clinical practice to inform patients and caregivers about the expected risk of developing delirium after surgery. Future studies should explore strategies to reduce delirium after surgery.

Metabolomic Biomarkers to Predict and Diagnose Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Exacerbations: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: Metabolomics is an emerging area of research and has the potential to identify clinical biomarkers for predicting or diagnosing cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations (PEx). Objective: To identify clinically promising metabolites across different sample sources that can be used to predict or diagnose PEx in CF. Evidence Review: Searches for original literature were completed through EMBASE, MEDLINE, and all databases on the Web of Science with no restrictions on language or publication date. Gray literature was collected through Google Scholar. Additional studies were obtained by contacting authors and searching reference lists of candidate papers. The patient population included individuals with CF. Studies involving patients who underwent lung transplantation were excluded. The outcome was the prediction or diagnosis of pulmonary exacerbations from metabolites directly measured from biological samples. Search results were downloaded and imported into Covidence and duplicates were removed automatically. Any remaining duplicates were manually tagged and excluded. Two independent reviewers screened each abstract for eligibility and repeated this process for full texts. Risk of bias was conducted using QUADAS-2 by two independent reviewers. A third author resolved any remaining conflicts. Results: A combined 3974 relevant abstracts were identified and 115 full texts were assessed for eligibility. The final 25 studies underwent data extraction for study design, patient demographics, studied metabolites, concentration values, and diagnostic accuracy values. Included studies differed considerably in methodologies, sample specimen types (exhaled breath condensate [EBC], sputum, saliva, plasma, urine), and disease states. We identified 19 unique metabolites that were measured by two or more studies of which 2 have the potential to predict PEx (EBC 4-hydroxycyclohexylcarboxylic acid [4-HCHC] and lactic acid) and 6 to diagnose PEx (EBC 4-HCHC and lactic acid, sputum lactic acid and nitrate, and plasma arginine and methionine). Conclusion and Relevance: This systematic review has identified promising metabolites for further study in CF. Certain metabolites may provide clinical potential in predicting or diagnosing PEx, but further validation studies are required. With better tools to aid in the earlier identification of PEx, clinicians can implement preventative measures to mitigate airway damage.Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.