Artificial intelligence improves urologic oncology patient education and counseling.

INTRODUCTION: Patients seek support from online resources when facing a troubling urologic cancer diagnosis. Physician-written resources exceed the recommended 6-8th grade reading level, creating confusion and driving patients towards unregulated online materials like AI chatbots. We aim to compare the readability and quality of patient education on ChatGPT against Epic and Urology Care Foundation (UCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer content from ChatGPT, Epic, and UCF. We further studied readability-adjusted responses using specific AI prompting (ChatGPT-a) and Epic material designated as Easy to Read. Blinded reviewers completed descriptive textual analysis, readability analysis via six validated formulas, and quality analysis via DISCERN, PEMAT, and Likert tools. RESULTS: Epic met the recommended grade level, while UCF and ChatGPT exceeded it (5.81 vs. 8.44 vs. 12.16, p < 0.001). ChatGPT text was longer with more complex wording (p < 0.001). Quality was fair for Epic, good for UCF, and excellent for ChatGPT (49.5 vs. 61.67 vs. 64.33). Actionability was overall poor but particularly lowest (37%) for Epic. On qualitative analysis, Epic lagged on all quality measures. When adjusted for user education level (ChatGPT-a and Epic Easy to Read), readability improved (7.50 and 3.53), but only ChatGPT-a retained high quality. CONCLUSIONS: Online urologic oncology patient materials largely exceed the average American's literacy level and often lack real-world utility for patients. Our ChatGPT-a model indicates that AI technology can improve accessibility and usefulness. With development, a healthcare-specific AI program may help providers create content that is accessible and personalized to improve shared decision-making for urology patients.

Does antithrombotic use enable earlier diagnosis of bladder cancer? A brief institutional assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Wallis et al (JAMA 2017) demonstrated use of antithrombotic medications (ATMs) is associated with increased prevalence of hematuria-related complications and subsequent bladder cancer diagnosis within 6 months. Stage of diagnosis was lacking in this highly publicized study. This study examined the association of ATM use on bladder cancer stage at the time of diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We completed a retrospective chart review of patients with a bladder cancer diagnosis at our institution. Patient demographics and bladder cancer work up information were assessed. Patients were stratified based on use of ATMs at time diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were completed to identify association between ATM use and stage of bladder cancer diagnosis, as stratified by non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) versus muscle invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). RESULTS: A total of 1052 patient charts were reviewed. Eight hundred and forty-four were included and 208 excluded due to unavailability of diagnosis history. At diagnosis, 357 (42.3%) patients were taking ATMs. Patients on ATMs presented with NMIBC at similar rates as patients not taking ATMs (81.2% vs. 77.8%, p = 0.23). Subgroup analysis by ATM class similarly demonstrated no statistically significant differences in staging. CONCLUSION: While Wallis et al established that patients on blood thinners who present with hematuria are more likely to be diagnosed with genitourinary pathology, this factor does not appear to enable an earlier diagnosis of bladder cancer. Future study may assess hematuria at presentation (gross, microscopic), type of blood thinners, and low versus high risk NMIBC presentation.

How I Do It: PureWick female external catheter: a non-invasive urine management system for incontinent women.

Catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common hospital-acquired infections and remain a significant medical and financial challenge to the healthcare system. Despite this risk, incontinent women may require prolonged catheterization to accurately monitor urine output and prevent skin breakdown. The PureWick Female External Urinary Catheter is a promising non-invasive urine collection system for use in incontinent women that may help reduce CAUTI rates, maintain skin integrity, accurately quantify urine output, and avoid extra healthcare costs.

How I Do It: Anticoagulation management for common urologic procedures.

Appropriate perioperative management of antithrombotic medications is critical; for every patient, the risk of bleeding must be balanced against individual risk of thrombosis. There has been a rapid influx of new antithrombotic therapies in the past 5 years, yet there is a lack of clear and concise guidelines on the management of anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy during urologic surgery. Here we describe our approach to perioperative antithrombotic counseling, including the timing of stopping and restarting these medications. These practice guidelines have been developed in consultation with the Vascular Medicine service at our institution as well as after a review of current literature, and apply to common urologic procedures. Many cases are complex and require medical consultation or a multidisciplinary approach to management. We believe that by presenting our systematic method of antithrombotic management, including when to involve other discplines, we can increase knowledge and comfort amongst urologists in managing these medications in the perioperative period.

Simple frameshifts in minimally invasive surgery postoperative pain management significantly reduce opiate prescriptions.

INTRODUCTION: To evaluate the impact of an 'opt-in' non-narcotic postoperative pain regimen on narcotic utilization and patient-reported pain scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, non-blinded pre- and post-interventional trial was conducted, including a lead-in period for baseline evaluation. The intervention group received a new pain protocol prioritizing non-narcotic medications, an 'opt-in' requirement for opiates, and standardized patient education. Study outcomes included opiate prescription and utilization (measured in Morphine Equivalent Doses) and reported pain scores on postoperative day (POD) 1, discharge and follow up. RESULTS: At discharge, 70% fewer patients were prescribed any opioids (ARR: -0.7; p < 0.001); the amount prescribed was reduced by 95% (pre-intervention 69.3 mg versus post-intervention 3.5 mg, p < 0.001). Mean opioids used following discharge decreased by 76% (14.7 mg versus 3.5 mg, p = 0.011). In a subgroup analysis of robotic prostatectomies, there was a 95% reduction in mean opioids prescribed at discharge (64.6 mg versus 3.2 mg, p < 0.001) and 82% reduction in utilization over entire postoperative course (87.6 mg versus 15.7 mg, p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in pain scores between intervention groups at POD 1, discharge and follow up for patients (entire cohort and post-prostatectomy). CONCLUSION: A standardized pain protocol with 'opt-in' requirements for opiate prescription, emphasis on non-narcotic medications, and patient education, resulted in significant reductions in opioid use. Simple frameshifts in pain management can yield significant gains in the opioid epidemic.

Perioperative and Complication Related Outcomes for Robotic-Assisted vs Open Radical Cystectomy: A Comparative National Surgical Quality Improvement Project Analysis.

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) is standard of care for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, but it comes with significant perioperative risk, with half of the patients experiencing major postoperative complications. Robot-assisted radical cystectomies (RARCs) have aimed to decrease patient morbidity and been increasingly adopted in North America. Currently, both open radical cystectomies (ORCs) and RARCs are frequently performed. The aim of this study is to contribute to the existing literature using newly available data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Project (NSQIP), representing one of the most recent, largest multi-institutional studies, while uniquely accounting for a variety of factors, including type of urinary diversion, cancer staging, and neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Methods: RC procedures performed between 2019 and 2021 were identified in NSQIP and the corresponding cystectomy-targeted database. Cases in the ORC group were planned open procedures, and cases in the RARC group were robot assisted, including unplanned conversion to open cases for intention to treat. Chi-square and t-tests were performed to compare baseline demographics and operative parameters. Multivariate analysis was performed for outcomes, including major complications, minor complications, and 30-day mortality rates, while adjusting for baseline differences significant on univariate analysis. Results: Five thousand three hundred forty-three RC cases were identified. Of these, 70% underwent planned ORC, while 30% received RARC. RARC was associated with longer operative times and shorter hospital length of stay compared with ORC. On multivariate analysis, there was no difference between the cohorts in 30-day rates of major complications, hospital readmissions, need for reoperation, or mortality. ORC was, however, associated with higher rates of minor complications, bleeding, superficial surgical site infections, and anastomotic leak. Conclusions: In the NSQIP database, ORC is associated with higher rates of 30-day minor complications, most notably bleeding, compared with RARC. However, there is no difference in regard to perioperative major morbidity or mortality rates. This study is unique in the size of the cohorts compared, timeliness of data (2019-2021), applicability to a variety of different practice settings across the country, and ability to control for factors, such as type of urinary diversion and pathological bladder cancer staging, as well as use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This study was approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) specific to Thomas Jefferson University.

Complications and Influential Perioperative Factors Associated with SpaceOAR Hydrogel Placement.

Objective: To examine one academic institution's experiences with SpaceOAR placement, its associated complications, and periprocedural characteristics that affect outcomes for the purpose of quality improvement. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of 233 patients who received SpaceOAR from four surgeons and one radiation oncologist between 2018 and 2021. Variables such as demographics, oncologic parameters, radiation plan, and radiographic assessment of hydrogel placement were recorded. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was used to assess comorbidity risk. Mann-Whitney and Fisher's exact tests were performed to compare patients with and without complications. Results: Of the 233 patients who received SpaceOAR, 24 (10.3%) experienced toxicity. All complications were Clavien I or II, such as pelvic pain postplacement, pelvic fullness, bleeding, and lower urinary tract symptoms. 16 patients (6.9%) had some portion of the hydrogel injected into the rectal wall, but it was never clinically significant. The average CCI was 3.2 ± 0.95 for patients who experienced complications; the average CCI was 3.6 ± 1.6 (p=0.48) in the group without complications. Of the physicians with higher procedure volumes, Physician #1 had the highest rate of patient-reported complications at 11 out of 68 (16.2%) and Physician #2 had the lowest rate of complications at 4 out of 96 placements (4.2%). Multivariate analysis found that patients who had received hormone therapy previously had less odds of reporting complications after SpaceOAR placement. Conclusions: The listed attending on the procedure had a significant correlation to complications with SpaceOAR placement on univariate analysis, and hormone therapy had some benefits to the tolerance for the procedure on multivariate analysis. Overall, the hydrogel placement was well tolerated with low incidence of mild and transient procedure-related toxicity.

A Narrative Review on Robotic Surgery as Treatment for Renal Cell Carcinoma with Inferior Vena Cava Thrombus.

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common diagnosis, of which a notable portion of patients present with an extension into the venous circulation causing an inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus. Venous extension has significant implications for staging and subsequent treatment planning, with recommendations for more aggressive surgical removal, although associated surgical morbidity and mortality is relatively increased. The methods for surgical removal of RCC with IVC thrombus remain complex, particularly surrounding the use of robot-assisted surgery. Robot assistance for radical nephrectomy in this context is recently emerging. Thrombus level has important implications for surgical technique and prognosis. Other preoperative considerations may include location, laterality, size, and wall invasion. The urology literature on treatment of such tumors is largely limited to case series and institutional studies that describe the feasibility of various surgical options for these complex tumors. Further understanding of the outcomes and patient-specific risk factors would shed increased light on the optimal treatment for such cases. This narrative review provides a thorough overview on the previously reported use of robot-assisted nephrectomy in RCC with IVC thrombus to inform further studies which may optimize outcomes and guide shared decision-making.

Risk of Secondary Malignancies After Pelvic Radiation: A Population-based Analysis.

Background and objective: Radiation therapy has increasingly been used in the management of pelvic malignancies. However, the use of radiation continues to pose a risk of a secondary malignancy to its recipients. This study investigates the risk of secondary malignancy development following radiation for primary pelvic malignancies. Methods: A retrospective cohort review of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 1975 to 2016 was performed. Primary pelvic malignancies were subdivided based on the receipt of radiation, and secondary malignancies were stratified as pelvic or nonpelvic to investigate the local effect of radiation. Key findings and limitations: A total of 2 102 192 patients were analyzed (1 189 108 with prostate, 315 026 with bladder, 88 809 with cervical, 249 535 with uterine, and 259 714 with rectal/anal cancer). The incidence rate (defined as cases per 1000 person years) of any secondary malignancies (including but not limited to secondary pelvic malignancies) was higher in radiation patients than in nonradiation patients (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.04, confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.05), with significantly greater rates noted in radiation patients with prostate (IRR 1.22, CI 1.21-1.24), uterine (IRR 1.34), and cervical (IRR 1.80, CI 1.72-1.88) cancer. While the overall incidence rate of any secondary pelvic malignancy was lower in radiation patients (IRR 0.79, CI 0.78-0.81), a greater incidence was still noted in the same cohorts including radiation patients with prostate (IRR 1.42, CI 1.39-1.45), uterine (IRR 1.15, CI 1.08-1.21), and cervical (IRR 1.72, CI 1.59-1.86) cancer. Conclusions and clinical implications: Except for localized cervical cancer, when put in the context of median overall survival, the impact of radiation likely does not carry enough weight to change practice patterns. Radiation for pelvic malignancies increases the risk for several secondary malignancies, and more specifically, secondary pelvic malignancies, but with a relatively low absolute risk of secondary malignancies, the benefits of radiation warrant continued use for most pelvic malignancies. Practice changes should be considered for radiation utilization in malignancies with excellent cancer-specific survival such as cervical cancer. Patient summary: The use of radiation for the management of pelvic malignancies induces a risk of secondary malignancies to its recipients. However, the absolute risk being low, the benefits of radiation warrant its continued use, and a change in practice patterns is unlikely.

Multiparametric MRI is not sufficient for prostate cancer staging: A single institutional experience validated by a multi-institutional regional collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) has been increasingly utilized in prostate cancer (CaP) diagnosis and staging. While Level 1 data supports MRI utility in CaP diagnosis, there is less data on staging utility. We sought to evaluate the real-world accuracy of mpMRI in staging localized CaP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men who underwent radical prostatectomy (RP) for CaP in 2021 at our institution were identified. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of mpMRI in predicting pT2N0 organ confined disease , extracapsular extension , seminal vesicle invasion , lymph node involvement, and bladder neck invasion were evaluated. Associations between MRI accuracy and AUA risk stratification (AUA RS), MRI institution (MRI-I), MRI strength (1.5 vs. 3T) (MRI-S), and MRI timing (MRI-T) were assessed. These analyses were repeated using Pennsylvania Urologic Regional Collaborative (PURC) data. RESULTS: Institutional and community mpMRI CaP staging data demonstrated poor sensitivity (2.9%-49.2%% vs. 16.8%-24.4%), positive predictive value (40%-100% vs. 35.8%-68.2%), and negative predictive value (56.3%-94.3% vs. 68.4%-96.2%) in predicting surgical pathologic features - in contrast, specificity (89.1%-100% vs. 93.9%-98.6%) was adequate. mpMRI accuracy for extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion, and lymph node involvement was significantly (p < 0.001) associated with AUA RS. There was no association between mpMRI accuracy and MRI-I, MRI-S, and MRI-T. CONCLUSION: Despite enthusiasm for its use, in a real-world setting, mpMRI appears to be a poor staging study for localized CaP and is unreliable as the sole means of staging patients prior to prostatectomy. mpMRI should be used cautiously as a staging tool for CaP, and should be interpreted considering individual patient risk strata.

Volumetric Quantitative Contrast-enhanced Ultrasonography Evaluation of Complex Renal Cysts: An Adjunctive Metric to the Bosniak Classification System to Predict Malignancy.

BACKGROUND: Management of complex renal cysts is guided by the Bosniak classification system, which may be inadequate for risk stratification of patients for intervention. Fractional tumor vascularity (FV) calculated from volumetric contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) images may provide additional useful information. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate CEUS and FV calculation for risk stratification of patients with complex renal cysts. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This was a pilot prospective study with institutional review board approval involving patients undergoing surgery for Bosniak IIF-IV complex renal cysts. CEUS was performed preoperatively on the day of surgery with two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging and sulfur hexafluoride lipid-type A microspheres as the ultrasound contrast agent. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A custom MATLAB program was used to select regions of interest on CEUS scans. FV was calculated according to FV = 1 - (total nonenhancing area/total lesion area). We assessed the ability of 2D- and 3D-derived percentage FV (2DFV%, and 3DFV%) and Bosniak classification schemes (pre-2019 [P2019B] and post-2019 [B2019]) to predict malignancy, aggressive histology, and upstaging on surgical pathology. Performance was assessed as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Twenty eligible patients were included in final analysis, of whom 85% (n = 17) had Bosniak IV cysts and 85% (n = 17) had malignant disease on final pathology. Four (24%) of the malignant lesions were International Society of Urological Pathology grade 3-4. The AUC for predicting malignancy was 0.980, 0.824, 0.863, and 0.824 with P2019B, B2019, 2DFV%, and 3DFV%, respectively. When the Bosniak classification was combined with FV%, three models had an AUC of 1, while the combined 2DFV% + B2019 model had AUC of 0.980. CONCLUSIONS: FV is a novel metric for evaluating complex cystic renal masses and enhances the ability of the Bosniak classification system to predict malignancy. This metric may serve as an adjunct in risk stratification for surgical intervention. Further prospective evaluation is warranted. PATIENT SUMMARY: Cysts in the kidney are currently classified using a scheme called the Bosniak system. We assessed measurement of the percentage of vascular tissue (called fractional vascularity) in cysts on a special type of ultrasound scan. This promising test adds information when combined with the Bosniak system and can help in guiding appropriate treatment.

Outcomes of Active Surveillance for Men With Intermediate Risk Prostate Cancer: A Population-Based Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To assesses if active surveillance (AS) is an appropriate treatment modality for patients with intermediate risk (IR) prostate cancer (PCa) utilizing population-level data to compare the survival outcomes of men with low risk (LR) and IR PCa initially treated with AS, watchful waiting (WW) or active treatment (AT). METHODS: In total, 166,244 patients were initially identified in the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results database using biopsy Gleason grade group (GG) alone-GG1 and GG2. In total, 94,891 patients with GG1 and GG2 disease were further stratified by National Comprehensive Cancer Network risk categories-LR, favorable IR (fIR), and unfavorable IR (uIR). Predictors of cancer-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed, stratified by risk classification and initial treatment-AT (first-line curative surgery or radiotherapy), AS or WW, utilizing the new "Watchful waiting recode (2010+)" variable. RESULTS: We found GG2 patients on AS had worse CSS and OS than GG2 patients who received AT and GG1 patients treated with AS or AT; these trends persist within the National Comprehensive Cancer Network fIR and uIR cohorts. WW patients (GG1, GG2, LR, fIR, and uIR) had the worst survival outcomes of any cohort (log-rank tests P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate a significantly worse 5-year CSS and OS for men with GG2, fIR, and uIR PCa treated with AS compared to AT. Our analysis suggests that AS should not be the preferred treatment modality for IR PCa.

Setting the Standards: Examining Research Productivity Among Academic Urologists in the USA and Canada in 2019.

BACKGROUND: Research productivity among academic urologists is strongly encouraged, but little data are available on productivity metrics within the field. OBJECTIVE: To provide the first comprehensive survey of research productivity among academic urologists in the USA and Canada. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Using the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, the Canadian Resident Matching Service, and individual program websites, all active accredited urology faculties were identified. For each individual, we collected data on American Urological Association section, title, gender, fellowship training, Scopus H-index, and citations. Comprehensive searches were completed during March-May 2019. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics for demographic comparisons were performed using analysis of variance for continuous variables and chi-square test for categorical variables. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify the predictors of H-index greater than the median. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 2214 academic urology faculties (2015 in USA and 199 in Canada) were identified. The median and mean H-indices for the entire cohort of physicians were 11 and 16.1, respectively. On multivariable analysis, physicians in the North Central and Western Sections (vs mid-Atlantic), who were fellowship trained (vs no fellowship training), and of higher academic rank (professor and associate professor vs clinical instructor) were more likely to have H-index values greater than the median. Additionally, female physicians (vs male) were more likely to have H-index values less than the median. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents the first comprehensive assessment of research productivity metrics among academic urologists. These represent key benchmarks for trainees considering careers in academics and for practicing physicians gauging their own productivity in relation to their peers. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this study, we provide the first comprehensive assessment of research productivity among academic urologists in the USA and Canada. Our results help provide key benchmarks for trainees considering careers in academics and for practicing physicians gauging their own productivity in relation to peers.

Role of Genetic Testing for Inherited Prostate Cancer Risk: Philadelphia Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference 2017.

Purpose Guidelines are limited for genetic testing for prostate cancer (PCA). The goal of this conference was to develop an expert consensus-driven working framework for comprehensive genetic evaluation of inherited PCA in the multigene testing era addressing genetic counseling, testing, and genetically informed management. Methods An expert consensus conference was convened including key stakeholders to address genetic counseling and testing, PCA screening, and management informed by evidence review. Results Consensus was strong that patients should engage in shared decision making for genetic testing. There was strong consensus to test HOXB13 for suspected hereditary PCA, BRCA1/2 for suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and DNA mismatch repair genes for suspected Lynch syndrome. There was strong consensus to factor BRCA2 mutations into PCA screening discussions. BRCA2 achieved moderate consensus for factoring into early-stage management discussion, with stronger consensus in high-risk/advanced and metastatic setting. Agreement was moderate to test all men with metastatic castration-resistant PCA, regardless of family history, with stronger agreement to test BRCA1/2 and moderate agreement to test ATM to inform prognosis and targeted therapy. Conclusion To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive, multidisciplinary consensus statement to address a genetic evaluation framework for inherited PCA in the multigene testing era. Future research should focus on developing a working definition of familial PCA for clinical genetic testing, expanding understanding of genetic contribution to aggressive PCA, exploring clinical use of genetic testing for PCA management, genetic testing of African American males, and addressing the value framework of genetic evaluation and testing men at risk for PCA-a clinically heterogeneous disease.

The effects of fatigue on robotic surgical skill training in Urology residents.

This study reports on the effect of fatigue on Urology residents using the daVinci surgical skills simulator (dVSS). Seven Urology residents performed a series of selected exercises on the dVSS while pre-call and post-call. Prior to dVSS performance a survey of subjective fatigue was taken and residents were tested with the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Using the metrics available in the dVSS software, the performance of each resident was evaluated. The Urology residents slept an average of 4.07 h (range 2.5-6 h) while on call compared to an average of 5.43 h while not on call (range 3-7 h, p = 0.08). Post-call residents were significantly more likely to be identified as fatigued by the Epworth Sleepiness Score than pre-call residents (p = 0.01). Significant differences were observed in fatigued residents performing the exercises, Tubes and Match Board 2 (p = 0.05, 0.02). Additionally, there were significant differences in the total number of critical errors during the training session (9.29 vs. 3.14, p = 0.04). Fatigue in post-call Urology residents leads to poorer performance on the dVSS simulator. The dVSS may become a useful instrument in the education of fatigued residents and a tool to identify fatigue in trainees.