Crowd-Sourced Assessment of Technical Skills for Validation of Basic Laparoscopic Urologic Skills Tasks.

PURPOSE: The BLUS (Basic Laparoscopic Urologic Skills) consortium sought to address the construct validity of BLUS tasks and the wider problem of accurate, scalable and affordable skill evaluation by investigating the concordance of 2 novel candidate methods with faculty panel scores, those of automated motion metrics and crowdsourcing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A faculty panel of surgeons (5) and anonymous crowdworkers blindly reviewed a randomized sequence of a representative sample of 24 videos (12 pegboard and 12 suturing) extracted from the BLUS validation study (454) using the GOALS (Global Objective Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills) survey tool with appended pass-fail anchors via the same web based user interface. Pre-recorded motion metrics (tool path length, jerk cost etc) were available for each video. Cronbach's alpha, Pearson's R and ROC with AUC statistics were used to evaluate concordance between continuous scores, and as pass-fail criteria among the 3 groups of faculty, crowds and motion metrics. RESULTS: Crowdworkers provided 1,840 ratings in approximately 48 hours, 60 times faster than the faculty panel. The inter-rater reliability of mean expert and crowd ratings was good (α=0.826). Crowd score derived pass-fail resulted in 96.9% AUC (95% CI 90.3-100; positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 89%). Motion metrics and crowd scores provided similar or nearly identical concordance with faculty panel ratings and pass-fail decisions. CONCLUSIONS: The concordance of crowdsourcing with faculty panels and speed of reviews is sufficiently high to merit its further investigation alongside automated motion metrics. The overall agreement among faculty, motion metrics and crowdworkers provides evidence in support of the construct validity for 2 of the 4 BLUS tasks.

Validation of the AUA BLUS Tasks.

PURPOSE: Standardized assessment of laparoscopic skill in urology is lacking. We investigated whether the AUA (American Urological Association) BLUS (Basic Laparoscopic Urologic Skills) skill tasks are valid to address this need. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This institutional review board approved study included 27 medical students, 42 urology residents, 18 fellows and 37 faculty urologists across 8 sites. Using the EDGE (Electronic Data Generation and Evaluation) device (Simulab, Seattle, Washington) 454 recordings were collected on peg transfer, pattern cutting, suturing and clip applying tasks, which together comprise the expert determined BLUS tasks. We collected synchronized video and tool motion data for each trial. For each task errors, time, path length, economy of motion, peak grasp force and EDGE score were collected. An expert panel of 5 faculty members performed GOALS (Global Objective Assessment of Laparoscopic Skills) evaluations on a representative subset of peg transfer and suturing skill tasks performed by 24 participants (IRR = 0.95). RESULTS: Demographically derived skill levels proved unsuitable to evaluate construct validity. Separation of mean scores by grouped skill levels was strongest for the suturing task. Objective motion metrics and errors supported construct validity vis-à-vis correlation with blinded expert video ratings (motion metrics R(2) = 0.95, p <0.01). Expert scores appeared to reward errors in suturing but not in block transfer. CONCLUSIONS: BLUS skill task performance scoring can discriminate among basic laparoscopic technical skill levels. Self-reported demographics are an unreliable source of determining laparoscopic technical skill.

Three-Dimensional Numerical Simulations of Peristaltic Contractions in Obstructed Ureter Flows.

Ureteral peristalsis can be considered as a series of waves on the ureteral wall, which transfers the urine along the ureter toward the bladder. The stones that form in the kidney and migrate to the ureter can create a substantial health problem due to the pain caused by interaction of the ureteral walls and stones during the peristaltic motion. Three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were carried out using the commercial code ansys fluent to solve for the peristaltic movement of the ureter, with and without stones. The effect of stone size was considered through the investigation of varying obstructions of 5%, 15%, and 35% for fixed spherical stone shape. Also, an understanding of the effect of stone shape was obtained through separate CFD calculations of the peristaltic ureter with three different types of stones, a sphere, a cube, and a star, all at a fixed obstruction percentage of 15%. Velocity vectors, mass flow rates, pressure gradients, and wall shear stresses were analyzed along one bolus of urine during peristalsis of the ureteral wall to study the various effects. It was found that the increase in obstruction increased the backflow, pressure gradients, and wall shear stresses proximal to the stone. On the other hand, with regard to the stone shape study, while the cube-shaped stones resulted in the largest backflow, the star-shaped stone showed highest pressure gradient magnitudes. Interestingly, the change in stone shape did not have a significant effect on the wall shear stress at the obstruction level studied here.

The use of internal stents in chronic ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: Despite the lack of a well delineated definition, chronic ureteral obstruction imposes significant quality of life loss, increased pathological morbidity and risk of mortality as well as substantial economic burden. Ureteral stenting serves as an important therapeutic option to alleviate obstruction. Thus, we assessed the recently published literature on chronic ureteral obstruction; treatment options; types, benefits and shortcomings of current ureteral stents; as well as outcomes and complications of chronic ureteral stenting, with the goal of providing concise management guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systemic literature review was performed on Embase™, PubMed®, Cochrane Controlled Trials Register and Google Scholar™ on ureteral obstruction and internal ureteral stents. Relevant reviews, original research articles and their cited references were examined, and a synopsis of original data was generated on a clinically oriented basis. RESULTS: Chronic ureteral obstruction can be classified into compression that is either intrinsic or extrinsic to the ureteral wall, or obstruction that is of a benign or malignant origin. Patients with malignant ureteral obstruction generally have a poor prognosis and are often difficult to treat. The aim of stenting is to adequately drain the upper urinary tracts while minimizing hospitalization and the negative impact on quality of life. Facing the challenge of chronic ureteral obstruction, novel stents with new compositions, materials, coatings and designs have been developed. Metallic stents are emerging as efficacious and financially viable alternatives. Early stent related complications include iatrogenic injury, stent migration or patient discomfort, while late complications include infection, difficulties with stent exchange, hardware malfunction, infection and stent encrustation. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting in chronic ureteral obstruction is a complex and challenging problem. Much work is being done in this area and many options are being explored.

Ocular radiation exposure in modern urological practice.

PURPOSE: The human eye is a highly radiosensitive portion of the body and repeat radiation exposure can lead to cataract. The minimum fractionated long-term dose to initiate cataract formation is about 2,500 mSv. We determined whether further radiation related precautions are necessary to protect the eyes of the surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiation doses received near the right eye of the operating surgeon were measured with a thermoluminescent dosimeter badge worn near the eye of 6 urologists for a single endourological procedure at an academic center. Procedures included stent insertion, ureteroscopic lithotripsy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. The mean radiation dose was calculated. Extrapolated doses required to potentiate cataract formation were also calculated. RESULTS: We assessed 28 urological procedures for radiation exposure, of which 13 were ureteroscopy done for calculus disease (range 0.05 to 0.66 mSv) and 7 were ureteral stent insertion (range 0.13 to 0.32 mSv). The mean radiation dose received during these cases was 0.208 mSv. Based on the mean dose and an average of 20 such cases per month, it would take about 50 years to reach the minimum threshold for progressive cataract formation. Eight percutaneous renal operations were performed and the mean dose received was 0.125 mSv (range 0.04 to 0.22). Based on 10 cases per month, this would require more than 160 years of exposure to reach the minimal threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term radiation can lead to cataract formation. However, the accumulated lifetime exposure of the typical urologist may not necessitate further safety precautions, such as lead-lined glasses.

Metal ureteral stent for benign and malignant ureteral obstruction.

PURPOSE: Metal ureteral stents are a relatively new version of a device with a long history of relieving ureteral obstruction. Metal stents are effective for relieving ureteral obstruction but success regarding patient tolerability has been variable. We present our single institution experience with long-term metal ureteral stent placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of patients undergoing metal ureteral stent placement for chronic ureteral obstruction were reviewed. Data collected included patient age, gender, diagnosis/cause of obstruction, laterality, duration of indwelling metal stent, number of routine metal stent changes, complications and early discontinuations or stent changes. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients underwent placement of metal ureteral stents between February 2008 and September 2010. Bilateral stents were placed in 5 patients and 9 underwent a yearly metal stent exchange for a total of 42 ureteral units treated with metal ureteral stents. All metal stents were placed to relieve ureteral obstruction due to ureteral stricture, ureteropelvic junction obstruction, retroperitoneal fibrosis or extrinsic malignant obstruction. There were 3 metal stent failures in 2 patients with malignant ureteral obstruction. There were no complications, or early discontinuations or changes due to adverse symptoms, patient dissatisfaction, worsening renal function or progressive hydronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Metal ureteral stents are effective for benign and malignant ureteral obstruction in the absence of urolithiasis. Good tolerability and annual stent exchange make metal stents an appealing alternative for patients with chronic ureteral obstruction treated with indwelling ureteral stents.

Supracervical robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy for pelvic organ prolapse.

BACKGROUND: Supracervical robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (SRALS) is a new surgical treatment for pelvic organ prolapse that secures the cervical remnant to the sacral promontory. We present our initial experience with SRALS in the same setting as supracervical robotic-assisted hysterectomy (SRAH). METHODS: Women with vaginal vault prolapse and significant apical defects as defined by a Baden-Walker score of greater than or equal to 3 who had not undergone hysterectomy were offered SRALS in combination with SRAH. A chart review was performed to analyze operative and perioperative data. Outcome data also included patients who underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy (RALS) without any other procedure. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients underwent RALS, including 12 patients who underwent SRALS. All SRALS were performed following SRAH in the same setting. The mean follow-up for the RALS and SRALS patients was 38.4 months and 20.7 months, respectively. One patient in the RALS group had an apical recurrence. There were no recurrences in the SRALS group. CONCLUSIONS: SRALS is effective for repair of apical vaginal defects in patients with significant pelvic organ prolapse who have not undergone previous hysterectomy. Complications are few and recurrences rare in short- and medium-term follow-up. Greater follow-up and numbers are needed to further establish the role of this procedure.

Large bladder diverticulum presenting as an inguinal hernia.

We present the case of a 76-year-old man with a large bladder diverticulum presenting as an inguinal hernia with small bowel incarceration. Bladder herniation is extremely rare and when clinically suspected, computed tomography can be an important adjunct to diagnosis.

Primary Hodgkin lymphoma of the adrenal gland: a unique case presentation.

Adrenal "incidentalomas" are commonly found on body imaging, and treatment of these lesions 4 cm-6 cm in size is controversial. Most of these lesions are benign adrenal cortical adenomas. Lymphoma is a rare disease manifestation in the adrenal gland, and the overwhelming majority are metastatic lesions. Hodgkin lymphoma has never been reported as a primary adrenal lesion. We present a very unique case report of a 5 cm adrenal "incidentaloma" that represents the first reported case of primary Hodgkin lymphoma in the adrenal gland.

Laparoscopic cryotherapy for pediatric angiomyolipoma: the first report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal cryotherapy for pediatric angiomyolipoma has never been reported in the literature. We present the first experience with this procedure, describing techniques and short-term outcome. CASE REPORT: A 14-year-old girl was being followed for a 2-cm left renal angiomyolipoma. Growth was demonstrated by ultrasonography and CT imaging over a 2-year period, and the family desired intervention. A transperitoneal approach employing three 5-mm laparoscopic ports was used. Tumor size was measured by intraoperative ultrasonography as 25 x 28 mm. Intraoperative biopsy was done with a biopsy gun through the lateral port. An 8-mm cryoprobe was utilized. Two freeze-thaw cycles were performed with cooling to -160 degrees C. Hemostasis was accomplished with thrombin (FloSeal) and oxidized cellulose (Surgicel). RESULTS: The operative time was 92 minutes, and the blood loss was minimal. No perioperative complications occurred. There was mild perioperative hematuria that resolved within 20 hours without stenting. The hospital stay was 46 hours. There were no complications or hematuria at 1-week postoperative follow-up. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic cryotherapy can be performed in the pediatric population. To our knowledge, this is the first case of pediatric renal angiomyolipoma managed with laparoscopic cryotherapy.

Pure laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for stage T(3b) renal-cell carcinoma: more than 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal-vein tumor thrombus associated with renal malignancy has traditionally been approached with open surgery, and preoperative diagnosis of stage T(3b) renal tumors often mandates open surgery. However, early arterial division and "milking" of the thrombus away from the inferior vena cava may facilitate laparoscopic surgery. We describe our single-surgeon experience with laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with tumor extension into the renal vein. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 240 laparoscopic nephrectomies performed by a single surgeon from 2002 to 2005, six patients (2.6%) were found to have renal-vein tumor thrombus. These patients included three men and three women with a mean age of 55.8 years (range 43-78 years). Data collected prospectively were evaluated to characterize this cohort. RESULTS: All six tumors were right-sided, stage T(3b), and all were managed laparoscopically without major complications. Three tumors were suspected to have renal-vein thrombus on preoperative imaging; the other three tumor thrombi were discovered on pathologic examination. The mean tumor size was 9.5 cm (range 7.5-11.5 cm). Two tumors were grade 2, three were grade 3, and one patient had a grade 4 rhabdoid cell-type tumor. At a mean follow-up of 27 months, all patients were without evidence of disease with the exception of the patient with grade 4 disease, who developed recurrence in the chest. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic nephrectomy for tumor with renal-vein thrombus can be accomplished safely with adherence to proper oncologic techniques.

Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy: indications and technique.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy, although uncommonly performed, may be considered in patients who have renal anomalies, are poorly compliant, and have a large single renal-pelvic calculus. We present our experience with this procedure in five patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Three patients underwent laparoscopic pyelolithotomy because of a horseshoe kidney, one for a pelvic kidney, and one for a large renal-pelvic calculus. All stones were solitary with a mean size of 2280 mm2 (range 540-8200 mm2). All were approached transperitoneally with passage of a flexible cystoscope through a laparoscopic port to aid in stone extraction. RESULTS: All cases were completed laparoscopically. The length of surgery was 74, 92, 134, 158, and 159 minutes. There were no minor or major complications, and the estimated blood loss was <50 mL in all cases. All patients were discharged on postoperative day 1 with the drains removed. Four patients were stented for 4 to 6 weeks. The remaining patient was not stented because of poor compliance. The stents were removed with office cystoscopy. All patients were stone free on follow-up imaging. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic pyelolithotomy can be done safely, effectively, and efficiently with proper patient selection and adherence to standard laparoscopic surgical principles.

Cost Analysis of Metallic Stents for Chronic Ureteral Obstruction: A Multicenter Study.

INTRODUCTION: Metallic and polymer ureteral stents are used to manage chronic ureteral obstruction. In general, metallic stents are more costly than polymer stents but they are changed less frequently. We examined the overall costs of using these stent types at 2 institutions. METHODS: We identified all patients in whom a metallic stent was placed at 2 academic institutions between July 2007 and July 2013. We calculated the average time to stent exchange or failure and the overall cost of metallic and polymer stent use. Costs included those associated with materials, operating room services, anesthesia and other expenses. RESULTS: We identified 86 patients in whom a total of 230 metallic stents were placed. Time to stent failure or exchange of a metallic stent was 7.4 months. The per unit cost of a polymer stent and a metallic stent was $121 and $887, respectively. The average annual cost of unilateral and bilateral metallic stents was $7,859.43 and $9,296.37, respectively. For a unilateral polymer stent that was changed every 3 months the yearly cost was $16,342. For bilateral polymer stents that were changed every 3 months the cost was $16,826 per year. If unilateral and bilateral polymer stents were changed every 6 months, the costs were $8,171 and $8,413, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that because metallic stents are changed less frequently than polymer stents, the annual expense associated with treating patients with chronic ureteral obstruction can be decreased by using metallic stents.

Accreditation council on graduate medical education technical skills competency compliance: urologic surgical skills.

BACKGROUND: In accordance with new mandates implemented by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education, reliance on operative case logs as demonstration of residents' surgical competence will no longer be adequate. We describe the implementation of a comprehensive, year-round, mandatory skills laboratory curriculum as an integral component of our urology residency training program. STUDY DESIGN: We developed eight laboratory practicums using primarily nonhuman models: basic endoscopy, advanced endoscopy, ureteroscopy, percutaneous renal surgery, basic laparoscopy, advanced laparoscopy, urologic use of the gastrointestinal tract, and cadaveric pelvic dissection. RESULTS: Anonymous evaluations submitted by all training session participants indicate that acquisition of surgical skills is facilitated through participation in laboratory practicums. An incremental progression in proficiency was observed by all of the instructors and students who participated. There was a high degree of satisfaction with model fidelity and the value of technical experience gained. CONCLUSIONS: Our urologic surgery skills laboratory curriculum is an effective means of skills acquisition and maintenance for a wide variety of urologic techniques, including complex endourologic procedures. Patient care can safely be of secondary importance with respect to trainee experience in a low-stress environment that provides an opportunity for supervised repetitive performance of essential technical skills. We describe effective models, with high fidelity-to-cost ratio, that incorporate laboratory-based surgical skills training and evaluation into urology residency programs, with the aim of Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education competency guideline compliance.

Significance of Extraction Forces in Kidney Stone Basketing.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteroscopic stone extraction devices are effective tools in the management of urolithiasis, but on occasion, their improper use can cause injury to the ureter. Avulsion and perforation of the ureter as a result of excessive forces on the extraction device are some of the more serious complications of this treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this article, avulsion and perforation forces were measured by two different test setups. Eleven clinicians were asked to apply three ranges of forces (safe, cautious, and dangerous). RESULTS: The output force measurements were recorded and plotted for further analysis. The maximal average perforation forces were 7.13±2.36 N in the benchtop tests and 7.07±2.20 N in the ex-vivo porcine tests (P=0.54). The maximal average avulsion forces were measured to be 10.14±2.01 N in the benchtop tests. Although the average forces were similar in the proximal and distal parts of the ureter (P=0.27), higher values were recorded for the distal part. The operative time was noted to be significantly different in the safe and cautious force regions (P=0.006). The average forces were higher in the benchtop tests compared with the porcine ureter tests. The extraction forces were measured and were noted to be significantly different for attending physicians and residents. The results suggest the need for force feedback training for residents. CONCLUSION: The findings can be used to design a "smart device" that can provide visual force feedback to clinicians while they are operating, leading to improved patient outcome.

Bilateral purely laparoscopic nephrectomy for renal masses using five ports without repositioning: a case report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Bilateral nephrectomy is an infrequently performed procedure. The indications include bilateral masses too large for nephron-sparing surgery, recalcitrant hypertension in dialysis patients, pain, infection, reflux, or large symptomatic polycystic kidneys. Bilateral pretransplant purely laparoscopic nephrectomy for bilateral renal masses has not been reported previously. We present our experience with this procedure using five transabdominal trocars without having to reposition the patient. METHODS: We employed a five-port technique in a middle-aged woman with end-stage renal disease who presented with an infected peritoneal dialysis catheter. On abdominal CT, she had bilateral enhancing renal masses. Six weeks after removal of the catheter, she underwent bilateral transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomy. The technique is described, and recommendations are made regarding potential obstacles. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in 185 minutes, and the total hospital time was 41 hours. The estimated blood loss was 50 mL. Final pathology examination revealed a 5.5-cm right renal-cell carcinoma stage T1N0M0 and left hydronephrosis, atrophy, nephrosclerosis, and thick-walled renal cysts without malignancy. On 3-month follow-up she is well, without complaints. CONCLUSION: Bilateral pretransplant purely laparoscopic nephrectomy can be performed without significant repositioning, redraping, and resterilization. In this case, operative time and cosmesis were acceptable, and surgical morbidity was low.