Agreement and Reliability of Patient-measured Postvoid Residual Bladder Volumes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability, agreement with provider measurement, and patient preferences regarding patient self-measurement of postvoid residual bladder volume (PVR). PVR measurement in the nonhealthcare setting is a valuable opportunity for remote monitoring of voiding dysfunction patients. We hypothesized that patient self-measurement of PVR using a smart-device portable ultrasound system with artificial intelligence would demonstrate high reliability, strong agreement with provider measurement, and be preferred over provider measurements. METHODS: Patients were enrolled during outpatient Urology visits. PVRs were measured in triplicate by providers using each of the following: an FDA-cleared (standard) bladder scanner, the portable ultrasound probe using ultrasound images (Butterfly US image mode), and the portable ultrasound probe using abstract images (Butterfly abstract mode). Subjects self-measured PVRs in triplicate using both imaging modes and reported their experiences via questionnaire. Reliability was assessed via intraclass correlation. Agreement between methods was assessed via Bland-Altman analyses using a clinically acceptable difference threshold of 50 mL. RESULTS: Fifty patients were enrolled. Intraclass correlations ranged from 0.95 to 0.98 for each method. 95% limits of agreement between standard bladder scanner and patient self-measurement were - 71.73 mL and 86.73 mL using Butterfly US image mode and - 93.84 mL and 112.52 mL using Butterfly abstract mode, respectively. Most patients preferred self-measurement over provider measurement (74% vs 26%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patient self-measurement of PVR using smart-device integrated portable ultrasound probes is feasible, reliable, and preferred by patients. Limits of agreement between patient self-measurement and standard bladder scanner measurements exceeded our clinically acceptable difference threshold, though the inherent error of ultrasound-based bladder volume measurements should be considered. Longitudinal PVR assessments in nonhealthcare settings may facilitate remote monitoring of voiding dysfunction patients.

Implementation of a health system intervention to reduce time from presentation to surgical intervention for pediatric testicular torsion.

PURPOSE: Testicular salvage rates for torsion are time-dependent1. Door to detorsion time has been identified as an independent testicular survival factor2. We describe an initiative to reduce door to incision (DTI) time for pediatric testicular torsion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institutional multidisciplinary quality improvement initiative with a primary outcome of reducing DTI time for pediatric testicular torsion was developed with multidisciplinary stakeholders. Several process and balancing measures were used as secondary outcomes to help interpret and verify the observed change in DTI time. Interventions were implemented in cycles. Initial interventions standardized assessment of suspected torsion by Emergency Medicine utilizing a validated scoring system. A threshold Testicular Workup for Ischemia and Suspected Torsion (TWIST) score led to parallel notification of essential services for rapid assessment and case prioritization3. Subsequently, bedside ultrasound in the Emergency Department was implemented. Progress was tracked in a live dashboard and analyzed with X-mR process control charts and Nelson rules. These tools are used in quality improvement and process control to demonstrate the significance of changes as they are being implemented, prior to when traditional hypothesis testing would be able to do so. We aimed to increase the proportion of cases with DTI times under 4 h from 64% to >90% within one year. RESULTS: We observed 22 torsion cases prior to and 62 following initial implementation. The percentage of cases with DTI times under 4 h improved from 64% to 95%. At week 29, a shift identified a significant change on the X chart, with reduction in mean DTI time from 221 to 147 min. At the same time, a shift on the mR chart identified reduction in patient-to-patient variation. Mean time from arrival to Urology evaluation decreased from 140 to 56 min, mean time from arrival to scrotal ultrasound decreased from 70 to 36 min, and mean time from scrotal ultrasound to surgical incision decreased from 128 to 80 min. These improvements highlight the two key successes of our project: application of the TWIST score and bedside ultrasound for rapid assessment of suspected testicular torsions, and parallel processing of the evaluation and management. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a protocol for pediatric testicular torsion increased the proportion of cases with DTI time <4 h to 95%, decreased mean DTI time, and decreased variation. Our protocol provides a model to improve timeliness of care in treating pediatric testicular torsion.

Telehealth Availability for Cancer Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Telehealth was an important strategy for maintaining continuity of cancer care during the coronavirus pandemic and has continued to play a role in outpatient care; however, it is unknown whether services are equally available across cancer hospitals. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with common cancers to contextualize the impact of access barriers to technology on overall access to health care. METHODS: We conducted a national cross-sectional secret shopper study from June to November 2020 to assess telehealth availability at cancer hospitals for new and established patients with colorectal, breast, and skin (melanoma) cancer. We examined facility-level factors to determine predictors of telehealth availability. RESULTS: Of the 312 investigated facilities, 97.1% (n=303) provided telehealth services for at least 1 cancer site. Telehealth was less available to new compared to established patients (n=226, 72% vs n=301, 97.1%). The surveyed cancer hospitals more commonly offered telehealth visits for breast cancer care (n=266, 85%) and provided lower access to telehealth for skin (melanoma) cancer care (n=231, 74%). Most hospitals (n=163, 52%) offered telehealth for all 3 cancer types. Telehealth availability was weakly correlated across cancer types within a given facility for new (r=0.16, 95% CI 0.09-0.23) and established (r=0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.21) patients. Telehealth was more commonly available for new patients at National Cancer Institute-designated facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, and major teaching sites, with high total admissions and below-average timeliness of care. Telehealth availability for established patients was highest at Academic Comprehensive Cancer Programs, nongovernment and nonprofit facilities, medical school-affiliated facilities, Accountable Care Organizations, and facilities with a high number of total admissions. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in telehealth services for patients with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we identified differences in access across cancer hospitals, which may relate to measures of clinical volume, affiliation, and infrastructure.

The Medical Community's Evolving Focus on Physician and Surgeon Pregnancy: Thematic Trends From a Scoping Review.

PURPOSE: The authors aimed to chronicle the evolution of the medical community's study of physician and surgeon pregnancy by investigating thematic trends in the literature in the context of pertinent sociopolitical events. METHOD: A scoping review was conducted in Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection from inception through August 11, 2020, using vocabulary and terms for physicians (including surgeons), pregnancy, and family leave. Study populations were categorized by all physician specialties or exclusively surgical specialties as well as by all career levels or exclusively trainees. Subthemes and themes were based on a priori assumptions of physician pregnancy and extrapolated from previously published reviews, respectively. Thematic trends were analyzed by plotting the total number of publications and the frequency of themes and subthemes by publication year. RESULTS: After title and abstract and full-text reviews, 407 manuscripts met inclusion criteria. Publications on physician pregnancy first emerged in the 1960s and surged from 1988 to 1996 and again from 2010 to 2019. The first known manuscript exclusively on surgeon pregnancy was published in 1991; subsequent publication frequency trends for surgeon pregnancy generally paralleled those for all physician pregnancy publications albeit in reduced quantities. Four major themes were found: impact of pregnancy on the physician and her colleagues, pregnant physician work productivity, physician maternity leave policies, and physician maternal-fetal health outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: As the number of women physicians increased and the sociopolitical environment progressed, the thematic focus of the literature on physician pregnancy evolved. Multi-institutional prospective observational studies are needed to develop definitive evidence-based recommendations that will positively impact physician pregnancy.

Pregnancy in physicians: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: The personal health and professional impact of physician pregnancy requires further study. We performed a comprehensive scoping review of physician pregnancy to synthesize and assess the evidence to aid decision-making for relevant stakeholders. METHODS: A search of 7 databases resulted in 3733 citations. 407 manuscripts were included and scored for evidence level. Data were extracted into themes using template analysis. RESULTS: Physician pregnancy impacted colleagues through perceived increased workload and resulted in persistent stigmatization and discrimination despite work productivity and academic metrics being independent of pregnancy events. Maternity leave policies were inconsistent and largely unsatisfactory. Women physicians incurred occupational hazard risk and had high rates of childbearing delay, abortion, and fertility treatment; obstetric and fetal complication rates compared to controls are conflicting. CONCLUSIONS: Comprehensive literature review found that physician pregnancy impacts colleagues, elicits negative perceptions of productivity, and is inadequately addressed by current parental leave policies. Data are poor and insufficient to definitively determine the impact of physician pregnancy on maternal and fetal health. Prospective risk-matched observational studies of physician pregnancy should be pursued.

Access to Urologic Care at Urgent Care Centers.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate Medicaid insurance access disparities for urologic care at urgent care centers (UCCs) in the United States. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using a "secret shopper" methodology. We sampled 240 UCCs across 8 states. Using a standardized script, researchers posed as a patient with either Medicaid or commercial insurance in the clinical setting of obstructing nephrolithiasis. The primary study endpoint was whether a patient's insurance (Medicaid vs commercial) was accepted. We assessed factors associated with Medicaid acceptance using logistic regression models adjusted for state-level and facility-level characteristics. Additionally, we calculated triage rates, emergency department referral rates, and the ability of a UCC to refer the patient to a specialist. RESULTS: Of 240 UCCs contacted, 239 (99.6%) accepted commercial insurance and 159 (66.2%) accepted Medicaid. UCCs in Medicaid expansion states more frequently accepted patients with Medicaid insurance (74.2% vs 58.3%, respectively, P < .01). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, state Medicaid expansion (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.04-3.26, P = .04) and affiliation with an institution (OR 2.97, 95% CI 1.59-5.57, P < .01) were independently associated with greater odds of accepting Medicaid. Medicaid-insured patients were significantly less likely to be triaged or referred to the emergency department compared to commercial patients. CONCLUSION: We identified significant disparities in access to UCCs for Medicaid patients presenting with a urologic condition. Given the expanding national role of UCCs, these findings highlight potential sources of insurance disparity in the context of a urologic emergency.

Clinical Outcomes of a Combined Robotic, Transabdominal, and Open Transperineal Approach for Anastomotic Posterior Urethroplasty.

Background: Robotic pelvic surgery is being increasingly utilized for reconstruction proximal to the genitourinary diaphragm. We describe a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach for complex anastomotic posterior urethroplasty. Materials and Methods: We performed a multi-institutional retrospective study of patients who underwent anastomotic posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal, and open transperineal approach between January 2012 and December 2018. Patient demographics; preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data; and complications were reviewed. Urethroplasty success, de novo stress urinary incontinence (SUI), and de novo erectile dysfunction (ED) were evaluated. Results: Twelve patients were identified with a mean follow-up of 596 (range 73-1618) days. Mean patient age was 65.9 (range 53.4-76.8). Reconstruction required corporal splitting, prostatectomy, and gracilis muscle flap use in one (8.3%), eight (66.7%), and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Postoperative urinary leak, thromboembolic event, and wound abscess occurred in one (8.3%), one (8.3%), and two (16.7%) patients, respectively. Stenosis recurrence occurred in two patients (16.7%) at a mean 187.5 (20-355) postoperative days. De novo ED and de novo SUI were reported in two (16.7%) and four (33.3%) patients, respectively. Nine patients (75.0%) underwent placement of an artificial urinary sphincter at a mean interval of 359.2 (111-1456) days after the index procedure, with no subsequent erosion. Conclusions: Complex posterior urethroplasty by a combined robotic, transabdominal and open transperineal approach is associated with success and complications rates that are comparable to open techniques and may allow for adjunctive procedures such as prostatectomy. This technique allows for the reconstruction of posterior urethral stenoses that would otherwise have been managed conservatively or with urinary diversion.

Protein Expression Profiles among Lichen Sclerosus Urethral Strictures-Can Urethroplasty Success be Predicted?

PURPOSE: Urethroplasty of lichen sclerosus strictures has a significantly higher failure rate than strictures due to other causes. We sought to determine predictors of urethroplasty failure in men with lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease by evaluating protein expression profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urethral tissue was excised from patients with lichen sclerosus who were undergoing urethroplasty of urethral stricture disease at a single institution. A tissue microarray was created with cores from each sample. Immunohistochemistry was performed to compare protein expression related to inflammation, cell cycle disruption, oxidative stress, hormone receptor status and infection. Stricture recurrence was defined by the need for a subsequent unanticipated procedure for urethral stricture disease. RESULTS: We evaluated 50 men with lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease, including 31 with successful reconstruction and 19 with recurrent stricture. Recurrent strictures expressed lower levels of several inflammatory markers and had a lower Ki-67 mitotic index and significantly higher vascular endothelial growth factor levels than nonrecurrent strictures. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the first study to use tissue protein expression to identify risk factors for urethroplasty failure among men with lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease. Our findings suggest that recurrent lichen sclerosus strictures demonstrate a suppressed inflammatory response, a decreased cell turnover rate, and poor oxygenation and nutrient delivery. Prospective studies are needed to clarify the role of these pathways in the pathophysiology of lichen sclerosus urethral stricture disease, determine whether preoperative biopsy can predict urethroplasty success, help counsel patients and develop future treatments.

Rectal Mucosa Graft Take in Staged Urethroplasty.

When an oral mucosa graft is not a viable option for urethroplasty, colonic mucosa grafts have served as a promising alternative since described by Igor A. Thyrmos in 1902.1 In previous studies, colonic mucosa graft retrieval required sigmoid resection2-3 which limited adoption of this technique. We previously described the success of a minimally-invasive transanal endoscopic microsurgical technique of rectal mucosa graft harvest for urethroplasty.4 Here, we pictorially demonstrate the take of a transanal endoscopically harvested rectal musosa graft used in a 2-stage anterior urethroplasty (to our knowledge, the first such 2-stage procedure) with 6 months of follow-up.

Ergonomic analysis of laparoscopic and robotic surgical task performance at various experience levels.

INTRODUCTION: Traditional laparoscopic surgery (TLS) has increasingly been associated with physical muscle strain for the operating surgeon. Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) may offer improved ergonomics. Ergonomics for the surgeon on these two platforms can be compared using surface electromyography (sEMG) to measure muscle activation, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NTLX) survey to assess workload subjectively. METHODS: Subjects were recruited and divided into groups according to level of expertise in traditional laparoscopic (TLS) and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS): novice, traditional laparoscopic surgeons (TL surgeons), robot-assisted laparoscopic surgeons (RAL surgeons). Each subject performed three fundamentals of laparoscopic surgery (FLS) tasks in randomized order while sEMG data were obtained from bilateral biceps, triceps, deltoid, and trapezius muscles. After completing all tasks, subjects completed the NTLX survey. sEMG data normalized to the maximum voluntary contraction of each muscle (MVC%), and NTLX data were compared with unpaired t tests and considered significant with a p ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: Muscle activation was higher during TLS compared to RALS in most muscle groups for novices except for the trapezius muscles. Muscle activation scores were also higher for TLS among the groups with more experience, but the differences were less significant. NTLX scores were higher for the TLS platform compared to the RALS platform for novices. DISCUSSION: TLS is associated with higher muscle activation in all muscle groups except for trapezius muscles, suggesting greater strain on the surgeon. Increased trapezius muscle activation on RALS has previously been documented and is likely due to the position of the eye piece. The differences seen in muscle activation diminish with increasing levels of expertise. Experience likely mitigates the ergonomic disadvantage of TLS. NTLX survey data suggest there are subjective benefits to RALS, namely in the perception of temporal demand. Further research to correlate NTLX data and sEMG measurements, and to investigate whether these metrics affect patient outcomes is warranted.

Comparison of precision and speed in laparoscopic and robot-assisted surgical task performance.

BACKGROUND: Robotic platforms have the potential advantage of providing additional dexterity and precision to surgeons while performing complex laparoscopic tasks, especially for those in training. Few quantitative evaluations of surgical task performance comparing laparoscopic and robotic platforms among surgeons of varying experience levels have been done. We compared measures of quality and efficiency of Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery task performance on these platforms in novices and experienced laparoscopic and robotic surgeons. METHODS: Fourteen novices, 12 expert laparoscopic surgeons (>100 laparoscopic procedures performed, no robotics experience), and five expert robotic surgeons (>25 robotic procedures performed) performed three Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks on both laparoscopic and robotic platforms: peg transfer (PT), pattern cutting (PC), and intracorporeal suturing. All tasks were repeated three times by each subject on each platform in a randomized order. Mean completion times and mean errors per trial (EPT) were calculated for each task on both platforms. Results were compared using Student's t-test (P < 0.05 considered statistically significant). RESULTS: Among novices, greater errors were noted during laparoscopic PC (Lap 2.21 versus Robot 0.88 EPT, P < 0.001). Among expert laparoscopists, greater errors were noted during laparoscopic PT compared with robotic (PT: Lap 0.14 versus Robot 0.00 EPT, P = 0.04). Among expert robotic surgeons, greater errors were noted during laparoscopic PC compared with robotic (Lap 0.80 versus Robot 0.13 EPT, P = 0.02). Among expert laparoscopists, task performance was slower on the robotic platform compared with laparoscopy. In comparisons of expert laparoscopists performing tasks on the laparoscopic platform and expert robotic surgeons performing tasks on the robotic platform, expert robotic surgeons demonstrated fewer errors during the PC task (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Robotic assistance provided a reduction in errors at all experience levels for some laparoscopic tasks, but no benefit in the speed of task performance. Robotic assistance may provide some benefit in precision of surgical task performance.

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombus extending to the right atrium diagnosed during pregnancy.

Only one case of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with inferior vena cava (IVC) tumor thrombus diagnosed and treated during pregnancy has been reported in the literature. In that report, the tumor thrombus extended to the infrahepatic IVC (level II tumor thrombus). In the present case, a 37-year-old woman with lupus anticoagulant antibodies was diagnosed with RCC and IVC tumor thrombus extending to the right atrium (level IV tumor thrombus) at 24 weeks of pregnancy. The fetus was safely delivered by cesarean section at 30 weeks of gestation. At 4 days later, an open right radical nephrectomy and IVC and right atrial thrombectomy were performed on cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) once the patient's hemodynamic status had been optimized. Fetal and maternal concerns included the risk of a thromboembolic event (due to increased hypercoagulability from pregnancy, active malignancy, and lupus anticoagulant), intraoperative hemorrhage risk (due to extensive venous collaterals and anticoagulation), and fetal morbidity and mortality (due to fetal lung immaturity). Standardized guidelines for treatment of RCC with or without IVC tumor thrombus during pregnancy are unavailable due to the infrequency of such cases. Treatment decisions are therefore individualized and this case report may inform the management of future patients diagnosed with RCC with level IV tumor thrombus during pregnancy.

Transfer and priming of surgical skills across minimally invasive surgical platforms.

BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery (RALS) uses 3-dimensional visualization and wristed instruments that provide more degrees of freedom than rigid traditional laparoscopic (TLS) instrumentation. These features have been touted to improve accuracy and efficiency during surgical task performance. Little is known, however, about the transferability of skills between the two platforms or whether task performance on one platform primes surgeons for task performance on the other. METHODS: Twenty-six subjects naïve to RALS were recruited to perform three Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery tasks on both TLS and RALS platforms: peg transfer, pattern cutting (PC), and intracorporeal suturing. All tasks were performed within Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery testing parameters and repeated three times by each subject on each platform. Platform and task order were randomized. Errors in task performance were defined as drops in the peg transfer task, faults 5 mm or more from the defined pattern during PC, and faults greater than 1 mm in suture placement from the defined points in intracorporeal suturing. Mean completion times and mean errors per trial (EPT) were calculated for each task on both platforms. Results were compared between those who performed TLS first (LF) and those who performed RALS first (RF) using unpaired Student's t-test (P < 0.05 considered statistically significant). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in task completion time were noted between the LF and RF groups. RF subjects had fewer errors during robotic PC than LF subjects (1.02 EPT versus 1.86 EPT, respectively; P = 0.02). No other differences in task quality were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In surgeon's naïve to RALS, there is no evidence that skills acquired on RALS or TLS platforms are transferable to the other platform or that performing tasks on one platform primes a subject for task performance on the other. Performing TLS PC may have had a negative impact on subsequent RALS PC performance. These findings suggest that distinct programs for skills acquisition are necessary for both the TLS and RALS platforms.

Ergonomic analysis of primary and assistant surgical roles.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery is associated with a high degree of ergonomic stress. However, the stress associated with surgical assisting is not known. In this study, we compare the ergonomic stress associated with primary and assistant surgical roles during laparoscopic surgery. We hypothesize that higher ergonomic stress will be detected in the primary operating surgeon when compared with the surgical assistant. METHODS: One right-hand dominant attending surgeon performed 698 min of laparoscopic surgery over 13 procedures (222 min primary and 476 min assisting), whereas electromyography data were collected from bilateral biceps, triceps, deltoids, and trapezius muscles. Data were analyzed in 1-min segments. Average muscle activation as quantified by maximal voluntary contraction (%MVC) was calculated for each muscle group during primary surgery and assisting. We compared mean %MVC values with unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: Activation of right (R) biceps and triceps muscle groups is significantly elevated while operating when compared with assisting (R biceps primary: 5.47 ± 0.21 %MVC, assistant: 3.93 ± 0.11, P < 0.001; R triceps primary: 6.53 ± 0.33 %MVC, assistant: 5.48 ± 0.18, P = 0.002). Mean activation of the left trapezius muscle group is elevated during assisting (primary: 4.33 ± 0.26 %MVC, assistant: 5.70 ± 0.40, P = 0.024). No significance difference was noted in the other muscle groups (R deltoid, R trapezius, left [L] biceps, L triceps, and L deltoid). CONCLUSIONS: We used surface electromyography to quantify ergonomic differences between operating and assisting. Surgical assisting was associated with similar and occasionally higher levels of muscle activation compared with primary operating. These findings suggest that surgical assistants face significant ergonomic stress, just as operating surgeons do. Steps must be taken to recognize and mitigate this stress in both operating surgeons and assistants.

Remodeling Characteristics and Collagen Distributions of Biologic Scaffold Materials Biopsied From Postmastectomy Breast Reconstruction Sites.

OBJECTIVE: The study purpose was to evaluate the associations between patient characteristics and the histologic remodeling scores of acellular dermal matrices (ADMs) biopsied from breast reconstruction sites in the first attempt to generate a multivariable risk prediction model of nonconstructive remodeling. It was hypothesized that host characteristics and surgical site assessments predict the degree of graft remodeling for ADMs used during breast reconstruction. METHODS: The ADMs were biopsied from the breast reconstruction sites of n = 62 patients during a subsequent breast procedure, stained with hematoxylin-eosin, and evaluated according to a semi-quantitative scoring system for remodeling characteristics (cell types, cell infiltration, extracellular matrix deposition, scaffold degradation, fibrous encapsulation, and neovascularization) and a mean composite score. Biopsies were stained with Sirius Red and Fast Green, and analyzed to determine the collagen I:III ratio. Based on univariate analyses between subject clinical characteristics and the histologic remodeling scores, cohort variables were selected for multivariable regression models using a P value of 0.20 or less. RESULTS: The composite score model yielded 3 variables: pack-year history, corticosteroid use, and radiation timing (r pseudo = 0.81). The model for collagen I yielded 2 variables: corticosteroid use and reason for reoperation (r pseudo = 0.78). The model for collagen III yielded 1 variable: reason for reoperation (r pseudo = 0.35). CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results constitute the first steps in generating a risk prediction model that predicts the patients and clinical circumstances most likely to experience nonconstructive remodeling of biologic grafts used to reconstruct the breast.