Artificial Intelligence Modeling and Priapism.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This narrative review aims to outline the current available evidence, challenges, and future perspectives of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the diagnosis and management of priapism, a condition marked by prolonged and often painful erections that presents unique diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent advancements in AI offer promising solutions to face the challenges in diagnosing and treating priapism. AI models have demonstrated the potential to predict the need for surgical intervention and improve diagnostic accuracy. The integration of AI models into medical decision-making for priapism can also predict long-term consequences. AI is currently being implemented in urology to enhance diagnostics and treatment work-up for various conditions, including priapism. Traditional diagnostic approaches rely heavily on assessments based on history, leading to potential delays in treatment with possible long-term sequelae. To date, the role of AI in the management of priapism is understudied, yet to achieve dependable and effective models that can reliably assist physicians in making decisions regarding both diagnostic and treatment strategies.

Effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on Erectile Function - A Single Center Experience of 167 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Prostate artery embolization (PAE) is an emerging therapy for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). AIM: This retrospective study was conducted to assess the effect of prostate artery embolization (PAE) on erectile function in a cohort of patients with LUTS attributable to BPH at 3-months after the procedure. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on 167 patients who underwent PAE. Data collected included Sexual Health Inventory in Men (SHIM) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months post-PAE, in conjunction with the International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS), Quality of Life (QoL) scores, and prostate volumes. Primary outcome was erectile function as assessed by SHIM scores at 3 months after PAE. An analysis was performed to identify patients with a ±5-point SHIM change to group them according to this minimum clinically significant difference in erectile function. Adverse events were recorded using the Clavien-Dindo (CD) classification. OUTCOMES: At 3 months following PAE, median IPSS decreased by 16.0 [IQR, 9.0-22.0] points, median QOL decreased by 4.0 [IQR, 2.0-5.0] points, and median prostate volume decreased by 33 g [IQR, 14-55]. RESULTS: Median SHIM score was 17.0 [IQR, 12.0-22.0] at baseline, 18.0 [IQR, 14.0-23.0] at 3 months [P = .031], 19.0 [IQR, 14.5-21.5] at 6 months [P = .106] and 20 [IQR, 16.0-24.0] at 12 months [P = .010] following PAE. In patients with no erectile dysfunction (ED) at baseline, 21% (n = 9) reported some degree of decline in erectile function post-PAE. However, 38% (n = 40) of patients who presented with mild-to-moderate ED reported improvement in their erectile function 3 months following PAE. Overall, the changes in baseline SHIM score were relatively small; 82% (n = 137) of patients did not have more than 5 points of change in their SHIM scores at 3 months following PAE. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Our findings suggest PAE has no adverse impact on erectile function for most patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: The study was performed at a single center with 1 operator's experience, and is retrospective with no control group. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that prostate artery embolization has no adverse effect on erectile function in the majority of patients with LUTS attributable to BPH at 3 months after the procedure. Bhatia S, Acharya V, Jalaeian H, et al., Effect of Prostate Artery Embolization on Erectile Function - A Single Center Experience of 167 Patients. J Sex Med 2022;19:594-602.

Direct Vision, Transfascial (DVT) Approach to Submuscular Reservoir Placement in Patients Undergoing Multicomponent Penile Implant Surgery Following Prior Pelvic Surgery or Radiation Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Submuscular reservoir placement has fulfilled a critical need for patients desiring multicomponent penile implants following pelvic surgery and radiation therapy. Passage of the reservoir through the inguinal canal into the submuscular space is often challenging and carries the risk of the reservoir being placed unknowingly outside of the targeted space. AIM: To evaluate the safety and accuracy of a direct vision, transfascial (DVT) approach to submuscular reservoir placement. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed outcomes for consecutive patients undergoing DVT submuscular reservoir placement abstracted from a large IRB-approved database at our institution. Postimplant cross-sectional imaging performed on many of these patients was used to ascertain the final location of the reservoir. OUTCOMES: Outcome measures included the perioperative and intermediate-term safety and complications of the procedure. Postimplant imaging ascertained the accuracy in providing patients with a submuscular reservoir. RESULTS: There were 107 DVT submuscular reservoirs placed in 100 consecutive patients. No intraoperative complications occurred, there were no postoperative rectus hematomas, and there were 4 (3.7%) postoperative infections. With a mean follow up of 17.5 +/- 20.5 months there was one reservoir herniation, one patient had autoinflation, and one patient required repositioning of a high riding pump. There were 4 mechanical malfunctions requiring revision at a median of 74 months (range: 69-108 months.) following implant placement. Of the 43 patients who underwent imaging: 34 (79%) reservoirs were accurately positioned, 5 (12%) were in the lateral abdominal wall, 1(2%) was in the retroperitoneum, and 3 (7%) were intraperitoneal. Intraperitoneal reservoirs occurred exclusively in postcystectomy patients. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: The DVT approach is technically safe, although a slightly higher than expected infection risk was noted. It provides accurate reservoir placement for the majority of imaged patients. Postcystectomy patients have a risk of insidious intraperitoneal reservoir placement. Preoperative counseling should mention this and postimplant imaging may be considered for some of these patients. Imaging may also helpful prior to future revision surgery in order to identify and remove insidious intraperitoneal reservoirs. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: We investigated 100 patients, almost half underwent cross sectional imaging. Weaknesses include the retrospective nature of this single-institutional study, which may not have similar outcomes at other centers. CONCLUSION: DVT submuscular reservoir placement is safe following pelvic surgery and radiation therapy. Despite careful and deliberate surgical technique imaging found that approximately 20% of reservoirs are not in their expected location. Intraperitoneal reservoirs are of concern, particularly in postcystectomy patients. Kava BR, Levine A, Hauser N, et al. Direct Vision, Transfascial (DVT) Approach to Submuscular Reservoir Placement in Patients Undergoing Multicomponent Penile Implant Surgery Following Prior Pelvic Surgery or Radiation Therapy. J Sex Med 2022;19:394-400.

Prostatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Controlled for Tumor Grade, Stage, and Margin Status Does Not Independently Influence the Likelihood of Biochemical Recurrence in Localized Prostate Cancer After Radical Prostatectomy.

CONTEXT.­: Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) has historically been considered to be an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer. OBJECTIVE.­: To investigate if PDA is independently associated with worse biochemical recurrence (BCR)-free survival after radical prostatectomy. DESIGN.­: A review of 1584 radical prostatectomies was performed to grade, stage, and assess margin status in each tumor nodule. Radical prostatectomies with localized PDA (ie, those lacking metastasis) in the tumor nodule with the highest grade and stage and worst margin status were matched with prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma according to grade, stage, and margin status. The effect of PDA on BCR was assessed by multivariable Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS.­: Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma was present in 171 cases. We excluded 24 cases because of lymph node metastasis (n = 13), PDA not in the highest-grade tumor nodule (n = 9), and positive surgical margin in a lower-grade tumor nodule (n = 2). The remaining 147 cases included 26 Grade Group (GG) 2, 44 GG3, 6 GG4, and 71 GG5 cancers. Seventy-six cases had extraprostatic extension, 33 had seminal vesicle invasion, and 65 had positive margins. Follow-up was available for 113 PDA and 109 prostatic acinar adenocarcinoma cases. Prostate-specific antigen density (odds ratio, 3.7; P = .001), cancer grade (odds ratio, 3.3-4.3; P = .02), positive surgical margin (odds ratio, 1.7; P = .02), and tumor volume (odds ratio, 1.3; P = .02) were associated with BCR in multivariable analysis. Prostatic ductal adenocarcinoma, its percentage, intraductal carcinoma, and cribriform Gleason pattern 4 were not significant independent predictors of BCR. CONCLUSIONS.­: Advanced locoregional stage, higher tumor grade, and positive surgical margin status rather than the mere presence of PDA are more predictive of worse BCR-free survival outcomes following radical prostatectomy in men with a component of PDA.

Using Artificial Intelligence to Predict Surgical Shunts in Men with Ischemic Priapism.

PURPOSE: Ischemic priapism is a urological emergency that requires prompt intervention to preserve erectile function. Characteristics that influence escalation to surgical intervention remain unclear. We identified factors and developed machine learning models to predict which men presenting with ischemic priapism will require shunting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified men with ischemic priapism admitted to the emergency department of our large county hospital between January 2010 and June 2019. We collected patient demographics, etiology, duration of priapism prior to intervention, interventions attempted and escalation to shunting. Machine learning models were trained and tested using R to predict which patients require surgical shunting. RESULTS: A total of 334 encounters of ischemic priapism were identified. The majority resolved with intracavernosal phenylephrine injection and/or cavernous aspiration (78%). Shunting was required in 10% of men. Median duration of priapism before intervention was longer for men requiring shunting than for men who did not (48 vs 7 hours, p=0.030). Patients with sickle cell disease as the etiology were less likely to require shunting compared to all other etiologies (2.2% vs 15.2%, p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Men with longer duration of priapism before treatment more often underwent shunting. However, phenylephrine injection and aspiration remained effective for priapism lasting more than 36 hours. Having sickle cell disease as the etiology of priapism was protective against requiring shunting. We developed artificial intelligence models that performed with 87.2% accuracy and created an online probability calculator to determine which patients with ischemic priapism may require shunting.

Use and Validation of the AUA/SUO Risk Grouping for Nonmuscle Invasive Bladder Cancer in a Contemporary Cohort.

PURPOSE: We applied nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer AUA (American Urological Association)/SUO (Society of Urologic Oncology) guidelines for risk stratification and analyzed predictors of recurrence and progression. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 398 patients with nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer treated between 2001 and 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to compare AUA/SUO risk groups. Predictors of recurrence and progression were determined by multivariable regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done, a Cox proportional hazards regression model was created and time dependent AUCs were calculated to determine progression-free and recurrence-free survival by risk group. RESULTS: Median followup was 37 months (95% CI 35-42). Of the patients 92% underwent bacillus Calmette-Guérin induction and 46% received at least 1 course of maintenance treatment. Of the patients 11.5% were at low, 32.5% were at intermediate and 55.8% were at high risk. In patients at low, intermediate and high risk the 5-year progression-free survival rate was 93%, 74% and 54%, and the 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 43%, 33% and 23%, respectively. Kaplan-Meier analysis was done to stratify high grade Ta 3 cm or less tumor recurrence-free and progression-free survival in the intermediate vs the high risk group. Relative to low risk, classification as intermediate and as high risk was an independent predictor of progression (HR 9.7, 95% CI 2.23-42.0, p <0.01, and HR 36, 95% CI 8.16-159, p <0.001, respectively). Recurrence was more likely in patients at high risk than in those at low risk (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.11-3.71, p=0.022). For recurrence and progression the 1-year AUC was 0.60 (95% CI 0.546-0.656) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.622-0.732), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The AUA/SUO nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer risk classification system appropriately stratifies patients based on the likelihood of recurrence and progression. It should be used at diagnosis to counsel patients and guide therapy.

Tamsulosin dispensation patterns in the United States: a real-world, longitudinal, population claims database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tamsulosin remains the single most popular uroselective alpha adrenoceptor antagonist approved for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Over the last 3 decades, the utilization of tamsulosin has extended to conditions beyond its original indication. To identify potential changes to prescribing patterns and the extent of tamsulosin use for conditions beyond its original indication, we evaluated tamsulosin dispensing patterns in the United States using a large, multi-payer claims database. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis using IMS PharMetrics Plus™. Patients with a tamsulosin dispensation/BPH diagnosis code (index dates), identified during a 12-month selection period (October 2012-September 2013), were included if continuously enrolled in a health plan during the 18-month analysis period (12 months pre-index-6 months post-index). Patient and provider characteristics were evaluated using descriptive statistics and were contrasted with previously reported data from the literature. RESULTS: Of 133,977 patients dispensed tamsulosin during the analysis period, 72,583 (54.2%) were new users [59,197 (81.6%) men; 13,386 (18.4%) women]. Tamsulosin was newly initiated in men and women mostly by primary care physicians (PCPs; 31.6%) and emergency medicine physicians (21.6%). During the analysis period, 35,071 (59.2%) male new tamsulosin users did not receive a BPH diagnosis code during the analysis period. Of 199,468 men with a BPH diagnosis code, 143,444 (71.9%) were newly diagnosed, mostly [70,412 (49.1%)] by urologists. Few men received hypotension diagnosis: 252 (0.4%) new tamsulosin users within 1 month of starting tamsulosin and 640 (0.4%) within 1 month of a new BPH diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin was prescribed in patients without a recorded diagnosis of BPH and in women. Physicians were comfortable prescribing tamsulosin in the presence of comorbidity and polypharmacy, and PCPs and emergency medicine physicians were the primary prescribers. These results have important implications for future retrospective research for tamsulosin.

Multicenter Investigation of Fungal Infections of Inflatable Penile Prostheses.

BACKGROUND: Fungal infections of inflatable penile prostheses (IPPs) are inadequately understood in the literature. AIM: To review a multi-institution database of IPP infections to examine for common patient and surgical factors related to IPP fungal infections. METHODS: This is a retrospective Institutional Review Board-approved analysis of 217 patients at 26 institutions who underwent salvage or device explant between 2001 and 2018. Patient data were compiled after an extensive record review. OUTCOMES: 26 patients (12%) with fungal infections were identified. RESULTS: 23 of 26 patients (83%) with a fungal IPP infection were either diabetic or overweight. 15 patients had undergone primary IPP implantation, and the other 11 had previously undergone an average of 1.7 IPP-related surgeries (range 1-3; median 2). The average age at implantation was 63 years (range 31-92; median 63). 18 of the 26 patients with fungal infection had diabetes (69%), with a mean hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) value of 8.4 (range 5.8-13.3; median 7.5). Twenty-two patients (85%) were overweight or obese. The mean body mass index for all patients was 30.1 kg/m2 (range 23.7-45 kg/m2; median 28.4 kg/m2), and that for diabetic patients was 30.8 kg/m2 (range 24.1-45 kg/m2, median 29.7 kg/m2). Ninety-one percent of implants were placed with intravenous antibiotics, consistent with current American Urological Association guidelines: an aminoglycoside plus first- or second-generation cephalosporin or vancomycin or ampicillin/sulbactam or piperacillin/tazobactam. 65% (17 of 26) of infected IPPs had only fungal growth in culture. No patient had concomitant immunosuppressive disease or recent antibiotic exposure before IPP implantation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: More than two-thirds of the fungal infections occurred in diabetic patients and 85% occurred in overweight or obese patients, suggesting that antifungal prophylaxis may be appropriate in these patients. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is the largest series of fungal infections reported to date in the penile prosthesis literature. The overall number of such cases, however, remains small. CONCLUSION: Fungal infections represent 12% of all penile prosthesis infections in our series and were seen mostly in diabetic or overweight patients, who may benefit from antifungal prophylaxis. Gross MS, Reinstatler L, Henry GD, et al. Multicenter Investigation of Fungal Infections of Inflatable Penile Prostheses. J Sex Med 2019;16:1100-1105.

Trans-Fascial Placement of a High, Sub Muscular Reservoir in Patients Following Radical Cystectomy: Safety, Efficacy, and Predictability of Final Reservoir Location Verified With Abdominal Imaging.

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing utilization of ectopic reservoir placement during multicomponent penile implant surgery, safety concerns have been raised about whether passing the reservoir through the floor of the inguinal canal consistently results in placement of the reservoir within the correct location. AIM: To evaluate the safety, efficacy, and patient satisfaction associated with direct-vision, trans-fascial sub muscular reservoir placement in consecutive patients who had previously undergone radical cystectomy. METHODS: Perioperative data, complications, and follow up for the 12 cystectomy patients were evaluated using a comprehensive database of consecutive patients undergoing penile prosthesis placement at our center. Efficacy and patient satisfaction were based upon responses to the Erectile Function and Satisfaction Domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Taking advantage of the need for post cystectomy imaging in monitoring for cancer recurrence, we reviewed post- implant imaging with the purpose of ascertaining the final reservoir location. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Using intraoperative photographs, we describe the technique of trans-fascial sub muscular reservoir placement. Perioperative complications, device efficacy and satisfaction, and the accuracy of reservoir placement are also evaluated. RESULTS: Average patient age was 65 ± 7 years old and the mean time between cystectomy and implant placement was 41 ± 29 months. With a mean follow up of 26 ± 21 months, complications included: 1 reservoir herniation and 1 high riding pump requiring repositioning. Mean IIEF-EF domain was 29.8 ± 0.5 and mean IIEF-satisfaction domain was 17.7 ± 4.5. Other than the herniated reservoir, imaging confirmed accurate reservoir placement in 8 of 9 cases. In 3 patients a small cephalad portion of the reservoir extends posteriorly into the peritoneal or preperitoneal space, with no clinical consequences. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Ectopic reservoir placement using a trans-fascial submuscular approach seems to be a safe method for multicomponent penile implant surgery in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy. Post-implant imaging confirms that the device is consistently placed in the correct sub muscular location. STRENGTHS & LIMITATIONS: This is a novel approach to performing the procedure and a practical manner to ascertain the reservoir position. The limited number of patients prevents generalization of our findings. CONCLUSION: Trans-fascial, sub muscular reservoir placement is a safe means of ectopically placing the reservoir of a multicomponent penile implant following radical cystectomy. Post implant IIEF scores indicate high device efficacy and patient satisfaction. Post implant imaging confirms that the reservoir is almost always in the desired location. Kava BR, Lopatagui DM, Levine A, et al. Trans-Fascial Placement of a High, Sub Muscular Reservoir in Patients Following Radical Cystectomy: Safety, Efficacy, and Predictability of Final Reservoir Location Verified With Abdominal Imaging. J Sex Med 2019;16:338-345.

Prostate Artery Embolization in Patients with Prostate Volumes of 80 mL or More: A Single-Institution Retrospective Experience of 93 Patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of prostate artery embolization (PAE) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia for prostates ≥ 80 mL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of 93 patients with prostate volumes (PVs) ≥ 80 mL treated with PAE from April 2014 through October 2017. Mean patient age was 68.5 years (range 52-88) and mean age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index was 3.2 (range 1-8). Exclusion criteria included history of biopsy-proven prostate cancer or catheter dependency. Clinical and urodynamic outcomes were reviewed at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Adverse events were graded according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: Mean PV decreased significantly from 141.7 mL to 98.1 mL at 3 months (P < .01) and 82.2 mL at 12 months (P < .01). Significant improvements were seen in 3- and 12-month mean International Prostate Symptom Scores (IPSS) (22.3 vs 7.1 and 7.3, respectively; P < .01 for both), quality of life (QOL) (4.4 vs 1.2 and 1.3; P < .01 for both), and postvoid residual volume (196.7mL vs 92.1 and 61.2 mL; P < .01 and P < .01, respectively). Significant improvement was also seen in 3-month mean maximum urinary flow: 7.7 mL/s vs 12.8 mL/s (P < .01). One grade II complication of stroke occurred; all other complications were self-limited and grade I. CONCLUSIONS: PAE achieved a clinically and statistically significant improvement in symptom burden and secondary outcome measures in patients with PVs ≥ 80 mL. PAE may be an alternate treatment for patients for whom conventional surgical options are limited or associated with significant morbidity.

Molecular Characterization of Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Potential Three-MicroRNA Prognostic Signature.

Background: Aberrantly expressed miRNAs promote renal cell carcinoma (RCC) growth and metastasis and are potentially useful biomarkers for metastatic disease. However, a consensus clinically significant miRNA signature has not been identified. To identify an miRNA signature for predicting clinical outcome in RCC patients, we used a four-pronged interconnected approach.Methods: Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified and analyzed in 113 specimens (normal kidney: 59; tumor: 54). miRNA profiling was performed in matched normal and tumor specimens from 8 patients and extended to 32 specimens. Seven aberrantly expressed miRNAs were analyzed by qPCR, and their levels were correlated with RCC subtypes and clinical outcome. miRNA signature was confirmed in The Cancer Genome Atlas RCC dataset (n = 241).Results: Discovery phase identified miR-21, miR-142-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-150, and miR-155 as significantly upregulated (2-4-fold) and miR-192 and miR-194 as downregulated (3-60-fold) in RCC; miR-155 distinguished small tumors (<4 cm) from benign oncocytomas. In univariate and multivariate analyses, miRNA combinations (miR-21+194; miR-21+142-5p+194) significantly predicted metastasis and/or disease-specific mortality; miR-21+142-5p+194 (for metastasis): P = 0.0017; OR, 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.75-0.33; 86.7% sensitivity; 82% specificity. In the TCGA dataset, combined biomarkers associated with metastasis and overall survival (miR-21+142-5p+194: P < 0.0001; OR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.58-0.23).Conclusions: The interconnected discovery-validation approach identified a three-miRNA signature as a potential predictor of disease outcome in RCC patients.Impact: With 10% survival at 5 years, metastatic disease presents poor prognosis for RCC patients. The three-miRNA signature discovered and validated may potentially at an early stage detect and predict metastasis, to allow early intervention for improving patient prognosis. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(4); 464-72. ©2018 AACR.

The Impact of Immediate Salvage Surgery on Corporeal Length Preservation in Patients Presenting with Penile Implant Infections.

PURPOSE: Removal of an infected penile implant often results in corporeal fibrosis, irreversible penile shortening and dissatisfaction with future implant surgery. Salvage surgery may avoid these problems but to our knowledge no study to date has evaluated these specific end points. We evaluated patients who presented to our center with an infected implant to determine the impact of salvage surgery on penile length. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated consecutive patients undergoing removal of an infected penile prosthesis with immediate salvage or delayed reimplantation using a comprehensive, prospective database. Total corporeal length prior to and following immediate salvage or delayed reimplantation were compared. The impact of patient age, comorbidities, bacterial species, initial penile length and time to reimplantation on subsequent total corporeal length was evaluated. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 40 patients. Overall 81% of salvaged cases were successful, resulting in a mean 0.6 cm (95% CI 0.20 to 1.1) reduction in total corporeal length. Delayed reimplantation resulted in a mean 3.7 cm (95% CI 2.9-4.5) total corporeal length loss. In patients who underwent delayed reimplantation the total corporeal length reduction was directly proportionate to the initial penis size of the patient. No statistically significant impact on penile length was attributable to patient age, diabetes, bacterial species or time to reimplantation. CONCLUSIONS: When possible, salvage surgery should be offered to patients with an infected penile implant. Our data confirmed that successful salvage surgery preserves penile length. When a device is explanted and replaced at a later date, patients can expect to lose 15% to 30% of penile length irrespective of age, diabetes, type of infecting organism and time to reimplantation.

Efficacy of Prostatic Artery Embolization for Catheter-Dependent Patients with Large Prostate Sizes and High Comorbidity Scores.

PURPOSE: To evaluate efficacy and safety of prostate artery embolization (PAE) in urinary catheter-dependent patients with large prostate volumes and high comorbidity scores. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center review was conducted of 30 patients with urinary retention at time of PAE from November 2014 through February 2017. Mean (range) age was 73.1 years (48-94 y), age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index was 4.5 (0-10), duration of urinary retention was 63.4 days (2-224 d), International Prostate Symptom Score quality-of-life (IPSS-QOL) was 5.3 (3-6), and prostate volume was 167.3 cm3 (55-557 cm3). These parameters were collected at 3, 6, and 12 months after PAE. Trials of voiding were performed approximately 2 weeks after PAE and, if failed, every 2 weeks thereafter. Adverse events were graded using the Clavien-Dindo classification. RESULTS: At a mean (range) of 18.2 days (1-72 d), 26 (86.7%) patients were no longer reliant on catheters. Follow-up was obtained in all patients eligible at 3 and 6 months and 17 of 20 (85.0%) patients eligible at 1 year. Mean (range) IPSS-QOL improved significantly to 1.2 (0-5), 0.7 (0-4), and 0.6 (0-4) at 3, 6, and 12 months (all P < .001). Mean (range) prostate volume decreased significantly to 115.9 cm3 (27-248 cm3) at 3 months (P < .001). Two patients experienced grade II urosepsis complications, which were successfully treated with intravenous antibiotics. All other complications were self-limited grade I complications. CONCLUSIONS: PAE represents a safe and effective option for management of patients with urinary retention, especially patients with large prostates who are not ideal surgical candidates.

Genitourinary sarcoidosis: An essential review for the practicing clinician.

INTRODUCTION: Sarcoidosis is a multisystem disease that commonly involves the lungs, but may also present with extrapulmonary manifestations. Genitourinary (GU) tract involvement has been traditionally thought to be rare, but that view may underestimate the true prevalence of the disease due to the often, silent presentation thereof. METHODS: The literature pertaining to sarcoidosis from the general systemic point of view, etiology and therapy and with regard to specific organs was reviewed by identifying key words in a PubMed search. That material with special relevance to the Indian experience was emphasized. RESULTS: There are a number of isolated case reports in the literature describing symptomatic and asymptomatic GU tract sarcoidosis. The world literature associated with the generalized syndrome was reviewed and summarized. Specific aspects of GU involvement are presented for each organ of the GU tract. CONCLUSIONS: It is critical for the practicing clinician to have a working knowledge of the clinical manifestations of this disease as it involves the GU tract, as well as to be able to distinguish it from tuberculosis and the various malignancies that affect this organ system.

Fatalism, medical mistrust, and pretreatment health-related quality of life in ethnically diverse prostate cancer patients.

OBJECTIVE: Few studies have examined the impact of cultural processes prevalent in minority ethnic groups such as cancer fatalism and medical mistrust on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) following a cancer diagnosis. The present study examined relationships among ethnicity, HRQoL, and two possible cultural vulnerability factors-fatalistic attitudes and medical mistrust-among an ethnically diverse sample of men with prostate cancer (PC) prior to undergoing active treatment. METHODS: A total of 268 men with localized PC (30% African American, 29% Hispanic, and 41% non-Hispanic White) were assessed cross-sectionally prior to active treatment. Path analyses examined relationships among ethnicity, vulnerability factors, and HRQoL. RESULTS: Ethnicity was not related to HRQoL after controlling for relevant covariates. Hispanic men reported greater cancer fatalism compared with non-Hispanic White men (ß = 0.15, p = 0.03), and both Hispanics (ß = 0.19, p < 0.01) and African Americans (ß = 0.20, p < 0.01) reported greater medical mistrust than non-Hispanic Whites. Fatalism demonstrated a trend toward negatively impacting physical well-being (ß = -0.12, p = 0.06), but was not significantly related to emotional well-being (ß = -0.10, p = 0.11). Greater medical mistrust was associated with poorer physical (ß = -0.14, p = 0.03) and emotional well-being (ß = -0.13, p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that fatalistic attitudes and medical system mistrust were more prevalent among minority men. Less trust in the medical system was associated with poorer physical and emotional well-being. Attention to perceptions of the healthcare system and its relation to HRQoL may have implications for targeting culturally driven attitudes that may compromise adjustment to a PC diagnosis.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Communication Skills Assessment Using Human Avatars: Piloting a Virtual World Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

INTRODUCTION: Proficiency in communication skills is a core competency of residency training. We evaluated the feasibility, acceptability and applicability of a virtual world objective structured clinical examination that enables practice based learning and assessment of resident communication skills. METHODS: A virtual clinical encounter situated in 2 practice settings was developed that uses a human avatar physician and a standardized patient. Following an online tutorial house staff participated in 4 communication tasks, including shared decision making, delivering bad news, obtaining informed consent and disclosing a medical error. Validated instruments and semistructured interviews were used to assess house staff acceptability and applicability of the platform. Three faculty members used ACS (Affective Competency Scale) and communication specific assessment instruments to evaluate house staff performance. RESULTS: A total of 12 urology house staff completed the simulation. Direct costs were approximately $1,000. The virtual world was easy to use and immersive. Applicability directly correlated with presence (Pearson r = 0.67, p = 0.01) and co-presence (Pearson r = 0.8, p = 0.002). House staff identified problems with 1) limited nonverbal cues, 2) too much information presented and 3) a lack of immediate feedback. The ICC (intraclass correlation) of faculty assessments was high for ACS at 0.53 (95% CI 0.36-0.69) for single measures, 0.77 (95% CI 0.63-0.86) for average measures and less for other assessment instruments. CONCLUSIONS: A virtual world objective structured clinical examination is a feasible, acceptable and applicable method of communication skills assessment. Improving nonverbal cues, focusing on individual skill sets and providing immediate feedback are measures to be adopted in future iterations of this platform.