Generative artificial intelligence in surgery.

Generative artificial intelligence is able to collect, extract, digest, and generate information in an understandable way for humans. As the first surgical applications of generative artificial intelligence are applied, this perspective paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current applications and future perspectives for the application of generative artificial intelligence in surgery, from preoperative planning to training. Generative artificial intelligence can be used before surgery for planning and decision support by extracting patient information and providing patients with information and simulation regarding the procedure. Intraoperatively, generative artificial intelligence can document data that is normally not captured as intraoperative adverse events or provide information to help decision-making. Postoperatively, GAIs can help with patient discharge and follow-up. The ability to provide real-time feedback and store it for later review is an important capability of GAIs. GAI applications are emerging as highly specialized, task-specific tools for tasks such as data extraction, synthesis, presentation, and communication within the realm of surgery. GAIs have the potential to play a pivotal role in facilitating interaction between surgeons and artificial intelligence.

A nomogram to predict the absence of clinically significant prostate cancer in males with negative MRI

PURPOSE: To create a nomogram to predict the absence of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa) in males with non-suspicion multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) undergoing prostate biopsy (PBx). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified consecutive patients who underwent 3T mpMRI followed by PBx for suspicion of PCa or surveillance follow-up. All patients had Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score 1-2 (negative mpMRI). CSPCa was defined as Grade Group ≥2. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed via backward elimination. Discrimination was evaluated with area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC). Internal validation with 1,000x bootstrapping for estimating the optimism corrected AUROC. RESULTS: Total 327 patients met inclusion criteria. The median (IQR) age and PSA density (PSAD) were 64 years (58-70) and 0.10 ng/mL2 (0.07-0.15), respectively. Biopsy history was as follows: 117 (36%) males were PBx-naive, 130 (40%) had previous negative PBx and 80 (24%) had previous positive PBx. The majority were White (65%); 6% of males self-reported Black. Overall, 44 (13%) patients were diagnosed with CSPCa on PBx. Black race, history of previous negative PBx and PSAD ≥0.15ng/mL2 were independent predictors for CSPCa on PBx and were included in the nomogram. The AUROC of the nomogram was 0.78 and the optimism corrected AUROC was 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: Our nomogram facilitates evaluating individual probability of CSPCa on PBx in males with PIRADS 1-2 mpMRI and may be used to identify those in whom PBx may be safely avoided. Black males have increased risk of CSPCa on PBx, even in the setting of PIRADS 1-2 mpMRI.

Awareness and Use of ChatGPT and Large Language Models: A Prospective Cross-sectional Global Survey in Urology.

BACKGROUND: Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has captivated society and shown potential for various aspects of health care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential use of ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM), in urology by gathering opinions from urologists worldwide. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An open web-based survey was distributed via social media and e-mail chains to urologists between April 20, 2023 and May 5, 2023. Participants were asked to answer questions related to their knowledge and experience with artificial intelligence, as well as their opinions of potential use of ChatGPT/LLMs in research and clinical practice. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data are reported as the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, and the frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Charts and tables are used as appropriate, with descriptions of the chart types and the measures used. The data are reported in accordance with the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 456 individuals completed the survey (64% completion rate). Nearly half (47.7%) reported that they use ChatGPT/LLMs in their academic practice, with fewer using the technology in clinical practice (19.8%). More than half (62.2%) believe there are potential ethical concerns when using ChatGPT for scientific or academic writing, and 53% reported that they have experienced limitations when using ChatGPT in academic practice. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists recognise the potential of ChatGPT/LLMs in research but have concerns regarding ethics and patient acceptance. There is a desire for regulations and guidelines to ensure appropriate use. In addition, measures should be taken to establish rules and guidelines to maximise safety and efficiency when using this novel technology. PATIENT SUMMARY: A survey asked 456 urologists from around the world about using an artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT in their work. Almost half of them use ChatGPT for research, but not many use it for patients care. The resonders think ChatGPT could be helpful, but they worry about problems like ethics and want rules to make sure it's used safely.

The Impact of Telemedicine in Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Health Care: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of 68 Million Clinical Consultations.

CONTEXT: Carbon footprint (CF) has emerged as an important factor when assessing health care interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reduction in CF for patients utilizing telemedicine. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried for studies describing telemedicine consultation and reporting on carbon emissions saved and the carbon emissions of telemedicine devices as primary outcomes, and travel distance and time and cost savings and safety as secondary outcomes. Outcomes were tabulated and calculated per consultation. Carbon emissions and travel distances were also calculated for each total study cohort. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and the Oxford level of evidence was determined. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 68 465 481 telemedicine consultations and savings of 691 825 tons of CO2 emissions and 3 318 464 047 km of travel distance. Carbon assessment was mostly reported as the estimated distance saved using a conversion factor. Medical specialties used telemedicine to connect specialists with patients at home (n = 25) or at a local center (n = 6). Surgical specialties used telemedicine for virtual preoperative assessment (n = 9), follow-up (n = 4), and general consultation (n = 4). The savings per consultation were 21.9-632.17 min and $1.85-$325. More studies focused on the COVID-19 time frame (n = 33) than before the pandemic (n = 15). The studies are limited by calculations, mostly for the travel distance for carbon savings, and appropriate follow-up to analyze the real impact on travel and appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine reduces the CF of the health care sector. Expanding the use of telemedicine and educating providers and patients could further decrease CO2 emissions and save both money and time. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed 48 studies on the use of telemedicine. We found that people used their cars less and saved time and money, as well as CO2 emissions, if they used teleconsultations. Some studies only looked at how much CO2 from driving was saved, so there might be more to learn about the benefits of teleconsultations. The use of online doctor appointments is not only good for our planet but also helps patients in saving time and money. This review is registered on the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews (CRD42023456839).

Transperineal vs transrectal magnetic resonance and ultrasound image fusion prostate biopsy: a pair-matched comparison.

The objective of this study was to compare transperineal (TP) versus transrectal (TR) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) fusion prostate biopsy (PBx). Consecutive men who underwent prostate MRI followed by a systematic biopsy. Additional target biopsies were performed from Prostate Imaging Reporting & Data System (PIRADS) 3-5 lesions. Men who underwent TP PBx were matched 1:2 with a synchronous cohort undergoing TR PBx by PSA, Prostate volume (PV) and PIRADS score. Endpoint of the study was the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPCa; Grade Group ≥ 2). Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed. Results were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. Overall, 504 patients met the inclusion criteria. A total of 168 TP PBx were pair-matched to 336 TR PBx patients. Baseline demographics and imaging characteristics were similar between the groups. Per patient, the CSPCa detection was 2.1% vs 6.3% (p = 0.4) for PIRADS 1-2, and 59% vs 60% (p = 0.9) for PIRADS 3-5, on TP vs TR PBx, respectively. Per lesion, the CSPCa detection for PIRADS 3 (21% vs 16%; p = 0.4), PIRADS 4 (51% vs 44%; p = 0.8) and PIRADS 5 (76% vs 84%; p = 0.3) was similar for TP vs TR PBx, respectively. However, the TP PBx showed a longer maximum cancer core length (11 vs 9 mm; p = 0.02) and higher cancer core involvement (83% vs 65%; p < 0.001) than TR PBx. Independent predictors for CSPCa detection were age, PSA, PV, abnormal digital rectal examination findings, and PIRADS 3-5. Our study demonstrated transperineal MRI/TRUS fusion PBx provides similar CSPCa detection, with larger prostate cancer core length and percent of core involvement, than transrectal PBx.

Clinical Patient Summaries Not Fit for Purpose: A Study in Urology.

We evaluated the comprehensibility of patient summaries provided by urology journals for the general public. The WebFX online tool was used to assess the readability of abstracts and patient summaries by scoring the text according to established readability indices. A total of 266 articles were included and statistical analysis was performed to compare the readability of abstracts and patient summaries, stratified by article type and text type. The results show that patient summaries consistently performed worse than abstracts for all readability metrics, and the readability levels for both abstracts and patient summaries were more advanced than the recommended guidelines on average. This study suggests that patient summaries provided by these urology journals may not be easily understood by the general population, and tools should be developed to help urological researchers improve the accessibility of their work. PATIENT SUMMARY: We checked how easy it is to read and understand patient summaries and abstracts of research articles from four urology journals. We found that the summaries and abstracts were too hard to read. This study shows that we need to make these summaries easier to read for everyone.

Rivaroxaban with Aspirin Versus Aspirin for Peripheral Arterial Disease and Intermittent Claudication. Rationale and Design of the COMPASS CLAUDICATION Trial.

BACKGROUND: The COMPASS trial demonstrated that in patients with peripheral arterial disease, the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin compared with aspirin reduces the risk of major adverse limb events, but it is not known whether this combination can also improve symptoms in patients with intermittent claudication. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of the combination on claudication distance. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty-eight patients with intermittent claudication will be randomized to receive rivaroxaban 2.5 mg twice daily plus aspirin 100 mg once daily or aspirin 100 mg once daily for 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the change in claudication distance from the baseline to 24 weeks, measured by 6 min walking test and treadmill test. The primary safety outcome is the incidence of major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major bleeding according to the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis criteria. SUMMARY: The COMPASS CLAUDICATION trial will provide high-quality evidence regarding the effect of the combination of rivaroxaban and aspirin on claudication distance in patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Reversal of Factor Xa Inhibitors by Andexanet Alfa May Increase Thrombogenesis Compared to Pretreatment Values.

Recombinant coagulation factor Xa (FXa), inactivated Zh-zo, also known as andexanet alfa (AA), is a modified version of human FXa that has been developed to neutralize FXa inhibitors. We studied the reversal effect of AA for these inhibitors in various anticoagulant and thrombin generation (TG) assays. Individual aliquots of normal human plasma containing 1 µg/mL of apixaban, betrixaban, edoxaban, and rivaroxaban, were supplemented with saline or AA at a concentration of 100 µg/mL. Clotting profiles include prothrombinase-induced clotting time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and prothrombin time. Factor Xa activity was measured using an amidolytic method. Thrombin generation was measured using a calibrated automated thrombogram. Differential neutralization of all 4 anticoagulants was noted in the activated clotting time and other clotting tests. The FXa activity reversal profile varied with an observed decrease in apixaban (22%), betrixaban (56%), edoxaban (28%), and rivaroxaban (49%). Andexanet alfa also led to an increased TG in comparison to saline. The peak thrombin was higher (40%), area under the curve (AUC) increased (15%), whereas the lag time (LT) decreased (17%). Andexanet alfa added at 100 µg/mL to various FXa supplemented systems resulted in reversal of the inhibitory effects, restoring the TG profile; AUC, LT, and peak thrombin levels were comparable to those of unsupplemented samples. Andexanet alfa is capable of reversing anti-Xa activity of different oral FXa inhibitors but overshoots thrombogenesis in both the saline and FXa inhibitor supplemented systems. The degree of neutralization of Xa inhibitor is specific to each agent.