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BACKGROUND: While there exists ample evidence on the impact of perioperative blood pressure on hematoma incidence following facelift; the association of elevated or labile intraoperative blood pressure with postoperative hematoma remains to be explored. OBJECTIVES: The authors evaluate the association of elevated or labile intraoperative systolic blood pressure (SBP) with postoperative hematoma, using the senior author's single surgeon experience of 118 consecutive facelifts. METHODS: A multivariate logistic regression was conducted using complete demographic, procedure-related, blood pressure-related, and outcomes-related data, with the outcome of interest representing postoperative hematoma. One-way ANOVA and linear regression analyses were used to assess for significant associations between a preoperative history of hypertension and a tendency to demonstrate elevated or labile intraoperative SBP. A Fisher's Exact test was subsequently used to assess for specific intraoperative SBP measurement cut-offs significantly associated with postoperative hematoma, including maximum recorded intraoperative SBP, and specific degree of intraoperative SBP fluctuations. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated no statistically significant patient- or procedure-related demographic predictors of postoperative hematoma. With aggressive treatment of preoperative hypertension, high preoperative SBP was not found to be a significant predictor of postoperative hematoma following facelift, although this approached statistical significance (p=0.05). In contrast, labile intraoperative SBP (maximum recorded intraoperative SBP - minimum recorded intraoperative SBP; p=0.026), as well as high immediate postoperative SBP (p=0.002), were both independent and statistically significant predictors of postoperative hematoma. Patients with a preoperative history of hypertension, and more specifically those with elevated SBP measurements in the preoperative clinic, were more likely to demonstrate labile (p=0.007) or elevated (p=0.005) intraoperative SBP during facelift surgery. Specifically, maximum recorded intraoperative SBP ≥155mmHg (p=0.045), as well as maximum intraoperative SBP fluctuations ≥80mmHg (p=0.036) were found to be significantly associated with hematoma. CONCLUSIONS: A multimodal approach is necessary to control perioperative systolic blood pressure within the strict <120mmHg target demonstrated to significantly decrease hematoma incidence. The senior author's preference is for intraoperative SBP to remain within a strict 90-100mmHg range. In contrast to hypertension that is aggressively treated and successfully controlled, hypertension that is difficult to control intraoperatively, may be a predictor of systolic blood pressure that is difficult to control postoperatively, and thus a significant risk factor for postoperative hematoma following facelift.
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BACKGROUND: Large language models (LLMs) have revolutionized the way plastic surgeons and their patients can access and leverage artificial intelligence (AI). OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to compare the performance of 2 current publicly available and patient-accessible LLMs in the potential application of AI as postoperative medical support chatbots in an aesthetic surgeon's practice. METHODS: Twenty-two simulated postoperative patient presentations following aesthetic breast plastic surgery were devised and expert-validated. Complications varied in their latency within the postoperative period, as well as urgency of required medical attention. In response to each patient-reported presentation, Open AI's ChatGPT and Google's Bard, in their unmodified and freely available versions, were objectively assessed for their comparative accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis, most-likely diagnosis, suggested medical disposition, treatments or interventions to begin from home, and/or red flag signs/symptoms indicating deterioration. RESULTS: ChatGPT cumulatively and significantly outperformed Bard across all objective assessment metrics examined (66% vs 55%, respectively; P < .05). Accuracy in generating an appropriate differential diagnosis was 61% for ChatGPT vs 57% for Bard (P = .45). ChatGPT asked an average of 9.2 questions on history vs Bard's 6.8 questions (P < .001), with accuracies of 91% vs 68% reporting the most-likely diagnosis, respectively (P < .01). Appropriate medical dispositions were suggested with accuracies of 50% by ChatGPT vs 41% by Bard (P = .40); appropriate home interventions/treatments with accuracies of 59% vs 55% (P = .94), and red flag signs/symptoms with accuracies of 79% vs 54% (P < .01), respectively. Detailed and comparative performance breakdowns according to complication latency and urgency are presented. CONCLUSIONS: ChatGPT represents the superior LLM for the potential application of AI technology in postoperative medical support chatbots. Imperfect performance and limitations discussed may guide the necessary refinement to facilitate adoption.
Subject(s)
Artificial Intelligence , Postoperative Complications , Humans , Female , Postoperative Complications/etiology , Postoperative Complications/diagnosis , Postoperative Complications/therapy , Mammaplasty/methods , Mammaplasty/adverse effects , Adult , Diagnosis, DifferentialABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) has gained widespread adoption as an option to traditional transurethral resection of the prostate. Prior reports expressed concern with the use of PVP in large prostates. The aim of this study was to investigate the adjusted outcomes of GreenLight PVP in men with large (≥ 80 cc) vs. small prostates (< 80 cc). METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global Greenlight Group which pools data from 7 high volume centers. Men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible and assigned into two groups based on their prostate size (≥ 80 and < 80 cc). 11 functional and perioperative covariates were collected. Analyses were adjusted for patient age and presence of median lobe. RESULTS: 3426 men met the inclusion criteria. 34.6% (n = 1187) of patients had a large prostate size. Baseline age and prostate volume were significantly different between the groups. The magnitude of absolute improvement in unadjusted international prostate symptom score was significantly greater in the large (≥ 80 cc) prostate group at 12 months, with an absolute change of 19.17 points (95% CI 18.46-19.88; p < 0.01). There was also a significant drop in PVR at both 6- (p = 0.007) and 12 months (p = 0.005). There were no significant differences in transfusion (p = 0.42), hematuria (p = 0.80), or 30-day readmission rates (p = 0.28). CONCLUSIONS: Greenlight PVP is a safe and effective alternative for patients with prostate sizes ≥ 80 cc, with durable outcomes relatively independent from prostate size.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , Male , Humans , Prostate/surgery , Volatilization , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: The present study analyzes the largest international GreenLight database, the Global GreenLight Group (GGG), to evaluate the functional and safety profile of GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) in octogenarians. METHODS: The GGG is a database comprised of patients that underwent GreenLight PVP from 2011 to 2019 performed by 8 experienced urologists at 7 international hospitals. Patients 80 years or older at the time of surgery were categorized as octogenarians. They were compared to a similar group of PVP patients below the age of 80. RESULTS: Among 3,648 patients, 586 men were above the age of 80. Compared to patients under the age of 80, octogenarians had larger prostates (76.0 vs 71.9 ml, p = 0.02) and a lower BMI (25.6 vs 26.7, p = 0.045). Operative time was not significantly longer in octogenarians. The improvement in functional outcomes between 80-year-old patients and control patients was not significantly different at one-year follow-up, with the exception of maximum urinary flow (Qmax) that favoured younger patients (10.3 vs 12.6 ml/s, p = 0.02). The odds of transfusion were greater for older patients [OR 8.2 (95% CI 3.6-18.9, p < 0.01)], but they were not at increased risk of hematuria. Octogenarians had higher readmission rates (23.0 vs 11.9%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: GreenLight PVP is a safe option in well-selected octogenarians in a cohort of patients treated by surgeons experienced with the technology. The odds of transfusion were higher in patients over 80, but the absolute risk remains low. The 30-day hospital readmission rate was higher in octogenarians.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , Male , Aged, 80 and over , Humans , Octogenarians , Prostate/surgery , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: This study aims to report age-stratified potency outcomes in men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a database of 1737 patients who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer between 2007 and 2019. Inclusion criteria consisted of patients undergoing bilateral nerve-sparing RARP. Exclusion criteria were preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) score < 17 and postoperative androgen deprivation therapy or radiotherapy. Patients were divided into four cohorts based on age: ≤ 54 years (group 1); 55-59 years (group 2); 60-64 years (group 3) and ≥ 65 years (group 4). Functional outcomes were measured up to 36 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to compare the time to recovery of potency stratified by age groups using log-rank testing. RESULTS: A total of 542 patients met the selection criteria. Potency rates were significantly different between groups. Groups 1 through 4 demonstrated potency recovery rates of 64.2%, 52.3%, 36.6% and 20.7% at 1-year follow up, respectively. After 3 years, groups 1 through 4 had potency rates of 77.9%, 67.0%, 50.5% and 35.0%, respectively. Recovery of potency was achieved at a median time after surgery of 199, 340 and 853 days for groups 1-3, respectively. The Cox proportional hazard model showed that older age, higher body mass index (BMI), and lower preoperative SHIM score were associated with significantly higher rates of impotence. CONCLUSION: This study shows that RARP has acceptable potency outcomes, regardless of age. However, patient factors, including older age and preoperative SHIM were significantly associated with poorer functional recovery. This data is valuable in prognostic evaluation and patient counseling.
Subject(s)
Erectile Dysfunction , Prostatic Neoplasms , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Male , Humans , Middle Aged , Robotic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Androgen Antagonists , Treatment Outcome , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Erectile Dysfunction/etiologyABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARI) on the perioperative and functional outcomes of 180-Watt XPS GreenLight photovaporization of the prostate (PVP) using a large international database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database, which includes eight high-volume, experienced surgeons from seven international centers. All men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) with known 5-ARI status who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible for the study. Patients were assigned to two groups based on the preoperative use of 5-ARI. Analyses were adjusted for patient age, prostate volume, and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score. RESULTS: We included 3,500 men, of which 1,246 (36%) had preoperative 5-ARI use. Patients in both groups were similar with regards to age and prostate size. On multivariable analysis, total operative time was slightly shorter (-3.26 min 95% CI: 1.20 - 5.32, p < 0.01) and required 35.6kJ less laser energy (95% CI: -48.0kJ - -23.3kJ, p < 0.01) for patients on 5ARI compared to those without 5-ARI. However, no clinically significant difference was appreciated regarding postoperative transfusion rates [OR 0.048 (95% CI -0.82-0.91; p = 0.91)], hematuria rates [OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.72-1.3; p = 0.81)], 30-day readmission rates [OR 0.98 (95% CI 0.71-1.4; p = 0.90)], or overall functional outcomes. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that preoperative 5-ARI is not associated with any clinically significant different perioperative or functional outcomes for GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180W system. There is no role for the initiation or discontinuation of 5-ARI prior to GreenLight PVP.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , Male , Humans , Prostate/surgery , Treatment Outcome , Laser Therapy/adverse effects , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Prostatic Hyperplasia/complications , PelvisABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: To report the 5-year efficacy and safety of Aquablation compared with transurethral resection of the prostate for the management of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia in men with prostate volumes 50-80 mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a large double-blinded, multicenter, and prospective randomized controlled trial, 96 randomized men with 50-80 mL prostates who underwent Aquablation or transurethral prostate resection were prospectively identified for subgroup analysis. Follow up was performed for up to 5 years. The primary efficacy endpoint was the reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) at 6 months. The primary safety endpoint was the occurrence of Clavien-Dindo (CD) postoperative complications grade 1 persistent and grade 2 or higher at 3 months. RESULTS: Both groups had comparable baseline characteristics. Reduction in IPSS score was significantly higher in the Aquablation group across 5 years of follow up (-14.1 vs. -10.8, p = 0.02). The Aquablation group achieved a significantly lower rate of CD1P and CD2 or higher events at 3 months follow up (risk difference of -23.1%). Among recorded adverse events, de novo postoperative ejaculatory dysfunction was notably lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -21.9%), while the risk of bleeding remained similar after 6 months. The surgical and medical retreatment rate at 6 months was also lower in Aquablation (risk difference of -14.4%). CONCLUSIONS: In the 50-80 mL prostate volume subgroup, Aquablation yields superior long-term symptom relief and lower complication rates than standard transurethral resection, with notably lower rates of ejaculatory dysfunction. This further supports the adoption of Aquablation for men with medium-sized prostates.
Subject(s)
Ablation Techniques , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , Humans , Male , Ablation Techniques/adverse effects , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/etiology , Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/surgery , Prospective Studies , Prostate/surgery , Prostatic Hyperplasia/complications , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Prostatic Hyperplasia/diagnosis , Transurethral Resection of Prostate/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Water , Double-Blind MethodABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Incontinence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) significantly impacts quality of life. This study aims to compare the age-stratified continence outcomes in Canadian men undergoing RARP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed on a prospectively maintained database of 1737 patients who underwent RARP for localized prostate cancer between 2007 and 2019. Patients were stratified into five groups based on age: group 1, ≤ 54 years (n = 245); group 2, 55-59 years (n = 302) ; group 3, 60-64 years (n = 386); group 4, 65-69 years (n = 348); and group 5, ≥ 70 years (n = 116). Functional outcomes were assessed up to 36 months. Log-rank and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to compare the time to recovery of pad-free continence by age group. RESULTS: Continence rates of groups 1 to 5 were respectively 90.2%, 79.1%, 80.4%, 71.4%, and 59.8% at 1-year follow up (p < 0.001). After 3 years, groups 1 through 5 had continence rates of 97%, 91.7%, 89.3%, 81.4%, and 77.6%, respectively (p < 0.001). Median time to recovery of continence was 58, 135, 140, 152 and 228 days, respectively. Among men who remained incontinent, older patients consistently required more pads. In Cox proportional hazard model, groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 were respectively 33% (p < 0.001), 34% (p < 0.001), 33% (p = 0.001), and 41% (p = 0.005) more likely to remain incontinent compared to group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Age is associated with significantly lower rates of continence recovery, longer time to recovery of continence, and more severe cases of incontinence after RARP.
Subject(s)
Prostatic Neoplasms , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Urinary Incontinence , Canada/epidemiology , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prostatectomy/adverse effects , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Quality of Life , Recovery of Function , Robotic Surgical Procedures/adverse effects , Treatment Outcome , Urinary Incontinence/epidemiology , Urinary Incontinence/etiologyABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this review, we will discuss the state of the literature regarding Aquablation, its limitations, and opportunities for its application in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). METHODS: A comprehensive review of original research on Aquablation was conducted. Articles related to transurethral resection of the prostate, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate, and simple prostatectomy were reviewed for discussion. RESULTS: For small-medium prostates (30-80 mL), Aquablation's main advantages include better ejaculatory function and similar functional outcomes compared to TURP. For large prostates (80-150 mL), Aquablation demonstrates shorter operative time and superior ejaculatory function when compared to simple prostatectomy, HoLEP, and Greenlight PVP. In addition, Aquablation displays shorter hospital stays than simple prostatectomy. The integration of software programming and semi-automatic technology increases the reproducibility of the procedure and helps standardize overall outcomes, while also accelerating the learning curve. Its ability to preserve antegrade ejaculation makes Aquablation a very compelling option for sexually active patients. However cost and postoperative bleeding risks remain a concern. CONCLUSION: The current evidence suggests that Aquablation is a safe and effective alternative for BPE for small to large prostates. Further prospective clinical trials, with comparisons to other BPE modalities, and data from longer follow-up periods are still required.
Subject(s)
Ablation Techniques/methods , Prostatectomy/methods , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Ablation Techniques/instrumentation , Equipment Design , Humans , Male , Transurethral Resection of Prostate , WaterABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) remains controversial in men with treated prostate cancer. We assessed its safety and functional impacts in patients after definitive surgical treatment with robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 1303 patients who underwent RARP during the years 2006-2019. We identified men with symptoms of andropause and low serum testosterone who received TRT post-RARP; then we divided the cohort into two groups accordingly for comparison. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included functional outcomes. Predictors of BCR, including the effect of TRT on BCR, were evaluated using univariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: Among the forty-seven men who received TRT, the mean age was 60.83 years with a median follow-up of 48 months. Three (6.4%) and 157 (12.56%) patients experienced BCR in TRT and non-TRT groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between both groups except for higher mean BMI in the TRT group (p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis (MVA), higher pre-RARP prostate-specific antigen (PSA) (p = 0.043), higher International Society of Urological Pathology score (p < 0.001), seminal vesical invasion (p = 0.018) and positive surgical margin (p < 0.001) were predictors of BCR. However, TRT was not (p = 0.389). In addition, there was a significant change in the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (p = 0.022), and serum testosterone level (p < 0.001) before and 6 months after initiation of TRT. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that TRT, in well-selected, closely followed, symptomatic men post-RARP is an oncologically safe and functionally effective treatment in prostate cancer patients post-RARP.
Subject(s)
Eunuchism/drug therapy , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Postoperative Complications/drug therapy , Prostatectomy , Prostatic Neoplasms/surgery , Robotic Surgical Procedures , Testosterone/therapeutic use , Aged , Hormone Replacement Therapy/adverse effects , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Prostatectomy/methods , Retrospective Studies , Testosterone/adverse effects , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In this review, we will discuss the state of the literature regarding Rezum and opportunities for its application in the treatment of BPH. METHODS: A comprehensive review of original research on convective water vapor thermal therapy (Rezum) was conducted. Articles related to transurethral resection of the prostate, holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, Aquablation, and greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate were reviewed for discussion. RESULTS: Rezum distinguishes itself from other treatment options by its durable improvement in objective clinical outcomes such as IPSS and BPH Impact Index, while being cost-effective and versatile in its ability to treat a variety of prostate gland morphologies. This treatment option shows good lower urinary tract symptom relief, especially in small-to-moderate prostate sizes (30-80 cc). The use of convective heat transfer is unique and allows for localized treatment, avoiding damage to surrounding structures, thus providing an excellent safety profile and sexual function preservation. CONCLUSION: The current evidence on Rezum warrants its consideration as a therapeutic alternative to transurethral surgery in selected patients.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care , Hyperthermia, Induced/methods , Prostatic Hyperplasia/therapy , Steam , Equipment Design , Humans , Hyperthermia, Induced/instrumentation , Male , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
PURPOSE: In the current review, we will discuss the state of the literature of vaporization of the prostate for the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). We discuss two methods of vaporization of the prostate: Transurethral Vaporization of the Prostate (TUVP) and Greenlight Photo-selective Vaporization of the Prostate (PVP). METHODS: A comprehensive review of the literature was performed on TUVP and PVP. The literature on transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) was also extensively reviewed as a comparative surgical method. RESULTS: The evidence shows that TUVP appears to be the safer choice, as compared to TURP due to less intra- and peri-operative complications. PVP was associated with less bleeding complications than TURP with outpatient discharge. Importantly, PVP was not associated with serious bleeding events requiring blood transfusions or medical treatment in patients under anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapies. PVP was also shown to be a cost-effective option compared to TURP. CONCLUSION: Prostate vaporization for the treatment of BPE appears to be an efficient and safer alternative to TURP. Vaporization techniques, particularly Greenlight PVP, should be offered to most men, especially those under anticoagulation therapy, as well as patients at risk of bleeding complications.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Transurethral Resection of Prostate/methods , Humans , Male , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Previous analyses of the impact of median lobe presence on Greenlight photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) outcomes were limited by their small sample size and the ability to adjust for important confounders. As such, we sought to investigate the impact of prostate median lobe presence on the operative outcomes of 180 W XPS GreenLight PVP using a large international database. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Global GreenLight Group (GGG) database which pools data of eight high-volume, experienced surgeons, from a total of seven international centers. All men with established benign prostatic hyperplasia who underwent GreenLight PVP using the XPS-180 W system between 2011 and 2019 were eligible for the study. Patients were assigned to two groups based on presence or absence of median lobes. Analyses were adjusted for patient age, prostate volume, body mass index, and American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) score. RESULTS: A total of 1650 men met the inclusion criteria. A median lobe was identified in 621 (37.6%) patients. Baseline prostate volume, patient age, and ASA score varied considerably between the two groups. In adjusted analyses, the operative and lasing time of patients with median lobes was 6.72 (95% CI 3.22-10.23; p < 0.01) minutes and 2.90 (95% CI 1.02-4.78; p < 0.01) minutes longer than the control group. Men with median lobes had similar postoperative functional outcomes to those without a median lobe except for a 1.59-point greater drop in the 12-month IPSS score compared to baseline (95% CI 0.11-3.08; p = 0.04) in the median lobe group, and a decrease in PVR after 6 months which was 46.51 ml (95% CI 4.65-88.36; p = 0.03) greater in patients with median lobes compared to men without median lobes. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the presence of a median lobe has no clinically significant impact on procedural or postoperative outcomes for patients undergoing Greenlight PVP using the XPS-180 W system.
Subject(s)
Laser Therapy/methods , Prostate/pathology , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Aged , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Organ Size , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Ensuring ergonomic posture and safety for surgeons is key to preventing work-related injuries and promoting sustained practice. We evaluated ergonomic aspects of Anatomic Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate (AEEP) and its relation to musculoskeletal injuries. METHOD: A two-month online survey involving 119 Endourological Society members provided an in-depth analysis of AEEP practices and their musculoskeletal impacts. RESULTS: The sample experienced general (65.5%), back (32.8%), neck (35.3%) and shoulder (37%) pain. Female AEEP surgeons reported greater back pain. Experience and age were inversely related to MSK injuries, and operative times over 2 âh increased back pain. AEEP procedures predominantly involved sitting (86%) on backless stools (58%), with most surgeons wearing protective eyewear (75.6%) and using large resectoscopes (76.5%). Monitors were usually above eye-level (57%) and beyond 1 âm (68.9%). CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal complaints are prevalent among AEEP endourologists. More awareness and further studies on risk factors are necessary to limit work-related injuries in urology.
Subject(s)
Ergonomics , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Adult , Surveys and Questionnaires , Female , Occupational Diseases/prevention & control , Occupational Diseases/epidemiology , Prostatectomy/methods , Endoscopy/methods , Societies, Medical , Urology/education , Urologists , Posture , Risk FactorsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Most robot-assisted surgery (RAS) systems in Canada are donor-funded, with constraints on implementation and access due to significant costs, among other factors. Herein, we evaluated the impact of the growing multispecialty use of RAS on urologic RAS access and outcomes in the past decade. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of all RAS performed by different surgical specialties in two high-volume academic hospitals between 2010 and 2019 (prior to the COVID pandemic). The assessed outcomes included the effect of increased robot access over the years on annual robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) volumes, surgical waiting times (SWT), and pathologically positive surgical margins (PSM). Data were collected and analyzed from the robotic system and hospital databases. RESULTS: In total, six specialties (urology, gynecology, general, cardiac, thoracic, and otorhinolaryngologic surgery) were included over the study period. RAS access by specialty doubled since 2010 (from three to six). The number of active robotic surgeons tripled from seven surgeons in 2010 to 20 surgeons in 2019. Moreover, there was a significant drop in average case volume, from a peak of 40 cases in 2014 to 25 cases in 2019 (p=0.02). RARP annual case volume followed a similar pattern, reaching a maximum of 166 cases in 2014, then declining to 137 cases in 2019. The mean SWT was substantially increased from 52 days in 2014 to 73 days in 2019; however, PSM rates were not affected by the reduction in surgical volumes (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Over the last decade, RAS access by specialty has increased at two Canadian academic centers due to growing multispecialty use. As there was a fixed, single-robotic system at each of the hospital centers, there was a substantial reduction in the number of RAS performed per surgeon over time, as well as a gradual increase in the SWT. The current low number of available robots and unsustainable funding resources may hinder universal patient access to RAS.
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OBJECTIVE: To analyze the impact of perioperative antithrombotic use on the bleeding outcomes following Aquablation. METHODS: One hundred sixteen men with who underwent Aquablation as part of the WATER prospective trial (NCT02505919) were assigned to 2 groups based on perioperative antithrombotic status. Antithrombotic cessation and restart timing were based on the surgeon's discretion. Methods of achieving intraoperative hemostasis consisted of no-cautery balloon tamponade or cautery. Primary endpoints included immediate postoperative hematuria rates and changes in hemoglobin. Secondary endpoints included 90-day bleeding complications and nonbleeding postoperative adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-one men took antithrombotic medications in the perioperative period while 75 men had no antithrombotic medication. Preoperative hemoglobin levels were comparable between both groups. Postoperative hemoglobin change from baseline (drop of 1.8 ± 1.5 g/dL among the antithrombotic group vs 1.8 ± 1.7 g/dL among the antithrombotic-naïve group) did not differ between both groups (P = .896). In total, 4 (9.8%) men in the antithrombotic group and 4 (5.3%) patients in the antithrombotic-naïve group experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade 1 complication (P = .451) in the 3-month postoperative period. Eight (19.5%) patients in the antithrombotic group and 11 (14.7%) patients in the antithrombotic-naïve group experienced a Clavien-Dindo grade 2 complication (P = .601), none of which is associated with bleeding in both groups. No men in either group demonstrated de novo erectile dysfunction. One patient (2.4%) in the antithrombotic group and none in the antithrombotic-naïve group required blood products (P = .353). CONCLUSION: Aquablation demonstrates comparable postoperative bleeding outcomes and other adverse effects for men with benign prostatic hypertrophy who are on antithrombotic therapy.
Subject(s)
Fibrinolytic Agents , Prostatic Hyperplasia , Male , Humans , Female , Fibrinolytic Agents/adverse effects , Prospective Studies , Treatment Outcome , Prostatic Hyperplasia/surgery , Postoperative Hemorrhage/epidemiology , Postoperative Hemorrhage/etiology , Postoperative Hemorrhage/prevention & control , HemoglobinsABSTRACT
Predicting successful sperm retrieval is essential in counseling infertile men with Azoospermia. Objectives: To assess the predictors of successful sperm extraction in men with nonobstructive Azoospermia. Patients and Methods: A retrospective study included all patients with nonobstructive Azoospermia from January 2018 to May 2019. Subdivided into two groups, group I (negative sperm retrieval) and group II (positive sperm retrieval). Results: A total of 108 patients with a mean age of 36.8 ± 10 years were included. The rate of successful sperm retrieval was 47.2%. Group I included 57 patients (52.8%) with a mean age of 33.98 ± 6.18, and group II included 51 patients (47.2%) with a mean age of 40.04 ± 12.22 (p = 0.008). Follicular stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were significantly higher in group I (18.55 ± 13 vs. 7.97 ± 7.11; p < 0.004). Similarly, in group I, luteinizing hormone was significantly higher (11.4 ± 7.45 vs. 5.9 ± 4.4; p < 0.001). Age and FSH were the independent predictors of successful micro-TESE. Additionally, successful pregnancies were 13.7% of patients, 28.6% of which gave rise to living birth. Conclusion: Patients' age and serum FSH are independent predictors of successful sperm retrieval for infertile men with nonobstructive Azoospermia; young patients with high FSH levels could have little chance of sperm retrieval.
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Background: Prostate size estimation is a valuable clinical measure widely utilized in urology. This study evaluated the accuracy of preoperative transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS) compared to radical prostatectomy specimens and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in estimating prostate volume and identifying presence of median lobe, across different size groups, using the standard ellipsoid formula. The effect of median lobe on accuracy was also assessed. Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight men undergoing robot-assisted radical prostatectomy were enrolled in this study. Preoperative evaluation of prostate volume was done using measurements obtained from TAUS using the Clarius C3 handheld wireless point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) and from TRUS Clarius EC7. Participants were grouped based on prostate size (<30, 30-60, and >60 g). Mean absolute percentage of error was used to evaluate accuracy. Mean percentage of error determined if there was an overestimation or underestimation. Correlation between each TAUS size group, true prostate weight and TRUS was assessed. Results: Irrespective of body mass index, TAUS accurately identified median lobe in all men. No statistically significant difference was found between specimen weight and TAUS prostate size for the >60 g group. Among this same group, a strong correlation was noted between specimen weight and TAUS prostate size (r = 0.911, p < 0.001). There was also a strong correlation between TAUS and TRUS measurements for this group (r = 0.950, p < 0.001). Presence of median lobe did not have an impact on measurement accuracy. Conclusions: Bedside handheld wireless POCUS provides rapid, inexpensive, noninvasive, and clinically accurate TAUS prostate assessments for larger prostates. Such features as identifying median lobes and measuring prostate volumes are valuable tools, whereas patient counseling on lower urinary tract symptoms, elevated prostate-specific antigen, and benign prostate hyperplasia are surgical options.