Cumulative sum analysis of the learning curve for retrograde intrarenal stone surgery in newbie surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: This study investigated the learning curve of retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) in patients with medium-sized stones using cumulative sum analysis (CUSUM) to evaluate the competence and proficiency of three new surgeons during their first RIRS procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 227 patients from 2019 to 2022 at a single institution. The patients were divided into four groups based on the operating surgeon: tutor surgeon (85 patients), newbie surgeon A (21 patients), newbie surgeon B (85 patients), and newbie surgeon C (36 patients). Patients had one or multiple stones with the largest stone diameter fell within the range of 10-30 mm. Fragmentation efficacy was calculated as "removed stone volume (mm3) divided by operative time (minutes)." CUSUM analysis monitored changes in fragmentation efficacy and validated surgical outcomes. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in the total stone volume, maximum stone size, or total operation time between the three newbie surgeons and the tutor surgeon. The mean fragmentation efficacy value was comparable among the newbie surgeons, but significantly different from that of the tutor surgeon. The minimum acceptable fragmentation efficacy level was set at 25.12 mL/min, based on the tutor's average value. The CUSUM curves for the three surgeons initially remained relatively flat until Cases 12-15, after which they increased and eventually plateaued. Stone-free rates and postoperative complications did not differ significantly among the surgeons. CONCLUSION: Learning curve analysis for the three newbie surgeons indicated that approximately 12-15 cases were required to reach a plateau.

Examining the Relationship Between Polystyrene Microplastics and Male Fertility: Insights From an In Vivo Study and In Vitro Sertoli Cell Culture.

BACKGROUND: While polystyrene microplastics (PS-MPs) are emerging as potentially significant health threats, linked to cancer and reproductive dysfunction, their precise effects on human health remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the underlying mechanisms promoting microplastic-induced damage in the reproductive system. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly allocated into six equal-sized groups. Mice were exposed to fluorescent PS-MPs (5 µm, < 18%, green) at a dose of 1 and 3 mg/dL via oral gavage for 28 and 56 days, respectively (control, 0 mg/dL). The presence of antibodies and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were evaluated using western blotting. Sperm analysis was also performed. Mouse testis Sertoli TM4 cells were divided into two groups: control (medium only) and PS-MPs (medium containing, 1,000 µg/mL) groups and cultured in vitro for 1, 24, 48, or 72 hours. The cells were cultured in a Ham's F12: Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium medium with 0.25% fetal bovine serum at 37°C with humidified atmosphere of 5% carbon dioxide in the air. Protein analyses for interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, NADPH-oxidase (NOX)-2, NOX-4, hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF)-2α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß were performed using western blotting. RESULTS: The testes were evaluated after 28 and 56 days of exposure. Varying sizes of PS-MPs were detected in the testes (ranging from 5.870 to 7.768 µm). Significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and the proportion of normal sperm were observed between the two groups. An increase in TGF-ß, HIF-2α, and NOX-4 levels was observed using western blot analysis. However, no dose-dependent correlations were observed between the two groups. In vitro evaluation of the PS-MPs group displayed PS-MP penetration of the lumen of Sertoli cells after 1 hour. Further PS-MP aggregation within Sertoli cells was observed at 24, 48, and 72 hours. A significant increase in inflammatory protein expressions (IL-10, TGF-ß, MCP-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and HIF-2α) was observed through western blotting, although oxidative agents did not show a significant increase. CONCLUSION: PS-MPs induced reproductive dysfunction in male mice provide new insights into PS-MPs-associated toxicity in mammals.

Pneumovesical vesicovaginal fistula repair: Lessons learned from an initial series of 25 patients.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to share the experiences and outcomes of laparoscopic pneumovesical repair for vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records from a single institution over 10 years was conducted. The focus was on patients who underwent VVF repair using a pneumovesical approach with three 5 mm laparoscopic ports. The study evaluated perioperative parameters, postoperative outcomes, and complication rates to assess the efficacy and safety of this surgical method. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was used to determine the learning curve based on operative time. RESULTS: Of the 26 patients with VVF, 23 (88.5%) had successful fistula closure after the first surgery. One patient required open surgery conversion due to challenges in maintaining pneumovesicum, and two experienced recurrences, although successful repairs were achieved in subsequent surgeries. The average patient age was 47.4 years, with a mean operative time of 99.9 min. The postoperative hospital stay averaged 9.1 days, and catheterization lasted about 11 days. The CUSUM chart indicated a learning curve, with fluctuations until the 19th case, followed by a consistent upward pattern. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic pneumovesical VVF repair is an effective and safe technique, especially suitable for fistulas near the ureteral orifice or deep in the vaginal cavity. The method demonstrates favorable outcomes with minimal complications and allows for easy reoperation if necessary.

Epidemiology and Management Trend of Renal Trauma: Results of a Nationwide Population-Based Study.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the incidence of renal trauma using the National Health Insurance Service Database (NHISD). METHODS: Using the NHISD, representative of all upper urinary tract injuries in Korea, data regarding renal trauma were analyzed. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision Clinical Modification codes were used to identify the diagnoses. The incidence estimates of renal traumas were analyzed using Poisson regression analysis. Risk factors for high-grade renal trauma were estimated using multivariable logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Patients with renal trauma were identified from a nationwide database collected by the National Health Insurance Service of Korea between 2012 and 2016. Among 37,683 individuals with renal trauma, 1,293 (3.4%) were diagnosed with high-grade renal trauma. Surgical therapy was performed in 995 (2.6%) patients with renal trauma and 184 (14.2%) patients with high-grade renal trauma. Renal trauma occurred in all age groups, and the ratio between men and women was approximately 3:1. Men and women experienced 8,000 (31.82/100,000) and 2,365 (9.52/100,000) renal trauma in 2013 (total 10,365, 20.73/100,000) and 5,243 (20.56/100.000) and 2,168 (8.58/100,000) in 2016 (total 7,411, 14.60/100,000), respectively. In multivariable analysis, female sex, age (age; 41-60 and 61-80 years), and comorbidity of peripheral vascular disease, renal disease, and malignancy were revealed as risk factors for high-grade renal trauma. CONCLUSION: Annual incidence of renal trauma is 17.33 per 100,000 population from 2012 to 2016. The incidence of kidney damage decreased gradually from 2013 to 2016, and the majority of renal trauma cases were low-grade. Conservative management was the preferred treatment modality in most patients with renal trauma, including those with high-grade renal trauma.

Can natural killer cell activity help screen patients requiring a biopsy for the diagnosis of prostate cancer?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of natural killer cell activity (NKA) in diagnosing prostate cancer (PC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy (TRBx) at Korea University Ansan Hospital between May 2017 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. NKA levels were measured using NK VueR Tubes (ATgen, Sungnam, Korea). All blood samples were obtained at 8 AM on the day of biopsy. Patients with other malignancies, chronic inflammatory conditions, high prostate-specifi c antigen (PSA) level (>20ng/mL), or history of taking 5-alphareductase inhibitor or testosterone replacement therapy were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients who underwent TRBx for PC diagnosis were enrolled. Among them, 50 were diagnosed with PC. Significant differences in age and NKA level were observed between the PC and no-PC groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off of NKA level for the prediction of PC was 500pg/dL, with a sensitivity of 68.0% and a specifi city of 73.1%. In addition, NKA level (0.630) had the greatest area under the ROC curve compared to those for the ratio of total PSA to free PSA (0.597) and PSA density (0.578). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this pilot study revealed that low NKA and high PSA levels were likely to be associated with a positive TRBx outcome. NKA detection was easy and improved the diagnostic accuracy of PC.

Short-term benefits of balneotherapy for patients with chronic pelvic pain: a pilot study in Korea.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether balneotherapy might be effective in patients with chronic pelvic pain (CPP) in the short term. This was an open and prospective pilot study. The balneotherapy programme was performed in a spa resort located in Wando Island, Republic of Korea from August 26 2018 to September 1 2018. It consisted of 10 heated seawater baths (38 °C, 20 minutes) and 10 mud-pack applications (40 °C, 10 minutes) for five days. Sixteen patients were enrolled. Upon analysing responses from a patient questionnaire, we found improvement in parameters such as pain, bladder irrigation symptoms and quality of life after balneotherapy. Inflammatory marker IL-1 and TNF-α was significantly decreased after treatment compared to baseline. There were no adverse events during treatment. Our data suggest that five-day balneotherapy can be beneficial for patients with CPP in the short term.Impact statementWhat is already known on this subject? The majority of articles in the field of balneotherapy discuss the treatment of rheumatic or dermatological disease. However, data on the effectiveness of balneotherapy for chronic pelvic pain are very limited.What the results of this study add? Our study suggests that balneotherapy can be beneficial for patients with CPP in the short-term. The duration of balneotherapy was five days, which is shorter than that of the European studies. Intuitively, it may be doubtful whether short-term therapy has any practical effect. As most people living in Korea have a vacation period of about one week each in summer and winter, the choice of a five-day programme in our study reflects the reality of vacation schedules.What the implications are of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further studies are necessary to demonstrate the persistence of these benefits on the long term, as well as their existence in appropriate control group and different duration of treatment.

α-Blocker and Risk of Dementia in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Nationwide Population Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Service Database.

PURPOSE: A recent study demonstrated that tamsulosin increased the risk of dementia in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. However, this study had a number of limitations. We evaluated the association between α-blockers and dementia in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From the National Health Insurance Service database we collected and analyzed data on α-blockers and dementia in the entire Korean adult population with benign prostatic hyperplasia between January 2011 and December 2011. These patients were followed until September 2017. We tested the effect of α-blockers on the risk of dementia using propensity score matched Cox proportional hazard regression models and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. RESULTS: During a mean ± SD followup of 1,580 ± 674.3 days all study inclusion and exclusion criteria were met by 59,263 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. In the unadjusted cohort the incidence of dementia in the tamsulosin, doxazosin, terazosin, alfuzosin and no medication cohorts were 17.97%, 18.55%, 20.64%, 17.62% and 22.60%, respectively. After propensity score matching the risk of dementia did not significantly differ in the tamsulosin cohort vs the doxazosin and alfuzosin cohorts (HR 1.038, 95% CI 0.960-1.121 and HR 1.008, 95% CI 0.925-1.098), respectively. Compared to the tamsulosin cohort the terazosin cohort had a higher risk of dementia (HR 1.112, 95% CI 1.052-1.196). However, the risk of dementia was significantly lower in the terazosin cohort than in the no medication cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings indicate that benign prostatic hyperplasia medication is not associated with a risk of dementia by duration of use or by type.

Laparoscopic approach for intravesical surgery using pneumovesicum in the management of anterior colporrhaphy mesh erosion and stones around the bladder neck.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Perforation of the bladder or urethra and erosion of the mesh after cystocele repair surgery are not uncommon and have potentially serious complications. Traditionally, surgical management of such complications has involved excision of the mesh using either a transurethral approach or open surgery. In this video, we present our experience of laparoscopic transvesical surgery for exposed mesh and stone. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patient was placed in the lithotomy position under general anesthesia and a 30° operating cystoscope was inserted under direct vision. After filling the bladder with 300 mL normal saline, a 5 - mm VersaStep™ bladeless trocar was placed 2 cm above the pubic symphysis. Two more 5 mm trocars were placed bilaterally at 3 cm intervals from the initial trocar site. The pneumovesicum state was maintained at 8 - 12 mmHg and a 5 mm telescope was introduced. Using a curved dissector and curved Mayo scissors, the exposed mesh was mobilized and removed. Interrupted 4 - 0 Vicryl sutures were used to close the defect. To localize the ureteral orifice, intravenous Indigo Carmine was used. The bladder stones were removed through the urethra using a stone basket, guided using a ureteral stent pusher. RESULTS: Total operation time was 55 min and the Foley catheter was removed at post - operative day 5 after postoperative cystography. CONCLUSIONS: Excellent visualization of mesh exposure and ureteral orifice was possible under aparoscopic transvesical surgery, and reconstruction including the mucosa and muscle layer was able to be achieved. This method is useful and feasible, with minimal invasiveness and an early post - operative recovery.

Does mirabegron relieve ureteric stent-related discomfort? A prospective, randomized, multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of 50 mg mirabegron once daily for ureteric stent-related discomfort after ureteroscopic procedures by conducting a multicentre randomized study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with indwelling ureteric stents after ureteroscopic stone removal or retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) were randomized 1:1 to receive either no treatment or mirabegron during the stenting period. At the time of stent removal, the validated Ureteral Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ), International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), total amount of analgesics administered, and post-voiding residual urine volume were reported for each patient. RESULTS: Overall, 96 patients were enrolled for analysis. The postoperative USSQ body pain score (21.96 vs 13.96; P = 0.007) and overall pain score (5.58 vs 2.83; P = 0.002) were lower in the mirabegron group than in the control group. The USSQ urinary symptom scores (32.58 vs 27.92; P = 0.582) and USSQ general health score (17.71 vs 14.00; P = 0.281) were also lower in the mirabegron group, but the difference was not significant. Postoperative IPSS total scores and quality-of-life scores were lower in the mirabegron group, but the difference was not significant. The change in IPSS storage symptom score, however, was lower in the mirabegron group than in the control group (3.58 ± 3.58 vs 1.83 ± 4.39; P = 0.035). Post-void residual urine volume did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The use of 50 mg mirabegron once daily has the potential to reduce ureteric stent-related discomfort. Prospective larger-scale, placebo-controlled studies are warranted to further evaluate the beneficial effects of mirabegron on stent-related symptoms.

Comparison of Renal Function after Radical Surgery for Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma versus Renal Cell Carcinoma: Propensity Score Matching.

OBJECTIVES: To compare renal function after radical nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). METHOD: Data from 1,236 patients with RCC or UTUC treated surgically from 2000 to 2013 were enrolled. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated preoperatively and postoperatively at 12, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. A multivariate logistic regression was used to determine independent factors for a decrease in eGFR to < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and end-stage renal disease. RESULT: After propensity score matching, a total of 554 patients were included. During follow-up for 5 years, there was statistically significant difference in eGFR between 2 groups. And there was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients developing impaired renal function between the 2 groups (UTUC 73.3 vs. RCC 66.1%, p = 0.039). Multivariate analysis showed that old age (OR 3.957, p < 0.001), UTUC (OR 1.838, p = 0.006), BMI (OR 2.463, p = 0.001) and a baseline eGFR (OR 0.976, p = 0.001) were independent risk factors for postoperative impaired renal function. CONCLUSION: Patients with UTUC had worse baseline eGFR, old age, comorbidities than RCC patients. Even after adjusting by PS matching, UTUC patients had lower postoperative eGFR and higher rates of CKD development than RCC patients.

Eleven-year Cumulative Incidence and Estimated Lifetime Prevalence of Urolithiasis in Korea: a National Health Insurance Service-National Sample Cohort Based Study.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was estimation of the cumulative incidence and lifetime prevalence of urolithiasis in Korea. METHODS: We used a National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) sample cohort dataset that included approximately 1 million individuals from Korea. Data from January 2002 to December 2013 were collected. We calculated the annual prevalence, recurrence rate, and estimate lifetime prevalence of urolithiasis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors associated with urolithiasis. RESULTS: There were 57,921 diagnosed urolithiasis cases in the NHIS database over the 11 years studied. The annual incidence of urolithiasis increased every year (Poisson regression; hazard ratio, 1.025; P < 0.001). Of the patients with urolithiasis, 21.3% experienced disease recurrence within 5 years. The 11-year cumulative incidence was 5.71%, and the incidence in men was higher than that seen in women (7.07% vs. 4.34%, respectively). The 11-year cumulative incidence in the 60- to 69-year-old group (9.08%) was higher than that seen in any other age group. The overall standardized lifetime prevalence rate was estimated to be 11.5%: 12.9% in men and 9.8% in women. Meanwhile, age (> 60 years), income level, diabetes, body mass index, hypertension, and cancer history were identified as contributing factors to urolithiasis. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that the annual incidence of urolithiasis in Korea is increasing. The overall standardized lifetime prevalence rate was higher than that reported in a previous report. This study is significant in that it is the first retrospective cohort study to estimate the lifetime prevalence of urolithiasis using a large national retrospective cohort.

Comparison of intraoperative handling and wound healing between (NEOSORB® plus) and coated polyglactin 910 suture (NEOSORB®): a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Coated polyglactin 910 suture with chlorhexidine (NEOSORB® Plus) has recently been developed to imbue the parent suture with antibacterial activity against organisms that commonly cause surgical site infections (SSI). This prospective, single-blinded, randomized trial, was performed to compare the intraoperative handling and wound healing characteristics of NEOSORB® Plus with those of the traditional polyglactin 910 suture (NEOSORB®) in urologic surgery patients. METHODS: Patients (aged 19 to 80 years, n = 100) were randomized in a 1:1 ratio for treatment with either NEOSORB® Plus or NEOSORB®, and stratified into an open surgery or a minimally invasive surgery group. The primary endpoint was the assessment of overall intraoperative handling of the sutures. Secondary endpoints included specific intraoperative handling measures and wound healing characteristics. Wound healing was assessed at one and 11 days after surgery. Cumulative skin infection, seroma, and suture sinus events within 30 days after surgery were also evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were included, with 47 patients in the NEOSORB® Plus group and 49 patients in the NEOSORB® group. Scores for intraoperative handling were favorable and were not significantly different between the two suture groups. Wound healing characteristics were also comparable. The incidence of adverse events was 13.6%, although none were deemed attributable to the suture, and no difference was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: NEOSORB® Plus is not inferior to traditional sutures in terms of intraoperative handling and wound healing, potentially making NEOSORB® Plus a beneficial alternative for patients at increased risk of SSI. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02431039 . Trial registration date 14 August 2015.

Is There a Difference in the Incidence of Depression between Radiation and Surgical Treatments in Patients with Prostate Cancer?

PURPOSE: Patients with cancer have a high risk of depression. However, a few studies have assessed differences in the incidence of depression among patients with prostate cancer (PC) based on whether they received radiotherapy (RTx) or surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed data from the National Health Insurance Sharing Service database regarding the entire Korean adult population with PC (n=210,924) between 2007 and 2017. The adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) of depression associated with treatment were estimated using propensity score-matched Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier survival analyses. RESULTS: Our final cohort comprised 9,456 patients with PC; of which, 8,050 men underwent surgery. During a mean follow-up duration of 7.1 years, 503 (5.3%) patients were newly diagnosed with depression. A significant difference in the incidence of depression was noted between the RTx and surgery groups (RTx vs. surgery: 5.55% vs. 5.28%; p=0.011) in the unmatched cohort. In the matched cohort, older age (≥70 years, HR: 1.596, p<0.001) and poor Charlson comorbidity index scores (HR: 1.232, p=0.039) were correlated with the risk of depression. In addition, the adjusted HR for depression in the surgery group was 0.843 (p=0.221) compared with that in the RTx group. Kaplan-Meier analyses revealed that no significant difference in the cumulative probability of persistent depression was detected between the RTx and surgery groups in matched cohort (p=0.3386). CONCLUSIONS: In this nationwide population-based study, no significant differences in the risk of depression were observed between the surgical and RTx groups.

Epidemiology of mumps, mumps complications, and mumps orchitis in Korea using the National Health Insurance Service database.

PURPOSE: To analyze the presentation of mumps and mumps orchitis using the National Health Insurance Service Database (NHISD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using information from the NHISD representing all cases of mumps in Korea, data regarding mumps orchitis were analyzed. The International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, and Clinical Modification codes were used for diagnosis. The incidence estimates of the number of mumps cases were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) software. RESULTS: Based on the NHISD, 199,186 people were diagnosed with mumps, and males accounted for 62.3% cases. Teen males accounted for 69,870 cases, the largest number of patients diagnosed with mumps. The annual incidence of mumps increased every year (poisson regression, hazard ratio [HR] 1.026, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.024-1.027; p<0.025). The risk of mumps was lower in females than that in males (poisson regression, HR 0.594, 95% CI 0.589-0.599; p<0.001). Of the 199,186 patients diagnosed with mumps, 3,872 patients (1.9%) had related complications. Among the mumps complications, the most diagnosed complication was mumps orchitis, which was seen in 41.8% of the males. Mumps orchitis cases accounted for less than 1.5% of the patients with mumps in minors under the age of 20 years and was somewhat higher in 2009 and 2013-2015. CONCLUSIONS: Among the complications related to mumps, meningitis was most common in females, while orchitis was dominant in males. Mumps orchitis also shows periodic outbreaks but is particularly prevalent in adults, which suggests the potential need for additional vaccination against mumps.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections in patients who have undergone radical cystectomy for bladder cancer: A prospective randomized clinical study of two silicone catheters (clinical benefit of antibiotic silicone material).

PURPOSE: The prevalence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) varies from 5% to 8.2%, and the risk of infection increases by 5% to 7% per day of primary indwelling. We investigated whether a novel biofilm inhibitory mechanism using an inhibitory silicone urethral catheter (a coated Foley catheter) can reduce CAUTIs compared to conventional non-coated Foley catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study prospectively analyzed the difference in the incidence of CAUTIs in patients who underwent radical cystectomy with an orthotopic neobladder for bladder cancer and received a coated or conventional non-coated catheter. Additionally, differences in bacterial colonization between the groups were analyzed using a catheter-tip bacterial culture test. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were randomized into the "coated Foley catheter" group (abbreviated as "case" group; 41 patients) and a control group (44 patients). The two groups were identical except for their surgical history. The incidence of CAUTIs 2 weeks after radical cystectomy was 21.95% (case) and 27.27% (control), with no significant difference between the two groups. However, when the catheter was removed 2 weeks after surgery, the catheter tip culture test revealed significant bacterial colonies in 25 (60.98%) and 38 (86.36%) patients in the case and control group, respectively. No catheter-related postoperative side effects were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CAUTIs in the two groups did not differ according to the catheter material. However, the catheter bacterial culture test showed that bacterial colonization was significantly suppressed on the Bi-Fi Free technology catheter, which comparatively inhibited biofilm formation.

Epidemiologic study of bladder and urethral injury in Korea: A nationwide population-based study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to analyze the characteristics and management of bladder and urethral injuries in Korea by use of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from the NHIS database representative of all cases of Korean bladder injury (n=4,631) and urethral injury (n=17,858) reported between 2012 and 2016 were analyzed. We used the International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision, clinical modification codes to identify the diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 491 males (1.97/100,000) and 590 females (2.39/100,000) experienced bladder injury in 2012, and 449 males (1.76/100,000) and 624 females (2.47/100,000) in 2016. The risk of bladder injury was higher in female than in male (hazard ratio [HR], 1.267; p<0.001). The annual incidence of bladder injury did not increase (HR, 0.992; p=0.409). A total of 2,886 (62.3%) patients were managed with conservative treatment, and 1,745 (37.7%) patients underwent surgical treatment. A total of 4,114 males (16.5/100,000) and 285 females (1.2/100,000) had urethral injury in 2012, while 4,465 males (17.5/100,000) and 303 females (1.2/100,000) had urethral injury in 2016. The incidence of urethral injury is increasing annually (HR, 1.010; p=0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of urethral injury increased continuously over the years studied, whereas that of bladder injury remained unchanged in Korea. The incidence of bladder injury was higher in females, and more than 90% of total urethral injuries were reported in males. This is the first study to evaluate the epidemiology of bladder and urethral injury using a nationwide population database.

A Comparison of the Anesthetic Methods for Recurrence Rates of Bladder Cancer after Transurethral Resection of Bladder Tumors Using National Health Insurance Claims Data of South Korea.

Bladder cancers have high recurrence rates and are usually removed via transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT). Recently, some reports showed that the anesthetic method may affect the recurrence rates of bladder cancers. The purpose of this population-based study was to compare the effect of anesthetic methods with the recurrence rates of bladder cancers in South Korea. A total of 4439 patients were reviewed retrospectively using the data of the Korean National Health Insurance (NHI) claims database from January 2007 to December 2011. Patients were divided into 2 groups who received general (n = 3767) and regional anesthesia (n = 582), and were followed up until September 2017. Propensity score matching was conducted to reduce the effect of confounding factors. After using propensity score matching with a multivariable Cox regression model, age (p < 0.001), sex (p < 0.001), hypertension (p = 0.003), diabetes mellitus (p = 0.001), and renal disease (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with bladder cancer recurrence. However, there were no significant differences in the recurrence rates of bladder cancers in patients who received general anesthesia and spinal anesthesia for TURBTs. This study revealed that there is no relationship between the anesthetic method and bladder cancer recurrence. Either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia can be used depending on the situation in patients receiving TURBT. Future prospective studies are warranted to confirm the association between the anesthetic method and the recurrence rates of bladder cancer.

WITHDRAWN:Current Status of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Prescription in Korea Based on the Clinician's Urology Specialty Using Nationwide Healthcare System Data.

Ahead of Print article withdrawn by Editorial Board.

The clinical impact of strict criteria for active surveillance of prostate cancer in Korean population: Results from a prospective cohort.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical impact of strict selection criteria for active surveillance (AS) of prostate cancer in a Korean population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A single-center, prospectively collected AS cohort from December 2016 to February 2019 was used. Following pre-determined criteria, patients were categorized into "strict AS" and "non-strict AS" groups. Clinicopathological progression-free survival (PFS) and treatment-free survival (TFS) of the two groups were compared using the Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test. Age-adjusted hazard ratios for clinicopathological progression was calculated using Cox proportional regression analysis. RESULTS: Of 54 eligible patients, 25 and 29 were assigned to "strict AS" and "non-strict AS," respectively. Clinicopathological progression and definitive treatment rates were 24.0% (6 of 25 patients) vs. 51.7% (15 of 29 patients) and 32.0% (8 of 25 patients) vs. 62.1% (18 of 29 patients) in "strict AS" and "non-strict AS" groups. Progress to high-risk cancer (pathologic T3 or surgical Gleason Grade 2 over) in radical prostatectomy was higher in "non-strict AS" than "strict AS". PFS (mean 34.6±2.9 mo vs. 22.6±2.7 mo; p=0.025) and TFS (mean 31.8±3.2 mo vs. 19.6±2.4 mo; p=0.018) favor the "strict AS" group than "non-strict AS" group. Age-adjusted hazard ratio for clinicopathological progression of strict criteria was 0.36 (95% confidence interval, 0.14-0.94; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: PFS and TFS were better in the "strict AS" group than in the "non-strict AS" group. This finding should be informed to relevant patients during decision making and considered in Korean guidelines.

Cognitive Function and Urologic Medications for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Special considerations should be made when selecting medications for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in older patients especially those over 65 years old. This review summarizes the relationship between current treatments for LUTS and cognitive impairment. Although the recently reported association between dementia and tamsulosin is debatable, the effects of α-blockers and pharmacokinetics are not reported in this context. Five-alpha reductase inhibitors appear to affect mood. However, the association between the development of dementia and cognitive impairment is unlikely. Anticholinergic agents, other than trospium, fesoterodine, and imdafenacin have a relatively high distribution in the central nervous system. In particular, oxybutynin is reported to cause cognitive impairment. Several animal studies on the blood-brain barrier permeability of oxybutynin support this. Therefore, care must be taken when they are used in older patients (65 years and older). Beta-3 agonists are an alternative to, or may be used in combination with, anticholinergic drugs for patients with an overactive bladder (OAB). Several phase 2 and 3 clinical studies report high tolerability and efficacy, making them relatively safe for OAB treatment. However, there is a possibility that cognitive function may be affected; thus, long-term study data are required. We have reviewed studies investigating the correlation of urologic medications with cognitive dysfunction and have provided an overview of drug selection, as well as other considerations in older patients (65 years and older) with LUTS. This narrative review has focused primarily on articles indexed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase databases. No formal search strategy was used, and no meta-analysis of data was performed.