Aquablation versus HoLEP in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a comparative prospective non-randomized study.

PURPOSE: The question of best surgical treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) due to benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) remains controversial. We compared the outcomes of aquablation and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate ("HoLEP") in a prospective cohort. METHODS: Patients with BPH underwent aquablation or HoLEP according to their preference between June 2020 and April 2022. Prostate volume ("PV"), laboratory results, postvoid residual volume, uroflowmetry, IPSS, ICIQ-SF, MSHQ-EjD, EES and IIEF were evaluated preoperatively and at three, six and 12 months postoperatively. We also analyzed perioperative characteristics and complications via the Clavien Dindo ("CD") classification. RESULTS: We included 40 patients, 16 of whom underwent aquablation and 24 HoLEP. Mean age was 67 years (SD 7.4). Baseline characteristics were balanced across groups, except the HoLEP patients' larger PV. IPSS fell from 20.3 (SD 7.1) at baseline to 6.3 (SD 4.2) at 12 months (p < 0.001) without differences between aquablation and HoLEP. HoLEP was associated with shorter operation time (59.5 (SD 18.6) vs. 87.2 (SD 14.8) minutes, p < 0.001) and led to better PV reduction over all timepoints. At three months, aquablation's results were better regarding ejaculatory (p = 0.02, MSHQ-EjD) and continence function (p < 0.001, ICIQ-SF). Beyond three months, erectile, ejaculatory, continence function and LUTS reduction did not differ significantly between aquablation and HoLEP. CD ≥ grade 3b complications were noted in six patients in aquablation group while only one in HoLEP group (p = < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: While aquablation revealed temporary benefits regarding ejaculation and continence at three months, HoLEP was superior concerning operation time, the safety profile and volumetric results.

Laser-guided real-time automatic target identification for endoscopic stone lithotripsy: a two-arm in vivo porcine comparison study.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: Thermal injuries associated with Holmium laser lithotripsy of the urinary tract are an underestimated problem in stone therapy. Surgical precision relies exclusively on visual target identification when applying laser energy for stone disintegration. This study evaluates a laser system that enables target identification automatically during bladder stone lithotripsy, URS, and PCNL in a porcine animal model. METHODS: Holmium laser lithotripsy was performed on two domestic pigs by an experienced endourology surgeon in vivo. Human stone fragments (4-6 mm) were inserted in both ureters, renal pelvises, and bladders. Ho:YAG laser lithotripsy was conducted as a two-arm comparison study, evaluating the target identification system against common lithotripsy. We assessed the ureters' lesions according to PULS and the other locations descriptively. Post-mortem nephroureterectomy and cystectomy specimens were examined by a pathologist. RESULTS: The sufficient disintegration of stone samples was achieved in both setups. Endoscopic examination revealed numerous lesions in the urinary tract after the commercial Holmium laser system. The extent of lesions with the feedback system was semi-quantitatively and qualitatively lower. The energy applied was significantly less, with a mean reduction of more than 30% (URS 27.1%, PCNL 52.2%, bladder stone lithotripsy 17.1%). Pathology examination revealed only superficial lesions in both animals. There was no evidence of organ perforation in either study arm. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides proof-of-concept for a laser system enabling automatic real-time target identification during lithotripsy on human urinary stones. Further studies in humans are necessary, and to objectively quantify this new system's advantages, investigations involving a large number of cases are mandatory.

Perioperative Outcomes of Transurethral Resection, Open Prostatectomy, and Laser Therapy in the Surgical Treatment of Benign Prostatic Obstruction: A "Real-World" Data Analysis from the URO-Cert Prostate Centers.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to compare length of hospital stay, transfusion rates, and re-intervention rates during hospitalization for transurethral resection of the prostate (TUR-P), open prostatectomy (OP), and laser therapy (LT) for surgical treatment of benign prostatic obstruction (BPO). METHODS: URO-Cert is an organization, in which clinical data of prostatic diseases from 2 university, 19 public, and 3 private hospitals and 270 office-based urologists are collected in order to document treatment quality. Data on diagnostics, therapy, and course of disease are recorded web based. The analysis includes datasets from 2005 to 2017. RESULTS: Of 10,420 patients, 8,389 were treated with TUR-P, 1,334 with OP, and 697 with LT. Median length of hospital stay was 6 days (IQR: 4-7) for TUR-P, 9 days (IQR: 7-11) for OP, and 5 days (IQR: 4-6) for LT (p < 0.001). Risk for a hospital stay ≥7 days was higher for OP versus TUR-P (OR: 7.25; 95% CI = 6.27-8.36; p < 0.001) and LT (OR: 17.89; 95% CI = 14.12-22.65; p < 0.001) and higher for TUR-P versus LT (OR: 2.47; 95% CI = 2.03-3.01; p < 0.001). OP had a significantly higher risk for transfusions than TUR-P (OR: 2.44; 95% CI = 1.74-3.41; p < 0.001) and LT (OR: 3.32; 95% CI = 1.56-7.01; p < 0.001). Transfusion rates were not significantly different between TUR-P and LT (OR: 1.36; 95% CI = 0.66-2.79; p = 0.51). Risk of re-intervention was not different between all 3 approaches. CONCLUSION: OP was associated with higher transfusion rates and longer hospital stay than TUR-P and LT. Risk of transfusion was not different between TUR-P and LT, but TUR-P was inferior to LT concerning length of hospital stay. Re-intervention rates during hospitalization did not differ between the groups.

Experimental Evaluation of Human Kidney Stone Spectra for Intraoperative Stone-Tissue-Instrument Analysis Using Autofluorescence.

PURPOSE: The precision and safety of laser lithotripsy in the upper urinary tract is solely controlled by the surgeon. To our knowledge laser systems with integrated real-time analysis of target tissues are not available. An intelligent laser system with automated target differentiation and laser feedback control would provide tremendous improvement in patient safety and surgical precision. We evaluated the technical, medical and physical conditions for real-time analysis using fluorescence for future development of a new laser for lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We collected data on the fluorescence spectra of 82 native human calculi covering the 8 most relevant subtypes compared to the spectra of endoscope components, the organic porcine urinary tract and pure samples of urinary stone compositions. Data analysis was performed to determine differences in sample signal intensities and emission wavelengths. RESULTS: All native stones showed a significant fluorescence signal compared to porcine urinary tract tissue or endoscope components. The amplitude of the fluorescence signal varied by a factor of 75. The weakest signal of stone material was 3.6-fold larger than the strongest signal of pig kidney tissue (mean ± SD 0.038 ± 0.043 vs 0.00058 ± 0.00058 arbitrary units). No fluorescence signal was observed for endoscope components. Fluorescence amplitude and spectral curve form were found to be unrelated to stone type. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides essential information on the spectral differentiation of tissue, urinary stones and relevant endoscope components. The measurements indicate that differentiation by fluorescence is possible for all relevant stone types.

A Novel Laser Lithotripsy System with Automatic Real-Time Urinary Stone Recognition: Computer Controlled Ex Vivo Lithotripsy is Feasible and Reproducible in Endoscopic Stone Fragmentation.

PURPOSE: Urinary stone treatment has been strongly influenced by advances in technology. Nevertheless, the photonic characteristics of stones as the treatment target have been neglected. Monitoring fluorescence spectra is sufficient for automatic target differentiation and laser feedback control as previously described. We investigated the characteristics of fluorescence signals and the clinical practicability of real-time laser feedback control during lithotripsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fluorescence excitation light was superimposed on a holmium laser beam into the treatment fiber. Spectra were recorded and signal amplitude changes were analyzed during increases in distance between the fiber tip and the stone to identify the optimal threshold level for stone recognition. Ho:YAG lithotripsy was performed under in vitro surgical conditions in porcine tissue while our feedback system autonomously controlled the laser impulse release during lithotripsy. The tissue was then endoscopically and macroscopically examined for laser induced lesions. RESULTS: Mean ± SD autofluorescence signal amplitudes from urinary stone samples varied between 142 ± 29 and 1,521 ± 152 ADU while tissue and endoscope coating emission was negligible. Signal amplitude decreased rapidly at distances larger than 1 to 2 mm. Clinically reliable threshold values for target recognition could be set to prevent laser pulse emission if the stone was out of range or urothelial tissue might be harmed by laser irradiation. We observed no incorrectly released laser pulse or injury to tissue during autonomously controlled holmium laser lithotripsy. CONCLUSIONS: Our laboratory study strengthens the evidence that tracking real-time autofluorescence spectra during endoscopic stone surgery via automatic feedback control of the laser impulse release may become a potentially useful clinical tool for surgeons who navigate in the upper urinary tract.

Surgical therapy of prostatitis: a systematic review.

PURPOSE: The clinical term "prostatitis" refers to a clinical syndrome defined by the following 4 distinct entities: acute bacterial prostatitis (category 1), chronic bacterial prostatitis (category 2), chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (category 3), and asymptomatic prostatitis (category 4) The etiology of the chronic forms is still not fully understood and choice of therapy is often debated. The objective of this systematic review is to collect evidence on the surgical treatment of the chronic form of prostatitis and to evaluate its clinical implication. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search and identified 6683 relevant publications, of which 16 were included in the review. RESULTS: Transurethral prostate resection was performed in 110 patients; 78 patients (70%) were reported as "cured", 16 patients (15%) as improved, and 16 patients (15%) as unchanged. Radical prostatectomy was performed in 21 patients; a full resolution of prostatitis related symptoms was reported for 20 patients (95%). No increased rates of complications or unusual complications were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical therapy of chronic bacterial prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain syndrome might be a viable option; however, since little evidence is currently available and no randomized controlled trials have been conducted, the presently available data does not provide a base for clinical decisions.

Is Endoscopic Vasectomy Just a Dream: An ex vivo Study on Feasibility and Reliability of Endoluminal Occlusion of Porcine Vas Deferens.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Surgical vasectomy remains the gold standard for fertility control in men. Endoluminal occlusion of the seminal ducts, thus avoiding an external incision, may become an appealing alternative to this approach. As our group has shown, nontraumatic endoscopic inspection of the seminal ducts is feasible in the human cadaver. We investigated the feasibility and reliability of occlusion using several commercially available medical sealing agents in the porcine vas deferens (VD). METHODS AND MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Tests were conducted using 25 porcine spermatic ducts (10 cm length) ex vivo. The explanted specimens were fixed and cannulated using the Seldinger technique. We administered 5 different agents (n-butyle-2-cyanoacrylate, n-butyle-2-cyanoacrylate in combination with a platinum vascular coil, Tissucol Duo S®, Gelita Spon® and AFP Plug®) endoluminally. Tightness was evaluated after 5, 15, 60, 360, 720, and 1,440 min for each of the five grades, respectively, using a solution of methylene blue and saline injected under controlled pressure of 300 mm Hg followed by histological examination. RESULTS: All agents were administered into the porcine seminal ducts (4 out of 5 via a ureteric catheter). Gelita Spon® and Tissucol Duo S® did not occlude the lumen sufficiently, whereas n-butyle-2-cyanoacrylate, n-butyle-2-cyanoacrylate in combination with coil, Tissucol Duo and AFP Plug® performed satisfactorily. In particular, cyanoacrylate combined with a coil was able to close the seminal duct tightly and for a long time. Histological findings confirmed this sealant's gapless adhesion. AFP Plug® application revealed similarly good results. However, its form needs to be optimized to ensure its suitability for endoscopic use. CONCLUSION: Various developments regarding minimally invasive fertility control methods have been underway for decades. Further miniaturization of endoscopy and novel materials may pave the way for endoscopic fertility control in males in the future. We demonstrated the potential of commercially available medical sealing agents to reliably occlude the porcine VD.

Novel Biocompatible Adhesive for Intrarenal Embedding and Endoscopic Removal of Small Residual Fragments after Minimally Invasive Stone Treatment in an Ex Vivo Porcine Kidney Model: Initial Evaluation of a Prototype.

PURPOSE: Residual fragments related to endoscopic intracorporeal lithotripsy are a challenging problem. The impact of residual fragments remains a subject of discussion and growing evidence highlights that they have a central role in recurrent stone formation. Therefore, we developed a novel bioadhesive system for intrarenal embedding and retrieval of residual fragments after endoscopic lithotripsy in an ex vivo porcine kidney model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a standardized setting 30 human stone fragments 1 mm or less were inserted in the lower pole of an ex vivo porcine kidney model. We assessed the extraction efficacy of flexible ureteroscopy using the bioadhesive system in 15 preparations and a conventional retrieval basket in 15. Outcomes were compared regarding the endoscopic and macroscopic stone-free rate, and overall time of retrieval. RESULTS: Embedding and retrieving the residual fragment-bioadhesive complex were feasible in all trial runs. We observed no adverse effects such as adhesions between the adhesive and the renal collecting system or the instruments used. The stone-free rate was 100% and 60% in the bioadhesive and conventional retrieval groups, respectively (p = 0.017). Mean retrieval time was significantly shorter at 10 minutes 33 seconds vs 36 minutes 56 seconds in the bioadhesive group vs the conventional group (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This novel method involving adhesive based complete removal of residual fragments from the collecting system has proved to be feasible. Our evaluation in a porcine kidney model revealed that this technology performed well. Further tests, including inpatient studies, are required to thoroughly evaluate the benefit and potential drawbacks of bioadhesive based extraction of residual fragments after intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Level of evidence, sponsorship, conflict of interest policy and commercial impact of PubMed-listed clinical urolithiasis-related trials in 2014.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate published trials on urolithiasis regarding level of evidence, type of sponsorship and declared conflicts of interest (COIs), and to elucidate a potential commercial impact. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic PubMed(®) literature search using a predefined Boolean search term to identify PubMed-listed clinical research studies on urolithiasis in 2014 (fourth quarter). All authors screened the results for eligibility criteria and two independent reviewers evaluated and performed data extraction of predefined endpoints, including level of evidence, declaration of COI and sponsorship/funding (as indicated in the published print version), and commercial impact. RESULTS: A total of 110 clinical trials in urolithiasis listed in PubMed met the inclusion criteria. Levels of evidence 1, 2, 3 and 4 were found in 15%, 14%, 21% and 51% of trials, respectively. A COI was indicated in a total of 90% of publications, 93% of which declared no existing conflict of interest. Sponsorship was indicated in 36% of publications, 55% of which stated public funding, 33% institutional funding, 10% industrial funding and 2% both public and industrial funding. A total of 11% of the published trials were rated as having a high commercial impact. CONCLUSION: The present study provides evidence of increasing levels of evidence for published clinical trials on urolithiasis in 2014 (as compared with earlier data). Ninety percent of publications indicated conflicts of interest, whereas sponsoring of studies was declared only by one-third. A considerable number of trials involved issues of high commercial impact. Recently established legal programmes and voluntary acts on self-reporting of financial relationships will enhance transparency in the future; however, increased public funding will be needed to further promote the quality of trials on urolithiasis.

Stereoscopic (3D) versus monoscopic (2D) laparoscopy: comparative study of performance using advanced HD optical systems in a surgical simulator model.

PURPOSE: To compare task performances of novices and experts using advanced high-definition 3D versus 2D optical systems in a surgical simulator model. METHODS: Fifty medical students (novices in laparoscopy) were randomly assigned to perform five standardized tasks adopted from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) curriculum in either a 2D or 3D laparoscopy simulator system. In addition, eight experts performed the same tasks. Task performances were evaluated using a validated scoring system of the SAGES/FLS program. Participants were asked to rate 16 items in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Overall task performance of novices was significantly better using stereoscopic visualization. Superiority of performances in 3D reached a level of significance for tasks peg transfer and precision cutting. No significant differences were noted in performances of experts when using either 2D or 3D. Overall performances of experts compared to novices were better in both 2D and 3D. Scorings in the questionnaires showed a tendency toward lower scores in the group of novices using 3D. CONCLUSIONS: Stereoscopic imaging significantly improves performance of laparoscopic phantom tasks of novices. The current study confirms earlier data based on a large number of participants and a standardized task and scoring system. Participants felt more confident and comfortable when using a 3D laparoscopic system. However, the question remains open whether these findings translate into faster and safer operations in a clinical setting.

Clinical significance of residual fragments in 2015: impact, detection, and how to avoid them.

PURPOSE: Residual fragments are common after stone treatment. Little is known about clinical outcomes relevant to the patient. This comprehensive review of the literature highlights the impact of residual fragments, modes of detection, and treatment strategies to avoid residual fragments in shock wave therapy, ureteroscopy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. METHODS: A comprehensive review of current literature was performed using PubMed(®), MEDLINE(®), Embase™, Ovid(®), Google Scholar™, and the Cochrane Library. Publications relevant to the subject were retrieved and critically appraised. RESULTS: Residual fragments after treatment for urinary stones have a significant impact on a patient's well-being and future course. (Ultra-) low-dose non-contrast computed tomography detects small residuals most reliably. In shock wave lithotripsy, adherence to basic principles helps to improve results. Various techniques and devices facilitate complete stone clearance in conventional and miniaturized percutaneous nephrolithotomy and (flexible) ureteroscopy. Promising new technologies in shock waves, lasers, and robotics (and potentially microrobotics) are on the horizon. CONCLUSIONS: Residual fragments are relevant to patients. Contemporary treatment of urolithiasis should aim at complete stone clearance.

Adjuvant radiotherapy after salvage lymph node dissection because of nodal relapse of prostate cancer versus salvage lymph node dissection only.

BACKGROUND: Nodal pelvic/retroperitoneal recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after primary therapy can be treated with salvage lymph node dissection (salvage-LND) in order to delay disease progression and offer cure for a subset of patients. Whether adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) in affected regions improves the outcome by elimination of residual tumour burden remains unclear. METHODS: A total of 93 patients with exclusively nodal PCa relapse underwent choline-positron-emission tomography-computed-tomography-directed pelvic/retroperitoneal salvage-LND; 46 patients had surgery only and 47 patients received ART in regions with proven lymph node metastases. In case of subsequent prostate specific antigen (PSA) progression, different imaging modalities were performed to confirm next relapse within or outside the treated region (TR). Mean follow-up was 3.2 years. RESULTS: Lymphatic tumour burden was balanced between the two groups. Additional ART resulted in delayed relapse within TR (5-year relapse-free rate 70.7 %) versus surgery only (5-year relapse-free rate 26.3 %, p < 0.0001). In both treatment arms, time to next relapse outside the TR was almost equal (median 27 months versus 29.6 months, p = 0.359). With respect to the detection of the first new lesion, regardless if present within or outside the TR, 5 years after the treatment 34.3 % of patients in the group with additional ART were free of relapse, versus 15.4 % in the surgery only group (p = 0.0122). ART had no influence on the extent of PSA reduction at latest follow-up compared to treatment with surgery only. CONCLUSION: ART after salvage-LND provides stable local control in TR and results in overall significant improved next-relapse-free survival, compared to patients who received surgery only in case of nodal PCa-relapse.

Ultra-mini PCNL versus flexible ureteroscopy: a matched analysis of analgesic consumption and treatment-related patient satisfaction in patients with renal stones 10-35 mm.

PURPOSE: To compare ultra-mini PCNL (UMP) and flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) for the treatment of medium- to large-sized renal stones with a focus on patients' postsurgical cumulative analgesic consumption and treatment-related satisfaction. METHODS: Twenty-five patients treated by UMP between April 2013 and October 2014 were matched to data of 25 fURS patients from an existing database. Clinical outcome parameters were recorded prospectively. Postoperative analgesic consumption was assessed using the Cumulative Analgesic Consumption Score (CACS), and satisfaction was measured with the Freiburg Index of Patient Satisfaction (FIPS) questionnaire. RESULTS: Perioperative outcome parameters showed no significant differences except for mean operating times (fURS 98.52 min, UMP 130.12 min [p = 0.002]) and hospital stay (fURS 67.2 h, UMP 91.5 h [p = 0.04]). Primary stone-free rate was 96 % in fURS and 92 % in UMP. Complications Clavien grade 2 or 3 occurred in 16 % of UMP patients and in 4 % of fURS patients. Postsurgical cumulative analgesic consumption was almost identical in both groups with CACSs of 6.96 (0-15) for fURS and 6.8 (0-23) for UMP. Patients' satisfaction was high in both techniques: FIPS score in fURS 1.67 (1-3) and 1.73 (1-4) in UMP (scale 1-6). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of medium- to large-sized renal stones is safe and highly effective by both UMP and fURS. Moreover, both treatments yield comparable postsurgical analgesic requirements and high patient satisfaction scores. Patient-related factors (anatomical and stone related) and availability of technical equipment and surgical expertise appear to be the most important determining factors in treatment planning.

Is in vivo analysis of urinary stone composition feasible? Evaluation of an experimental setup of a Raman system coupled to commercial lithotripsy laser fibers.

PURPOSE: Raman spectroscopy allows immediate analysis of stone composition. In vivo stone analysis during endoscopic treatment may offer advantages concerning surgical strategy and metaphylaxis. Urinary stone components were evaluated utilizing an experimental setup of a Raman system coupled to commercial laser fibers. METHODS: Samples of paracetamol (acetaminophen) and human urinary stones with known Raman spectra were analyzed using an experimental Raman system coupled to common commercial lithotripsy laser fibers (200 and 940 µm). Two different excitation lasers were used at wavelengths of 532 and 785 nm. Numerical aperture of the fibers, proportion of reflected light reaching the CCD chip, and integration times were calculated. Mathematical signal correction was performed. RESULTS: Both the laser beam profile and the quality of light reflected by the specimens were impaired significantly when used with commercial fibers. Acquired spectra could no longer be assigned to a specific stone composition. Subsequent measurements revealed a strong intrinsic fluorescence of the fibers and poor light acquisition properties leading to a significant decrease in the Raman signal in comparison with a free-beam setup. This was true for both investigated fiber diameters and both wavelengths. Microscopic examination showed highly irregular fiber tip surfaces (both new and used fibers). CONCLUSIONS: Our results propose that laser excitation and light acquisition properties of commercial lithotripsy fibers impair detectable Raman signals significantly in a fiber-coupled setting. This study provides essential physical and technological information for the development of an advanced fiber-coupled system able to be used for immediate stone analysis during endoscopic stone therapy.

Ultra-mini PCNL versus flexible ureteroscopy: a matched analysis of treatment costs (endoscopes and disposables) in patients with renal stones 10-20 mm.

PURPOSE: Latest publications state equal efficacy of a recently introduced new percutaneous technique ("ultra-mini PCNL", UMP) and flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) in the treatment of medium-size urinary stones. Today we face challenges concerning cost-effectiveness and reduction of in-hospital length of stay. In this retrospective study, we compare clinical outcome parameters and costs of treatment (endoscopes and disposables) of both techniques. METHODS: Thirty patients treated by UMP at two tertiary university centres were matched to 30 fURS patients from previously recorded databases. Data analysis included operating time, length of stay, stone-free rates (SFR), complications (>Clavien II), ancillary procedures (presurgical ureteral stenting, secondary ureteral stenting or placement of a nephrostomy tube, secondary procedures) and costs for disposable materials and instruments (endoscopes, as calculated per procedure). RESULTS: We found no significant differences in operating times (UMP vs. fURS: 121/102 min), hospital length of stay (2.3/2.0 days), SFR (84/87 %) and complications (7/7 %). Costs for disposable materials and endoscopes were 656 euro (UMP) and 1,160 euro (fURS) per procedure. CONCLUSIONS: UMP and fURS are both safe and effective in the treatment of medium-size urinary stones. Costs for endoscopes and disposable materials are significantly lower in UMP.

Respiratory muscle function in interstitial lung disease.

Interstitial lung diseases limit daily activities, impair quality of life and result in (exertional) dyspnoea. This has mainly been attributed to a decline in lung function and impaired gas exchange. However, the contribution of respiratory muscle dysfunction to these limitations remains to be conclusively investigated. Interstitial lung disease patients and matched controls performed body plethysmography, a standardised 6-min walk test, volitional tests (respiratory drive (P0.1), global maximal inspiratory mouth occlusion pressure (PImax), sniff nasal pressure (SnPna) and inspiratory muscle load) and nonvolitional tests on respiratory muscle function and strength (twitch mouth and transdiaphragmatic pressure during bilateral magnetic phrenic nerve stimulation (TwPmo and TwPdi)). 25 patients and 24 controls were included in the study. PImax and SnPna remained unaltered (both p>0.05), whereas P0.1 and the load on the inspiratory muscles were higher (both p<0.05) in interstitial lung disease patients compared with controls. TwPmo and TwPdi were lower in interstitial lung disease patients (mean±sd TwPmo 0.86±0.4 versus 1.32±0.4, p<0.001; TwPdi 1.34±0.6 versus 1.88±0.5, p=0.022). Diaphragmatic force generation seems to be impaired in this cohort of interstitial lung disease patients while global respiratory muscle strength remains preserved. Central respiratory drive and the load imposed on the inspiratory muscles are increased. Whether impaired respiratory muscle function impacts morbidity and mortality in interstitial lung disease patients needs to be investigated in future studies.

YouTube is inadequate as an information source on delayed ejaculation.

The prevalence of delayed ejaculation in sexually active men is reportedly 3%. Due to its rarity and uncertain definitions, people seek information about delayed ejaculation on the internet. YouTube is one of the largest video platforms preferred global for gathering medical information. We aimed to determine the quality of YouTube videos on delayed ejaculation. YouTube search was performed with the keywords "delayed and retarded ejaculation", and we recorded the first 400 videos according to relevance. The search results were saved in the playlist, and the first 400 videos were evaluated by two independent urologists. DISCERN and Global Quality Scale (GQS) were used to assess the reliability and quality of videos. Repeated (n = 17), off-topic (n = 279), non-English videos (n = 37), and videos with no audio (n = 16) were excluded from the study. The remaining 51 videos were evaluated. DISCERN and GQS scores were statistically significantly associated with video durations (r = 0.329, P = 0.018 and r = 0.349, P = 0.012; respectively). A statistically significant association was also observed between and DISCERN and GQS scores with video power index values (r = 0.466, P = 0.001 and r = 0.422, P = 0.002; respectively). 62.7% (n = 32) videos were low quality, 23.5% (n = 12) were intermediate quality, and 13.7% (n = 7) were high quality according to the GQS. Most of the YouTube content on delayed ejaculation was of poor quality. Physicians should be aware of this situation, and take the lead in bringing high-quality videos about delayed ejaculation to the community.

Penile Autophotography Underestimates the Degree of Penile Curvature in Peyronie's Disease.

BACKGROUND: Penile curvature is the most debilitating symptom of Peyronie's disease (PD); the evaluation of the degree of angulation is essential for planning treatment strategy. However, the most used method of penile at-home autophotography (AHP) is associated with some potential pitfalls and discrepancies compared with different assessment methods. OBJECTIVE: To compare the degree of penile curvature quantified by AHP and in-office intracavernosal alprostadil injection (ICI) prior to therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Data from 55 PD patients of a single tertiary referral center were analyzed. All patients provided standardized AHP of the erect phallus. Clinic-based assessment included ICI with curvature measurement and completion of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-15). OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The Wilcoxon and/or chi-square test was used to compare the degree of curvature obtained using AHP and ICI, and to evaluate whether erectile dysfunction was a predictor of a relevant difference of >10° in curvature assessment between AHP and ICI. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Our study showed a significant (p < 0.001) difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP (48° [38°; 55°]) and ICI (50° [40°; 65°]). Patients suffering from erectile dysfunction tend to have a higher difference in the degree of penile curvature between AHP and ICI than patients with good erectile function (p < 0.001). Our study is not devoid of limitations. First, we did not use Peyronie's Disease Questionnaire, as suggested by the European Association of Urology guidelines. Second, we did not evaluate inter- and intraobserver variations in the measurements. CONCLUSIONS: AHP tends to underestimate the extent of penile curvature compared to ICI. Erectile dysfunction is an independent predictor of measurement differences of >10° between AHP and ICI. PATIENT SUMMARY: It is necessary to evaluate the degree of penile curvature in Peyronie's disease prior to therapy decision. The at-home self-photography underestimates the real degree of penile curvature compared with an erection by in-office penile drug injection. Especially men suffering from erectile dysfunction carry the risk of a high difference in the measured degree of penile curvature, with a potential impact on the further treatment.

Assessment of Patient Risk Profiles by a Male Sexual Health Direct-to-Consumer Prescription Platform: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: Direct-to-consumer (DTC) online prescription platforms (OPP) for sexual health represent a potential paradigm shift in the diagnosis and treatment for sexual dysfunctions in the way men seek care. Knowledge of patients' risk profile using these platforms is limited. Aim: To assess risk profiles of patients reaching out to health care professionals through their DTC. Methods: Anonymized data originally collected between February 2021 to May 2022 by a DTC platform in the men's health care space were retrospectively analyzed. Data included the content of patient requests through a communication function, as well as the corresponding responses by the attending physician on staff. Each request was then assessed by two independent urologists and categorized by the level of the risk profile as well as the need to refer the patient to further medical evaluation. Results: Of 585 patient requests, 531 (90.8%) were classified as low risk. In the high-risk group, 32 patients were recommended to schedule an urgent appointment at a specialist. Only three patients (0.5%) were advised to seek emergency care. The overall referral rate for both risk groups was 52.3%. The requests of 279 patients (47.7%) were assessed as digitally treatable. Almost all patients who were digitally treatable were low risk. Side effects accounted for only 9.6% of all requests in the low-risk group, compared with 46.3% in the high-risk group. Conclusion: Overall, low-risk levels in the requests of patients using a DTC platform were reported, with almost half of them suitable to be solved digitally, whereas the other half required referral to an in-person specialist.