From Diagnosis to Precision Surgery: The Transformative Role of Artificial Intelligence in Urologic Imaging.

The multidisciplinary nature of artificial intelligence (AI) has allowed for rapid growth of its application in medical imaging. Artificial intelligence algorithms can augment various imaging modalities, such as X-rays, CT, and MRI, to improve image quality and generate high-resolution three-dimensional images. AI reconstruction of three-dimensional models of patient anatomy from CT or MRI scans can better enable urologists to visualize structures and accurately plan surgical approaches. AI can also be optimized to create virtual reality simulations of surgical procedures based on patient-specific data, giving urologists more hands-on experience and preparation. Recent development of artificial intelligence modalities, such as TeraRecon and Ceevra, offer rapid and efficient medical imaging analyses aimed at enhancing the provision of urologic care, notably for intraoperative guidance during robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) and partial nephrectomy.

Pelvic lymphadenectomy: Evaluating nodal stage migration and will rogers effect in bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLND) alongside radical cystectomy (RC), provides crucial diagnostic and therapeutic value in patients with bladder cancer. With the advent of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and prospective data supporting standard PLND, controversy remains regarding the optimal PLND extent and patient selection. Nearly 40% of patients may not receive adequate PLND, even though 25% of patients have positive lymph nodes (LN) at time of RC. We hypothesized that PLND still remains an important facet of bladder cancer treatment. To clarify the prognostic importance of nodal yield, we performed a retrospective investigation of a heterogenous population (pTanyNx/0M0) of patients undergoing RC. METHODS: From the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program, we identified pTanyNx/0M0 bladder cancer patients undergoing RC from 2004 to 2015. Kaplan Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models assessed cancer-specific survival. Patients were analyzed with PLND performed as the primary covariate. Survival analysis then stratified patients undergoing PLND by LN yield, both as a continuous and categorial variable (≤10, 11-20, 21-30, and >30), and T stage. RESULTS: The final cohort included pTanyNx/0M0 patients with urothelial bladder cancer (n = 12,096); median follow up was 39 (IQR: 17-77) months. PLND was performed in 81.45% of patients with a median LN yield of 14 (IQR: 7-23). Most commonly, patients had T2 disease (44.68%). After controlling for age and T stage, patients receiving PLND had improved CSS (HR = 0.56, [95% CI: 0.51-0.62]) compared to those that did not receive PLND. When grouping patients by LN yield, survival improved in a "dose dependent" manner (>30 LN: HR = 0.76, [95% CI: 0.66-0.87]). We noted similar results when stratifying patients into non-muscle-invasive (NMIBC) and muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC). CONCLUSIONS: In a large contemporary series of pTanyNx/0M0 bladder cancer patients, we found a significant oncologic benefit to PLND. Higher LN yield correlated to improved CSS in non-muscle-invasive and muscle-invasive disease. Our data support the possibility of occult micrometastasis even in non-muscle-invasive disease. Additionally, in light of recent advances in adjuvant immunotherapy, our results emphasize the importance of adequate nodal yield for accurate staging and optimal treatment.

The Boot Camp Model in Urology: Preparing PGY1 Urology Interns for Practice.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to highlight literature regarding resident boot camps published across surgical specialties with a focus on urology. Herein, we discuss different boot camp iterations, their results, and the integration of simulation into their curriculum. We review program elements such as curriculum, course length, and efficacy as well as areas for continued investigation. RECENT FINDINGS: The field of urology has grown in both the breadth of knowledge and the complexity of procedures. With urology now being an integrated surgical subspecialty, interns often start on the urology service despite limited experience navigating this unique specialty. The boot camp model is one method by which interns and junior residents participate in consolidated training programs to best prepare them for a patient-facing role and the day-to-day demands of residency. Urology programs, both in the USA and abroad, have begun integrating boot camps into their training programs with positive results. Urology boot camps can be a valuable part of training programs for interns to quickly establish medical knowledge, skills, and efficiency. Boot camps should be easily accessible, have sufficient support from institutions, and provide effective training through various methods such as didactics and simulation.

Annual trends of cystectomy complications: A contemporary analysis of the NSQIP database.

INTRODUCTION: Despite significant morbidity, radical cystectomy (RC) is standard of care for muscle invasive bladder cancer, certain high-risk nonmuscle invasive tumors and after failure of intravesical or trimodal therapy. Modern efforts have hastened the recovery after this surgery without impact on overall complication rates. Our primary aim was to examine changes in complication rates of RC over time. METHODS: The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database included 11,351 RC from 2006 to 2018 for nondisseminated bladder cancer. Baseline characteristics and complication rates were studied across time periods: 2006 to 2011, 2012 to 2014, and 2015 to 2018. Thirty-day complications, readmissions, and mortality were identified. RESULTS: Overall complication rates decreased over time (56.5%, 57.4%, 50.6%, P < 0.01). Infectious complications were stable, including UTIs (10.1%, 8.8%, 8.3% respectively, P = 0.11) and sepsis (10.4%, 8.8%, 8.7% respectively, P = 0.20). On multivariable analysis, ASA≥3 (OR 1.399, 95% CI 1.279-1.530) was associated with increased complications, while procedures in 2015 to 2018 (OR 0.825, 95% CI 0.722-0.942), laparoscopic/robotic approach (OR 0.555, 95%CI 0.494-0.622), and ileal conduit (OR 0.796, 95% CI 0.719-0.882) were associated with decreased complication rates. Other outcomes of interest included mean length of stay (LOS), which decreased over time (10.5, 9.8, 8.6 days, respectively, P < 0.01) and readmission (20.0%, 21.3%, 21.0%, respectively, P = 0.84) and mortality rates were stable (2.7%, 1.7%, 2.0%, respectively, P = 0.13). CONCLUSION: Decreased early complications and LOS after RC over time may reflect beneficial effects of recent advances in bladder cancer treatment such as enhanced recovery after surgery protocols and minimally invasive techniques. Further opportunities to improve long term outcomes, readmissions and infection rates are needed.

Wound Complication Rates after Inguinal Lymph Node Dissection: Contemporary Analysis of the NSQIP Database.

BACKGROUND: Inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) is used for diagnosis and treatment in penile cancer (PC), vulvar cancer (VC), and melanomas draining to the inguinal lymph nodes. However, ILND is often characterized by its morbidity and high wound complication rate. Consequently, we aimed to characterize wound complication rates after ILND. STUDY DESIGN: The NSQIP database was queried for ILND performed from 2005 to 2018 for melanoma, PC, or VC. Thirty-day wound complications included wound disruption and superficial, deep, and organ-space surgical site infection. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with covariates, including cancer type, age, American Society of Anesthesiologists score ≥3, BMI ≥30, smoking history, diabetes, operative time, and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection. RESULTS: A total of 1,099 patients had an ILND with 92, 115, and 892 ILNDs performed for PC, VC, and melanoma, respectively. Wound complications occurred in 161 (14.6%) patients, including 12 (13.0%), 17(14.8%), and 132 (14.8%) patients with PC, VC, and melanoma, respectively. Median length of stay was 1 day (interquartile range 0 to 3 days), and median operative time was 152 minutes (interquartile 83 to 192 minutes). Readmission rate was 12.7%. Wound complications were associated with longer operative time per 10 minutes (odds ratio 1.038, 95% CI 1.019 to 1.056, p < 0.001), BMI ≥30 (odds ratio 1.976, 95% CI 1.386 to 2.818, p < 0.001), and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection (odds ratio 1.561, 95% CI 1.056 to 2.306, p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Predictors of wound complications after ILND include BMI ≥30, longer operative time, and concomitant pelvic lymph node dissection. There have been efforts to decrease ILND complication rates, including minimally invasive techniques and modified templates, which are not captured by NSQIP, and such approaches may be considered especially for those with increased complication risks.

Survival of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors in pediatric patients and young adults - A stage group stratified analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Testicular germ cell tumors, particularly nonseminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT), comprise the most common solid malignancy in male children and younger adults. While these patients experience excellent survival outcomes, few studies have characterized their survival by age. Thus, we aimed to characterize the relative survival of NSGCT by age, stratifying patients by stage group. METHODS: Using the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database, we divided patients with NSGCT into pediatric patients and adolescents (<19 years), young adults (19-30 years), and older adults (>30 years). Survival analysis, using Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan Meier curves, described overall and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of each age category for Stage I-III NSGCT by stage group. RESULTS: A total of 14,786 patients met inclusion criteria and comprised the age groups <19 years (N=1,287), 19 to 30 years (N=7,729), and >30 years (N=5,770). Stage group distribution at presentation was similar between each group. Survival analysis demonstrated no differences in cancer-specific survival (CSS) among Stage I or II NSGCT. However, among Stage III tumors, multivariable models noted worse CSS in patients >30 years (HR=3.35 (95%CI: 1.45-7.73), P=0.005) and those 19-30 years (HR=2.28 (95%CI: 0.99-5.21), P=0.053) compared to pediatric and adolescent patients. CONCLUSIONS: Younger NSGCT patients experience excellent oncologic outcomes compared to their older counterparts. These survival differences by age group are largely driven by differential survival among Stage III neoplasms. Furthermore, our report lends additional evidence that age is an important prognostic factor in advanced NSGCT, including pediatric and adolescent patients.

The Urologist and the Appendix: A Review of Appendiceal Use in Genitourinary Reconstructive Surgery.

Recently, genitourinary reconstruction has experienced a renaissance. Over the past several years, there has been an expansion of the literature regarding the use of buccal mucosa for the repair of complex ureteral strictures and other pathologies. The appendix has been an available graft utilized for the repair of ureteral stricture disease and has been infrequently reported since the early 1900s. This review serves to highlight the use of the appendix for reconstruction in urology, particularly focusing on the anatomy and physiology of the appendix, historical use, and current applications, particularly in robotic upper tract reconstruction.

Robot-Assisted Radical Cystectomy with Intracorporeal Ileal Conduit in a Patient with Situs Inversus Totalis.

Background: Situs invesus totalis is a rare congenital anomaly characterized by the mirror-image transposition of abdominal and thoracic organs. Although feasible, operating on patients with situs inversus offers unique technical challenges to the surgeon because of its rarity and the contralateral disposition of the viscera. Urologists in particular need to be aware of the genitourinary abnormalities associated with situs inversus when planning to operate. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 67-year-old man with invasive bladder cancer in the presence of situs inversus totalis (SIT) and associated bilateral duplicated ureters. This is only the second case of bladder cancer in the context of situs inversus reported in the literature and the first one managed with robot-assisted radical cystectomy and urinary diversion with an intracorporeal ileal conduit. Conclusion: In this unique case, robot-assisted radical cystectomy with intracorporeal ileal conduit in a patient with muscle-invasive bladder cancer and SIT was safely performed and we suggest to others to consider our technique of "mirror-image port placement and surgical technique" if they encounter such a patient.

Abrogation of survival disparity between Black and White individuals after the USPSTF's 2012 prostate-specific antigen-based prostate cancer screening recommendation.

BACKGROUND: In May 2012, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer (PCa), assigning it a grade D. This decision then was modified in 2018 to a grade C for men aged 55 to 69 years. The authors hypothesized that changes in screening practices would reduce survival outcomes for both Black and White men but maintain racial discrepancies in outcomes. METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database, the authors examined PCa-specific survival based on race and year of diagnosis. The period between January 2010 and December 2012 was categorized as the pre-USPSTF era, whereas the period between January 2014 and December 2016 was classified as the post-USPSTF era. The year 2013 was considered the transition year and was excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 49,388 men were identified in the pre-USPSTF era who were diagnosed with PCa, approximately 83.7% of whom were White and 16.3% of whom were Black. In the post-USPSTF era, a total of 41,829 men were diagnosed with PCa, approximately 82.7% of whom were White and 17.3% of whom were Black. When compared with the pre-USPSTF era, men diagnosed in the post-USPSTF era were found to have more adverse clinical features. In the pre-USPSTF era, White men were less likely to die of PCa than Black men. This survival disparity between White and Black men was no longer observed in the post-USPSTF era. CONCLUSIONS: In men diagnosed with PCa between 2014 and 2016, a survival disparity between White and Black men was not observed due to a decrease in survival among White men while the survival of Black men remained steady.

Factors Associated With Receipt of Partial Nephrectomy or Minimally Invasive Surgery for Patients With Clinical T1a and T1b Renal Masses: Implications for Regionalization of Care.

PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with receipt of partial nephrectomy (PN) and minimally invasive surgery (MIS) in patients with clinical T1 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). METHODS: We queried the NCDB from 2010 to 2014 identifying patients treated surgically for cT1a-bN0M0 RCC. Logistic regression was used to examine associations between socioeconomic, clinical, and treatment factors, and receipt of MIS or PN within the T1 patient population. RESULTS: Our cohort included 69,694 patients (cT1a, n = 44,043; cT1b, n = 25,651). For cT1a tumors, 70% of patients received PN and 65% underwent MIS. For cT1b tumors, 32% of patients received PN and 62% underwent MIS. cT1a and cT1b patients with household income < $62,000, without private insurance, and treated outside academic centers were less likely to receive MIS or PN. cT1a patients traveling > 31 miles were more likely to undergo MIS. For both cT1a/b, the farther a patient traveled for treatment, the more likely a PN was performed. CONCLUSION: Data showed an increase in utilization of MIS and PN from 2010 to 2014. However, patients in the lowest socioeconomic groups were less likely to travel and were more likely to receive more invasive treatments. On the basis of these findings, additional research is needed into how regionalization of RCC surgery affects treatment disparities.

Impact of pathologic lymph node-positive renal cell carcinoma on survival in patients without metastasis: Evidence in support of expanding the definition of stage IV kidney cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stage III renal cell carcinoma (RCC) encompasses both lymph node-positive (pT1-3N1M0) and lymph node-negative (pT3N0M0) disease. However, prior institutional studies have indicated that among patients with stage III disease, those with lymph node disease have worse oncologic outcomes and experience survival that is similar to that of patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IV disease. The objective of the current study was to validate these findings using a large, nationally representative sample of patients with kidney cancer. METHODS: Patients with AJCC stage III or stage IV RCC were identified using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB). Patients were categorized as having lymph node-positive stage III (pT1-3N1M0), lymph node-negative stage III (pT3N0M0), or stage IV metastatic (pT1-3 N0M1) disease. Cox proportional hazards models compared outcomes while adjusting for comorbidities. Kaplan-Meier estimates illustrated relative survival when comparing staging groups. RESULTS: A total of 8988 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 6587 patients classified as having lymph node-negative stage III disease, 2218 as having lymph node-positive stage III disease, and 183 as having stage IV disease. Superior survival was noted among patients with lymph node-negative stage III disease, but similar survival was noted between patients with lymph node-positive stage III and stage IV RCC, with 5-year survival rates of 61.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 60.3%-63.4%), 22.7% (95% CI, 20.6%-24.9%), and 15.6% (95% CI, 11.1%-23.8%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Current RCC staging systems group pT1-3N1M0 and pT3N0M0 disease as stage III disease. However, the results of the current validation study suggest the need for further stratification and even placement of patients with pT1-3N1M0 disease into the stage IV category. Staging that accurately reflects oncologic prognosis may help clinicians better counsel and select patients who might derive the most benefit from lymphadenectomy, adjuvant systemic therapy, more rigorous imaging surveillance, and clinical trial participation.

Accuracy of clinical nodal staging and factors associated with receipt of lymph node dissection at the time of surgery for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: The benefit of lymph node dissection (LND) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains poorly defined. Despite this uncertainty, the American Urological Association (AUA) guideline on localized renal cancer recommends that LND be performed for staging purposes when there is suspicion of regional lymphadenopathy on imaging. Using the National Cancer Database (NCDB), we sought to determine how much of a departure the new AUA guideline is from current practice. We hypothesized that practice patterns would reflect the "Expert Opinion" recommendation and that patients who are clinical lymph node (cLN) positive would receive a LND more often than those who are cLN negative. Additionally, we sought to determine factors that would trigger a LND as well the accuracy of clinical staging by examining the relationship between cLN and pathologic lymph node (pLN) status of patients who received a LND. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The NCDB was queried for patients with nonmetastatic RCC who underwent partial nephrectomy or nephrectomy from 2010 to 2014. Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were extracted. Frequency distributions were calculated for patients with both cLN and pLN status available. Of patients who received a LND, sensitivity, specificity, and positive/negative predictive values (PPV/NPV) of cLN status for pLN positivity were calculated. Logistic regression models were used to examine association between clinical and socioeconomic factors and receipt of LND. Propensity score matching was used in sensitivity analyses to examine potential for reporting bias in NCDB data. RESULTS: We identified 110,963 patients who underwent surgery for RCC, of whom 11,867 (11%) had LND performed at the time of surgery. cLN and pLN information were available in 11,300 patients, of which 1,725 were preoperatively staged as having positive cLN. More LNDs were performed per year for patients who were cLN negative than cLN positive. Of patients who received a LND, the majority of patients were cLN negative across all clinical T (cT) stages. Multivariable analysis showed that all patients who had care at an academic/research institution (odds ratio [OR]: 1.58, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.43-1.74) and had to travel >12.5 to 31.0 miles and >31.0 miles to a treatment center (OR: 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01-1.15 and OR: 1.28, 95%CI: 1.20-1.36, respectively) were more likely to get a LND. As cT stage increased from cT2-4, the risk of LND increased (OR range: 4.7-7.90, respectively). Patients who were cLN positive were more likely to receive a LND at the time of surgery (OR: 18.68, 95%CI: 16.62-21.00). Of the patients who received a LND, clinical staging was more specific than sensitive. CONCLUSION: More patients received a LND who were cLN negative compared to patients who were cLN positive. Patients who were cLN positive were more likely to receive a LND. Treatment center type, distance to treatment center, cT stage, and cLN positivity were factors associated with LND receipt.

The Urology Match Process and the Limited Value of Post-Interview Communication for Program Directors.

OBJECTIVE: To understand the urology Match process from the perspective of residency program directors, with a particular focus on the role of postinterview communication. Recent surveys of urology applicants revealed that postinterview communication from programs often violates the rules of the American Urological Association Urology Residency Matching Program (the "Match"), and that such communication may influence applicant rank lists. METHODS: An anonymous, electronic survey seeking information regarding postinterview communication during the Match was sent to all program directors of urology residency programs participating in the 2017 AUA Match cycle. RESULTS: Of 138 surveys sent, 84 were completed for a 61% response rate. Among respondents, 97.6% percent of programs received postinterview communication from applicants, 76.2% of programs received an informal commitment from an applicant, and 38.3% failed to match an applicant who made an informal commitment. Most program directors (81.7%) responded that promises by applicants did not influence their rank list, and 57.1% state that participating in a second look does not have the potential to influence an applicant's rank order. Cumulatively, 76.2% of program directors felt that it was appropriate for applicants to cancel an interview if they provided 2 or more weeks' notice. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that urology program directors do not ascribe significant value to continued contact with applicants after the interview, regardless of whether such contact is in the form of postinterview communication or in the form of second-look visits.

Effect of alvimopan on gastrointestinal recovery and length of hospital stay after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.

OBJECTIVE: Alvimopan use has reduced the length of hospital stay in patients undergoing major abdominal surgeries and radical cystectomy. Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer may be associated with delayed gastrointestinal recovery prolonging hospital length of stay. We evaluate whether alvimopan is associated with enhanced gastrointestinal recovery and shorter hospital length of stay in men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2010 to 2016, 29 patients underwent open, transperitoneal bilateral template retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Data for patients who received alvimopan were prospectively collected and compared to a historical cohort of patients who did not receive alvimopan. Primary outcome measures were length of stay and recovery of gastrointestinal function. Descriptive statistics were reported. Time-to-event outcomes were evaluated using cumulative incidence curves and log rank test. Factors associated with length of stay were analyzed for correlation using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: Of 29 men undergoing retroperitoneal lymph node dissection, eight received alvimopan and 21 did not. The two cohorts were well matched, with no significant differences. In the alvimopan cohort compared with those who did not receive alvimopan median time to return of flatus was 2 versus 4 days (p=0.0002), and median time to first bowel movement was 2.5 versus 5 days (p=0.046), respectively. Median length of stay in the alvimopan cohort was 4 days versus 6 days in those who did not receive alvimopan (p=0.074). In adjusted analyses, receipt of alvimopan did not influence length of stay. CONCLUSION: Alvimopan may facilitate gastrointestinal recovery after retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer. Whether this translates into reduced length of stay needs to be determined by randomized controlled trials using larger cohorts. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

Trends and outcomes of lymphadenectomy for nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma: A propensity score-weighted analysis of the National Cancer Database.

PURPOSE: Lymph node (LN) involvement in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is associated with a poor prognosis. While lymph node dissection (LND) may provide diagnostic information, its therapeutic benefit remains controversial. Thus, the aim of our study is to analyze survival outcomes after LND for nonmetastatic RCC and to characterize contemporary practice patterns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The National Cancer Database was queried for patients with nonmetastatic RCC who underwent either partial or radical nephrectomy from 2010 to 2014. A total of 11,867 underwent surgery and LND. Chi-square tests were used to examine differences in patient demographics. To minimize selection bias, propensity score matching (PSM) was used to select one control for each LND case (n = 19,500). Cox regression analyses were conducted to examine overall survival (OS) in patients who received LND compared to those who did not. RESULTS: Of all patients undergoing LND for RCC (n = 11,867), 5%, 23%, 31%, 47% were performed for tumors of clinical T stage 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. Proportions of LND have not significantly changed from 2010 to 2014. No significant improvement in median OS for patients undergoing LND compared to no LND was shown (34.7 vs. 34.9 months, respectively; P = 0.98). Similarly, no significant improvement in median OS was found for clinically LN positive patients undergoing LND compared to no LND (P = 0.90). On Cox regression analysis, LND dissection was not associated with an OS benefit (hazard ratio: 1.00; 95% confidence interval 0.97 to 1.04). CONCLUSIONS: Among all RCC patients, LNDs are often performed for low stage disease, suggesting a potential overutilization of LND. No OS benefit was seen in any subgroup of patients undergoing LND. Further investigation is needed to determine which patient populations may benefit most from LND.

Comparative effectiveness of radical prostatectomy with adjuvant radiotherapy versus radiotherapy plus androgen deprivation therapy for men with advanced prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Men with locally advanced prostate cancer (LAPCa) or regionally advanced prostate cancer (RAPCa) are at high risk for death from their disease. Clinical guidelines support multimodal approaches, which include radical prostatectomy (RP) followed by radiotherapy (XRT) and XRT plus androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, there are limited data comparing these substantially different treatment approaches. Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data, this study compared survival outcomes and adverse effects associated with RP plus XRT versus XRT plus ADT in these men. METHODS: SEER-Medicare data were queried for men with cT3-T4N0M0 (LAPCa) or cT3-T4N1M0 (RAPCa) prostate cancer. Propensity score methods were used to balance cohort characteristics between the treatment arms. Survival analyses were analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: From 1992 to 2009, 13,856 men (≥65 years old) were diagnosed with LAPCa or RAPCa: 6.1% received RP plus XRT, and 23.6% received XRT plus ADT. At a median follow-up of 14.6 years, there were 2189 deaths in the cohort, of which 702 were secondary to prostate cancer. Regardless of the tumor stage or the Gleason score, the adjusted 10-year prostate cancer-specific survival and 10-year overall survival favored men who underwent RP plus XRT over men who underwent XRT plus ADT. However, RP plus XRT versus XRT plus ADT was associated with higher rates of erectile dysfunction (28% vs 20%; P = .0212) and urinary incontinence (49% vs 19%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Men with LAPCa or RAPCa treated initially with RP plus XRT had a lower risk of prostate cancer-specific death and improved overall survival in comparison with those men treated with XRT plus ADT, but they experienced higher rates of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

Contemporary practice patterns in the treatment of pediatric stone disease.

INTRODUCTION: To compare endourology versus pediatric urology exposure to pediatric stone cases during fellowship, comfortability in treating pediatric stone cases, and access to pediatric surgical equipment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was distributed to all pediatric urology fellowship programs and the Endourological Society. Age was stratified into < 12 months old, 12 months-4 years, 5-12 years, and 13-18 years. Exposure and comfortability performing extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), ureteroscopy (URS) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) were assessed across age groups. Exposure was assessed as 'yes/no' and comfortability was scaled from 1-5 ('would not do' to 'very comfortable'). RESULTS: Seventy-two surveys met inclusion criteria, with 23 (31.9%) from pediatric urologists and 49 (68.1%) by endourologists. During fellowship, pediatric urologists had more exposure to SWL in toddlers (p = 0.03) and school age children (p = 0.045), URS in toddlers (p = 0.012) and school age children (p = 0.002), and PCNL in infants (p = 0.031) and school age children (p = 0.025) compared to endourologists. Pediatric urologists were significantly more comfortable performing SWL in toddlers (p = 0.04), URS in toddlers (p = 0.04) and school age children (p = 0.04), and PCNL in school age children (p = 0.02) compared to endourologists. Endourologists were significantly more uncomfortable than pediatric urologists in performing URS in toddlers (p = 0.03) and PCNL in infants (p = 0.04) and school age children (p = 0.03). There were no differences in availability of pediatric equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric urologists, have significantly more exposure than endourologists during fellowship and are more comfortable performing surgical treatment for urolithiasis in most pediatric ages. Endourology fellowships may benefit from greater exposure to pediatric patients with stones.

Disparities in the Use of Continent Urinary Diversions after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Radical cystectomy (RC) with ileal conduit (IC) or continent diversion (CD) is standard treatment for high-risk non-invasive and muscle-invasive bladder cancer. OBJECTIVE: Our aim is to study contemporary trends in the utilization of ICs and CDs in patients undergoing RC. METHODS: Using the National Inpatient Sample 2001-2012, we identified all patients diagnosed with a malignant bladder neoplasm who underwent RC followed by IC or CD. Patient demographics, comorbidities, length of stay (LOS), and in-hospital complications, mortality, and costs were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, Chi square, and t-tests were used for analysis. RESULTS: Between 2001-2012, approximately 69,049 ICs and 6,991 CDs were performed. CDs increased from 2001 to 2008, but declined after 2008 (p < 0.0001). Patients of all ages received ICs at a higher rate than CDs (40-59 years: 79.5% vs. 20.5%; 60-69 years: 88.0% vs. 12.0%; p < 0.0001). There was a difference in males vs. females (10.2% vs. 4.0%; OR 2.36) and Caucasians vs. African Americans (9.0% vs. 6.7%; OR 1.49) when comparing CD rates. CD rates were highest in the West, urban teaching centers, and large hospitals (p < 0.001). ICs were associated with higher rates of overall postoperative complications (p = 0.0185) including infection (p = 0.002) and mortality (p < 0.0001). In-hospital costs were greater for the CD group. CONCLUSIONS: The number of CDs has declined recently. Patients of all ages are more likely to receive ICs than CDs. Gender, racial, and geographic disparities exist among those receiving CDs. CDs are associated with lower rates of in-hospital complications and mortality, but higher in-hospital costs.

Pediatric hospitalizations for upper urinary tract calculi: Epidemiological and treatment trends in the United States, 2001-2014.

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of urolithiasis in the pediatric population in the United States has steadily been increasing over the past few decades. Few studies to date have examined trends in the hospitalization and inpatient surgical treatment of urolithiasis in the pediatric population using nationally representative data. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to evaluate nationwide trends in the rates of pediatric hospitalization and inpatient surgical activity for upper urinary tract calculi (UUTC) in the United States from 2001 to 2014. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) databases for 2001-2014 were queried. Hospitalizations for patients younger than age 18 (excluding newborns), with principal discharge diagnoses of kidney or ureteral calculi were selected. Surgical procedures during hospitalization were identified. Hospitalization and surgical activity data were analyzed using trends tests, chi-square statistics, and multivariable logistic regression as appropriate. RESULTS: Of an estimated 30.2 million pediatric hospitalizations during the study period, 44,369 overall (147 per 100,000) were for UUTC. The total number and proportion of UUTC hospitalizations per 100,000 all-cause admissions significantly decreased between 2001 and 2014 (p < 0.0001) (figure). Surgical intervention was undertaken in 19,946 (45%) of UUTC hospitalizations, with significantly increasing frequency over the study interval (p < 0.0001). Urinary tract drainage was the most frequently performed surgical intervention. On multivariable analysis, significant predictors of a higher likelihood of undergoing inpatient surgical intervention during hospitalization for UUTC included older age, female gender, deficiency anemias, hypertension, neurologic disorders, paralysis, and hospitalization after 2001. DISCUSSION: The declining trend in hospitalization for UUTC likely reflects a shift toward outpatient care for routine cases, reserving hospitalization for sicker patients or those with complications of urolithiasis. Similar to previous studies, we also observed that girls were significantly more likely than boys to be hospitalized for stone disease, and that majority of the stone activity in the pediatric population was in children aged 15-17 years. We also observed a sharp increase in the proportion of hospitalized patients who underwent surgical intervention between 2001 and 2014, but the primary driver of this trend remains uncertain. CONCLUSION: Pediatric hospitalizations for UUTC in US children significantly decreased between 2001 and 2014, while of those hospitalized the proportion who underwent stone-related surgical intervention significantly increased over the same period. A shift towards outpatient care, reserving hospitalization and inpatient surgical care for sicker patients, those with urolithiasis-related complications, or those who fail conservative management, is a possible explanation for these observed trends.