Treatment Fidelity in 94 Randomized Controlled Trials of Physical Rehabilitation in the ICU: A Scoping Review.

OBJECTIVES: Recent reviews demonstrated discordant effects of ICU-based physical rehabilitation on physical function. These inconsistencies may be related to differences in treatment fidelity-the extent to which a protocol is delivered as planned. Before evaluating the association of fidelity with outcomes, we must first understand the extent of treatment fidelity reporting in ICU-based physical rehabilitation randomized controlled trials (RCTs). DATA SOURCES: Six electronic databases from inception to December 2022. STUDY SELECTION: We included RCTs enrolling adults or children admitted to the ICU, if greater than or equal to 50% were invasively mechanically ventilated greater than 24 hours, and underwent an ICU-based physical rehabilitation intervention, with no limitation to comparators or outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION: We screened and extracted data independently and in duplicate, with a third reviewer as needed. Extracted data included study characteristics, treatment descriptions, and the presence of National Institutes of Health Behaviour Change Consortium (NIH-BCC) treatment fidelity tool components. Treatment fidelity scores were calculated as the proportion of reported (numerator) out of total NIH-BCC components (denominator). We calculated scores across studies and by treatment group (intervention vs. comparator). We used linear regression to assess for a time trend in study treatment fidelity scores. DATA SYNTHESIS: Of 20,433 citations, 94 studies met inclusion criteria. Authors reported a median (first-third quartiles) of 19% (14-26%) of treatment fidelity components across studies. Intervention group scores were higher than comparator groups (24% [19-33%] vs. 14% [5-24%], p < 0.01). We found a mean increase in study treatment fidelity scores by 0.7% (0.3 points) per year. CONCLUSIONS: Only 19% of treatment fidelity components were reported across studies, with comparator groups more poorly reported. Future research could investigate ways to optimize treatment fidelity reporting and determine characteristics associated with treatment fidelity conduct in ICU-based physical rehabilitation RCTs.

A systematic review of postoperative outcomes of kidney stone surgery and meta-analysis of outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in individuals with spinal cord injury.

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate outcomes of surgical treatment for nephrolithiasis in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: We systematically reviewed the Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, and Web of Science databases for studies examining outcomes of kidney stone procedures in individuals with SCI. Our primary outcomes were stone-free rate (SFR) and complications as categorized by Clavien-Dindo classification. A meta-analysis of comparative studies was performed to assess differences in SFR and complication rate between individuals with and without SCI following PCNL. RESULTS: A total of 27 retrospective and observational articles were included. Interventions for kidney stones included PCNL, shockwave lithotripsy (SWL), and ureteroscopy. Pooled SFR in individuals with SCI was 54%, for SWL, 74% for PCNL, and 36% for ureteroscopy. Meta-analyses found that there was higher rate of grades I (OR 9.54; 95% CI, 3.06 to 29.79), II (OR 3.38; 95% CI, 1.85 to 6.18), and III-V (OR 2.38; 95% CI, 1.35 to 4.19) complications in individuals with SCI compared to non-SCI individuals following PCNL. The rate of infectious complications was also higher in individuals with SCI (OR 6.15; 95% CI, 1.86 to 20.39). However, there was no difference in SFR (OR 0.64; 95% CI, 0.15 to 2.64) between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with SCI are at higher risk of minor, major, and infectious complications following PCNL compared to non-SCI individuals. There was no significant difference between groups in SFR following PCNL, suggesting that PCNL is an effective surgery for kidney stones in individuals with SCI.

Visceral adipose tissue loss and 24-hour urinary profile changes post-bariatric surgery.

INTRODUCTION: The relationship between obesity and nephrolithiasis is a well-documented phenomenon. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been proposed to be an accurate indicator of metabolic derangement. We present a study that investigates the relationship between computed tomography (CT) delineated VAT measurements and 24-hour urine (24 HU) profiles in the context of profound weight loss. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 86 patients with a history of nephrolithiasis who underwent bariatric surgery were reviewed. All patients had pre and postoperative 24 HU analysis and CT kidney and urinary bladder performed. CT-based fat delineation program, AnalyzePro, was used to measure VAT at levels L4-L5 (VAT 1) and L1-L2 (VAT2). Univariate and multivariate analysis was utilized to examine associations between VAT measurements and comorbidities, 24 HU values, and postoperative urinary changes. RESULTS: Preoperative VAT2 was correlated with preoperative serum creatinine and all 24 HU (R2: 0.23-0.43, p = < 0.001-0.030). Only VAT1 and VAT2 had relationships with hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (R2: 0.25-0.30, p = 0.004-0.015). The percent change in VAT1 and VAT2 was a significant predictor of change in 24 HU uric acid (respectively, R2: 0.14, beta: -0.03, p = 0.002 and R2: 0.13, beta: -0.03, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: This study found VAT to have strong correlations with urinary outcomes in obese patients, especially in the excretion of uric acid. These findings support a potential use of CT delineated measurements of fat as a surrogate measure for urinary metabolites, and may be used as a marker for patient counseling in stone prevention.

Trigger videos: a novel application of a tool for surgical faculty development.

BACKGROUND: Trigger videos have occasionally been used in medical education; however, their application to surgical faculty development is novel. We assessed participants' attitudes towards workshops on intraoperative teaching (IOT) that were anchored by trigger videos, and studied whether they could generate discussion-for-learning among surgeons in this workshop setting. METHODS: Surgeons from multiple specialties attended one of six faculty development workshops where IOT trigger videos were shown and discussed during break-out sessions. Participants completed questionnaires to (1) evaluate videos via survey and feedback, and (2) identify adoptable and discardable IOT techniques. Teaching techniques were collated to identify planned IOT changes and survey data and feedback were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 135 surgeons identified 292 adoptable and 202 discardable IOT techniques based on trigger videos and discussions, and 94% of participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and encouraged them to discuss and consider new IOT techniques in their own practice. CONCLUSIONS: Participants reported that the trigger videos were useful and motivating. Surgeons critically reflected on IOT during the sessions, identifying numerous adoptable and discardable techniques relevant to their own teaching styles. Trigger videos can be a valuable tool for surgical faculty development and can be tailored to other medical specialties.

Understanding paediatric patients' attitudes toward obesity and expectations prior to entering a weight management program.

OBJECTIVE: This qualitative study explored attitudes toward weight management and knowledge of healthy, active living among paediatric patients referred to a weight management program. The objective of this study was to determine the emotional state and attitudes of patients entering into a paediatric weight management program. METHODS: Study participants (aged 7 to 17 years old) were recruited during clinic orientation. Semistructured interviews were conducted, audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis generated a thematic coding scheme, identifying concepts and linkages in the data. Study rigour was achieved collaboratively through an audit trail, and data triangulation. RESULTS: Fifteen patients (median age 11 years) consented to interviews. Three recurring themes emerged: emotions, motivation and learning. A total of nine subthemes were identified. Four key spheres of influence (family, peers, school and health care providers) affected the patient's outlook on obesity positively by providing support or negatively by adversely influencing their emotions and motivation. The level of individual motivation to engage in the weight management program varied. A positive outlook toward learning about obesity from school officials and health care providers emerged. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided insight regarding paediatric attitudes related to entering a weight management program. The negative emotional state and sometimes fear of the program expressed should be considered by the referring physician and by clinicians in weight management programs engaging in their care.

Autoantibodies against the cell surface-associated chaperone GRP78 stimulate tumor growth via tissue factor.

Tumor cells display on their surface several molecular chaperones that normally reside in the endoplasmic reticulum. Because this display is unique to cancer cells, these chaperones are attractive targets for drug development. Previous epitope-mapping of autoantibodies (AutoAbs) from prostate cancer patients identified the 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) as one such target. Although we previously showed that anti-GRP78 AutoAbs increase tissue factor (TF) procoagulant activity on the surface of tumor cells, the direct effect of TF activation on tumor growth was not examined. In this study, we explore the interplay between the AutoAbs against cell surface-associated GRP78, TF expression/activity, and prostate cancer progression. First, we show that tumor GRP78 expression correlates with disease stage and that anti-GRP78 AutoAb levels parallel prostate-specific antigen concentrations in patient-derived serum samples. Second, we demonstrate that these anti-GRP78 AutoAbs target cell-surface GRP78, activating the unfolded protein response and inducing tumor cell proliferation through a TF-dependent mechanism, a specific effect reversed by neutralization or immunodepletion of the AutoAb pool. Finally, these AutoAbs enhance tumor growth in mice bearing human prostate cancer xenografts, and heparin derivatives specifically abrogate this effect by blocking AutoAb binding to cell-surface GRP78 and decreasing TF expression/activity. Together, these results establish a molecular mechanism in which AutoAbs against cell-surface GRP78 drive TF-mediated tumor progression in an experimental model of prostate cancer. Heparin derivatives counteract this mechanism and, as such, represent potentially appealing compounds to be evaluated in well-designed translational clinical trials.

High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as salvage therapy for radio-recurrent prostate cancer: predictors of disease response.

BACKGROUND: Some men with localized radio-recurrent prostate cancer may benefit from salvage high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Herein, we describe oncologic outcomes and predictors of disease response after salvage whole gland HIFU from our prospective cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with localized radio-recurrent prostate cancer were prospectively enrolled from January 2005 to December 2014. Participants had to meet both biochemical and histological definitions of recurrence. Exclusion criteria included the receipt of prior salvage therapy, presence of metastatic disease, and administration of ADT in the 6-months prior to enrollment. Participants were treated with a single session of whole-gland HIFU ablation with the AblathermTM device (EDAP, France). The primary endpoint was recurrence-free survival (RFS), defined as a composite endpoint of PSA progression (Phoenix criteria), receipt of any further salvage therapy, receipt of ADT, clinical progression, or death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine the primary end-point and stratifications were used to determine the significance of 6 pre-specified predictors of improved RFS (TRUS biopsy grade, number of study entry TRUS biopsy cores positive, palpable disease at study enrollment, pre-HIFU PSA, an undetectable post-HIFU PSA nadir, and receipt of prior hormone therapy). Survival analysis was performed on participants with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: Twenty-four participants were eligible for study inclusion with a median follow-up of 31.0 months. Median PSA at study entry was 4.02ng/ml. Median time to PSA nadir was 3 months after treatment and median post-HIFU PSA nadir was 0.04ng/ ml. Median 2-year and 5-year RFS was 66.3% and 51.6% respectively. Of our 6 pre-specified predictors, an undetectable PSA nadir was the only significant predictor of improved RFS (HR 0.07, 95% CI 0.02-0.29, log-rank P<0.001). One participant underwent an intervention for a urethral stricture. No participants developed osteitis pubis or rectourethral fistulae. CONCLUSIONS: Salvage HIFU allows for disease control in selected patients with localized radio-recurrent prostate cancer. An undetectable PSA nadir serves as an early predictor of disease response.

Towards development and validation of an intraoperative assessment tool for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy training: results of a Delphi study.

INTRODUCTION: As urology training shifts toward competency-based frameworks, the need for tools for high stakes assessment of trainees is crucial. Validated assessment metrics are lacking for many robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). As it is quickly becoming the gold standard for treatment of localized prostate cancer, the development and validation of a RARP assessment tool for training is timely. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 13 expert RARP surgeons from the United States and Canada to serve as our Delphi panel. Using an initial inventory developed via a modified Delphi process with urology residents, fellows, and staff at our institution, panelists iteratively rated each step and sub-step on a 5-point Likert scale of agreement for inclusion in the final assessment tool. Qualitative feedback was elicited for each item to determine proper step placement, wording, and suggestions. RESULTS: Panelist's responses were compiled and the inventory was edited through three iterations, after which 100% consensus was achieved. The initial inventory steps were decreased by 13% and a skip pattern was incorporated. The final RARP stepwise inventory was comprised of 13 critical steps with 52 sub-steps. There was no attrition throughout the Delphi process. CONCLUSIONS: Our Delphi study resulted in a comprehensive inventory of intraoperative RARP steps with excellent consensus. This final inventory will be used to develop a valid and psychometrically sound intraoperative assessment tool for use during RARP training and evaluation, with the aim of increasing competency of all trainees.

Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer: translating randomized controlled trials into clinical practice.

INTRODUCTION: Intermittent androgen deprivation therapy (IADT) for prostate cancer involves cycles of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) with a period between cycles where testosterone is allowed to rise above castrate levels. A number of recent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared survival and health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) between IADT and continuous ADT (CADT). This review seeks to critically analyze these published trials for their relevance to clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Published trials were retrieved from a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases using relevant keywords. Recent systematic reviews published on this topic were hand-searched for additional applicable references. The evidence was then synthesized for this review. RESULTS: A number of phase III trials have been recently published. IADT was found to be non-inferior in the primary setting for non-metastatic prostate cancer as well as in treatment of biochemical recurrence following radiotherapy. However, these studies overrepresented low risk patients in whom consideration may be given to deferred ADT rather than early treatment with IADT. In the metastatic prostate cancer setting, IADT was not found to be non-inferior to CADT. In most trials, castration related symptoms improved with IADT and overall HRQOL results were mixed. Little data are available on the effect of IADT on long term complications of ADT. CONCLUSIONS: IADT remains a treatment with uncertain outcomes in metastatic prostate cancer and uncertain value over deferring ADT entirely in other prostate cancer clinical states.

Review of a medical student-run surgery lecture series and skills lab curriculum.

Evidence suggests that early exposure to surgical techniques, surgical knowledge and mentors strongly correlates with students' interest, knowledge and confidence in general surgery as a postgraduate career choice. Preclerkship exposure to surgery and implementation of a formal surgical curriculum is often restricted owing to attending surgeon time commitments and cost limitations. To promote earlier exposure to surgery, a group of senior medical students at McMaster University, Hamilton, Ont., developed and implemented a novel pilot program with a surgical lecture series and a surgical skills laboratory for preclerkship students. This commentary discusses the effectiveness of these initiatives.

A novel endoscopic treatment for renal arteriopelvic fistula post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL).

MAIN FINDINGS: We describe the use of a novel endoscopic approach in the management of unremitting gross hematuria following post-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a 65-years-old male. This approach proved successful and cost-effective in managing haemorrhage post-PCNL when renal angiography failed to localize the source of bleeding. Case hypothesis: The recommended treatment modality for renal calculi ≥ 2cm is PCNL. It is essential that clinicians are aware of the various complications that can arise from PCNL, including arteriovenous fistula, which is typically managed with renal angio--embolization. The development of a renal arteriopelvic fistula (APF) is an extremely rare complication, and accounts of haemorrhage from renal APF and its treatment have not been well-described in the literature. We successfully hypothesized that the ureteroscopic localization, fulguration, and closure with a fibrin sealant at the site of the arterial bleed results in optimal treatment for this clinical presentation. We report this case in detail. Promising Future Implications: The successful and cost-effective endoscopic approach described here for treatment of post-PCNL renal APF and unremitting gross hematuria ought to be considered as an adjunct to renal angiography and embolization when the source of bleeding cannot be accurately identified using traditional imaging modalities.

Predictors of disease recurrence in high-risk non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma patients post-surgical resection A single-center, retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately 20-40% of kidney cancer patients treated for localized disease experience post-surgical recurrence. Several prognostic models exist to help clinicians determine the risk of distant recurrence, but these models vary in criteria and endpoints. We aimed to examine the recurrence rate and clinicopathologic factors as predictors of recurrence in high-risk renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. METHODS: We conducted a single-center, retrospective chart review of pT3 RCC patients who underwent a nephrectomy between January 2000 and December 2015. Patients registered in clinical trials for adjuvant therapy and those with fewer than three years of followup were excluded. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and univariate and multivariate Cox regression were performed to identify the rate and predictors of disease recurrence. RESULTS: Eighty-eight pT3 RCC patients were included, and 39 patients had recurrence with a median of 23.5 months (range 1.6-127.5). Nine patients had disease recurrence beyond 58 months. Kaplan-Meier log-rank tests identified patients with negative surgical margins and low Fuhrman nuclear grades had greater recurrence-free survival. Univariate Cox regression revealed positive surgical margins, high Fuhrman nuclear grade, and large tumor sizes were significant predictors. In the multivariate Cox regression model, high Fuhrman nuclear grade and positive surgical margins were significant predictors of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Disease recurrence occurred in 44% of pT3-staged patients. High Fuhrman nuclear grade and positive surgical margins were associated with time to recurrence. Physicians should use prognostic models to facilitate conversations about disease recurrence and continue to monitor high-risk patients beyond the recommended five-year followup period. We recommend monitoring pT3 resected patients for up to 10 years post-surgery.

Commercial video laparoscopic trainers versus less expensive, simple laparoscopic trainers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Advancements in laparoscopic surgical simulation have led to technologically sophisticated but generally more costly surgical trainers. Given that higher costs can limit training institutions, an exploration of cost-effective alternatives is a worthwhile endeavor. We compared commercial video laparoscopic trainers and less expensive simple laparoscopic trainers to evaluate how they differ in facilitating the acquisition of laparoscopic skills in surgical trainees, as measured by laparoscopic task completion time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a comprehensive, systematic search of the literature, which yielded 1,091 citations after excluding duplicates. Ten articles were fully reviewed and 5 were included in the final analysis. Articles were reviewed to ensure that a comparison of video and simple laparoscopic trainers was present and laparoscopic tasks were examined. Quality assessment of studies was completed using a comprehensive checklist. We examined continuous data with calculation of the standardized mean difference. Performance times were pooled using a random effects model and the chi-square test for heterogeneity. Meta-analysis was done to compare post-training performance times between video and simple laparoscopic trainers for the 2 laparoscopic tasks of suturing and object transfer. RESULTS: We found no statistically significant difference in task completion time for video and simple laparoscopic trainers. Meta-analysis of the 7 laparoscopic tasks assessed by others favored video over simple laparoscopic trainers but this was not statistically significant (standardized mean difference -1.82, 95% CI -0.61-0.02, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Video and simple laparoscopic trainers are equally proficient for facilitating the acquisition of laparoscopic skills, suggesting that simple laparoscopic trainers may be a cost-effective alternative.

The impact of tranexamic acid on perioperative outcomes in urological surgeries A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an antifibrinolytic agent widely used in surgery to decrease bleeding and reduce the need for blood product transfusion. The role of TXA in urology is not well-summarized. We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting outcomes of TXA use in urological surgery. METHODS: A comprehensive search was conducted from the following databases: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Two reviewers performed title and abstract screening, full-text review, and data collection. Primary outcomes included estimated blood loss (EBL), decrease in hemoglobin, decrease in hematocrit, and blood transfusion rates. Secondary outcomes included TXA administration characteristics, length of stay, operative time, and postoperative thromboembolic events. RESULTS: A total of 26 studies consisting of 3261 patients were included in the final analysis. These included 11 studies on percutaneous nephrolithotomy, 10 on transurethral resection of prostate, three on prostatectomy, and one on cystectomy. EBL, transfusion rate, hemoglobin drop, operative time, and length of stay were significantly improved with TXA administration. In addition, the use of TXA was not associated with an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE ). The route, dosage, and timing of TXA administration varied considerably between included studies. CONCLUSIONS: TXA use may improve blood loss, transfusion rates, and perioperative parameters in urological procedures. In addition, there is no increased risk of VTE associated with TXA use in urological surgery; however, there is still a need to determine the most effective TXA administration route and dose. This review provides evidence-based data for decision-making in urological surgery.

Transfer of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy skills from bench model to animal model: a prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled study.

PURPOSE: Learning laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis is a crucial step in laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Previously we noted that practice on a low fidelity urethrovesical model was more effective for trainees than basic suturing drills on a foam pad when learning laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis skills. We evaluated learner transfer of skills, specifically whether skills learned on the urethrovesical model would transfer to a high fidelity, live animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 28 senior residents, fellows and staff surgeons in urology, general surgery and gynecology were randomized to 2 hours of laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis training on a urethrovesical model (group 1) or to basic laparoscopic suturing and knot tying on foam pads (group 2). All participants then performed timed laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis on anesthetized female pigs. A blinded urologist scored subject videotaped performance using checklist, global rating scale and end product rating scores. RESULTS: Group 1 was significantly more adept than group 2 at the laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis pig task when measured by the checklist, global rating scale and end product rating (each p <0.05). Time to completion was similar in the 2 groups. No statistically significant difference was noted in global rating scale and checklist scores for laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis performed on the urethrovesical model vs the pig. CONCLUSIONS: Training on a urethrovesical model is superior to training with basic laparoscopic suturing on a foam pad for performing laparoscopic urethrovesical anastomosis skills on an anesthetized female pig. Skills learned on a urethrovesical model transfer to a high fidelity, live animal model.

Extraperitoneal versus transperitoneal approach for robot-assisted radical prostatectomy: a contemporary systematic review and meta-analysis.

We aim to evaluate the differences in peri-operative characteristics, surgical complications, and oncological and functional control between the extraperitoneal RARP (EP-RARP) and transperitoneal RARP (TP-RARP). A comprehensive database search was performed up to March 2021 for eligible studies comparing outcomes between EP-RARP versus TP-RARP. This study was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO. A leave-one-out sensitivity analysis was performed to control for heterogeneity and risk of bias. A total of 16 studies were included with 3897 patients, including 2201 (56.5%) EP-RARPs and 1696 (43.5%) TP-RARPs. When compared to TP-RARP, EP-RARP offers faster operative time (MD - 14.4 min; 95% CI - 26.3, - 2.3), decreased length of post-operative stay (MD - 0.9 days, 95% CI - 1.3, - 0.4), and decreased rates of post-operative ileus (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1, 0.7) and inguinal hernia formation (RR 0.2, 95% CI 0.1, 0.5). There were no significant differences in total complications, estimated blood loss, positive surgical margins, or continence at 6 months. In this review, EP-RARP delivered similar oncological and functional outcomes, while also offering faster operative time, decreased length of post-operative stay, and decreased rates of post-operative ileus and inguinal hernia formation when compared to TP-RARP. These findings provide evidence-based data for surgical approach optimization and prompts future research to examine whether these findings hold true with recent advances in single-port RARP and outpatient RARP.

Management of adult tuberous sclerosis complex-related angiomyolipoma: A single-center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare, multi-system, genetic disease. A significant cause of TSC-related morbidity is potential bleeding from renal angiomyolipoma (AML). To pre-emptively decrease AML bleeding, mTOR inhibitors can be used; however, thresholds for initiating and maintaining everolimus therapy remain uncertain. Recent literature suggests not triggering active treatment of AMLs based on size thresholds alone. We evaluated the appropriateness of initiating everolimus therapy in asymptomatic patients after considering AML size, rate of growth, and other factors. METHODS: Diagnostic criteria developed by the 2012 International TSC Consensus Group and presence of AML were used as inclusion criteria. Medical and imaging reports of 11/20 TSC patients from a single center were reviewed. RESULTS: Mean age was 40.55 (±16.27) and 11 patients were female. Eight asymptomatic patients at high risk for complications underwent everolimus therapy, of which seven (88%) demonstrated decreased AML size, but multiple side effects were reported. Four high-risk asymptomatic patients did not undergo therapy due to side effect concerns, while four low-risk asymptomatic patients had stable AMLs under active surveillance. Four patients had reduced AMLs through local therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Everolimus treatment was effective for managing AML size in most high-risk, asymptomatic patients with tolerable side effects. AML size can remain relatively stable for asymptomatic, low-risk patients despite not receiving intervention(s). Patients with TSC-related AML can be safely managed with mTOR inhibitors like everolimus with shared decision-making, including factors such as bleeding risk, AML growth rate, and number and absolute size of AMLs.

Development and initial validation of a cost-effective, re-usable, ultrasound-compatible suprapubic catheter insertion training simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Suprapubic catheterization (SPC) is a fundamental skill required of urology trainees. A lack of affordable simulation models and unpredictability of bedside SPCs limit experiential learning opportunities. Our objective was to develop and initially validate a re-usable, low-cost, ultrasound (US)-compatible SPC simulator for acquiring skills that transfer to the bedside. METHODS: The model was constructed using six components. Staff urologists and interventional radiologists (IRs) conducted a SPC and rated the model on three domains with multiple subcategories on a five-point Likert scale: anatomic realism; usefulness as a training tool; and global/overall reaction. Participants in our first-year urology "boot camp" received SPC training, practiced, and were evaluated via an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE). Staff ratings and OSCE scores determined the model's initial face and content validity. RESULTS: Twelve staff physicians participated in the study. The mean scores for urologists and IRs, respectively, were: anatomical realism: 4.10 and 3.70; usefulness as a training tool: 4.23 and 4.24; and overall reaction: 4.40 and 4.44. Staff strongly agreed that the model should be incorporated into the residency curriculum. Over the past four years, 25 boot camp participants scored a mean of 99.7% (±1.8) on the OSCE, with high technical performance and entrustment scores (4.8 and 4.7, respectively). The model cost $55 CAD. CONCLUSIONS: This novel, multiple-use, low-cost, easily reproducible US-compatible SPC simulator demonstrated initial face and content validity via high staff urologist and IR ratings and OSCE scores of first-year urology residents. Additional research is required for construct validation.

Use of cannabis in urological cancer patients: A review to evaluate risk for cancer development, therapeutic use, and symptom management.

INTRODUCTION: Recent recreational legalization of cannabis has resulted in an increased interest in the therapeutic effects of cannabis use in cancer patients, with reports of its use in symptom management and as a risk factor for cancer development. The objective of this review was to evaluate the literature on the association of cannabis use with the risk of cancer development, symptom management, and therapeutic management in the urological cancer (UC) patient population. METHODS: A systematic search of databases and trial registries for papers published from January 1947 to March 2020 on cannabis, symptom and therapeutic management, and cancer development in UC patients was conducted. After screening of full-text articles, data were extracted for evaluation. Studies were eligible if they were in the clinical setting, included ≥5 UC patients, reported use of any cannabis variant, and were written in English. RESULTS: The search retrieved 2456 abstracts, of which 48 full-text articles were reviewed and 21 included in the review. Low-level evidence suggested a correlation between cannabis use and risk for development of testicular cancer. Some support existed for using cannabis for cancer pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea. There was inadequate evidence to substantiate cannabis use as a therapeutic agent for management of UCs. A lack of high-level evidence and robust methodology of the studies limited evaluation of the findings. CONCLUSIONS: Given the paucity of data on cannabis use for therapeutic purposes in UC, large, prospective trials with adequate followup times to observe the effect of cannabis use on UCs are warranted to improve the evidence base.

Point-of-care ultrasound in urology: Design and evaluation of a feasible introductory training program for Canadian residents.

INTRODUCTION: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is an increasingly used bedside tool. Applications in urology include the assessment of an undifferentiated acute scrotum, renal colic, and the guidance of suprapubic catheter placement. However, the user-dependent nature of this modality necessitates appropriate use and competence. The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a low-cost, feasible, and guideline-based introductory POCUS program for Canadian urology residents. METHODS: Residents from McMaster University's urology program completed a three-hour online course, followed by a three-hour hands-on seminar. Course material was developed by ultrasound educators based on national guidelines. Low-cost testicular phantoms and suprapubic catheter insertion models were constructed. Pre- and post-course surveys focused on participant skill confidence, while multiple-choice questionnaires assessed theoretical knowledge. RESULTS: Fourteen residents participated in the course. Theoretical knowledge in POCUS improved significantly (p<0.001, d=2.2) and mean confidence scores improved for all skills, including performing kidney, bladder, and testicular POCUS (all p<0.001; d=3.4, 1.9, 2.9, respectively). Participants indicated that the course increased their confidence and likelihood of using POCUS in clinical practice, and that POCUS training should be integrated into urology training curricula. CONCLUSIONS: This novel study included the development of an inexpensive, feasible, guideline-based introductory training program for urological POCUS, developed in collaboration with ultrasound educators. Participants significantly improved in theoretical knowledge and skill confidence. Although this study was limited to one residency program, the basis of this course may serve as a foundation for the development of competency-based training for urological POCUS in Canada.