Investigating trends in interest for benign prostatic hyperplasia surgery options using Google Trends.

Understanding patient interest among surgical options is challenging. We used Google Trends to analyze interest in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgeries recommended for prostate volumes <80 cc. Google Trends was queried with five BPH surgeries. Final rank of search terms was TURP, UroLift, Rezum, Aquablation, and Greenlight. Google Trends can be an effective tool for evaluating public interest trends in BPH surgery.

Chronic Constipation in the United States: Results From a Population-Based Survey Assessing Healthcare Seeking and Use of Pharmacotherapy.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic idiopathic constipation (CIC) is characterized by unsatisfactory defecation and difficult or infrequent stools. CIC affects 9%-20% of adults in the United States, and although prevalent, gaps in knowledge remain regarding CIC healthcare seeking and medication use in the community. We recruited a population-based sample to determine the prevalence and predictors of (i) individuals having discussed their constipation symptoms with a healthcare provider and (ii) the use of constipation therapies. METHODS: We recruited a representative sample of Americans aged 18 years or older who had experienced constipation. Those who met the Rome IV criteria for irritable bowel syndrome and opioid-induced constipation were excluded. The survey included questions on constipation severity, healthcare seeking, and the use of constipation medications. We used multivariable regression methods to adjust for confounders. RESULTS: Overall, 4,702 participants had experienced constipation (24.0% met the Rome IV CIC criteria). Among all respondents with previous constipation, 37.6% discussed their symptoms with a clinician (primary care provider 87.6%, gastroenterologist 26.0%, and urgent care/emergency room physician 7.7%). Age, sex, race/ethnicity, marital status, employment status, having a source of usual care, insurance status, comorbidities, locus of control, and constipation severity were associated with seeking care (P < 0.05). Overall, 47.8% of respondents were taking medication to manage their constipation: over-the-counter medication(s) only, 93.5%; prescription medication(s) only, 1.3%; and both over-the-counter medication(s) and prescription medication(s), 5.2%. DISCUSSION: We found that 3 of 5 Americans with constipation have never discussed their symptoms with a healthcare provider. Furthermore, the use of prescription medications for managing constipation symptoms is low because individuals mainly rely on over-the-counter therapies.

Comparative effectiveness of one versus two-stage sacral neurostimulation device placement.

OBJECTIVE: Sacral neurostimulation (SNS) is an effective third-line treatment for overactive bladder. We sought to compare the cost of standard two-stage SNS device placement to that of a combined one-stage placement using a Markov chain model. METHODS: Costs were defined using Medicare outpatient reimbursement rates. The model was developed as follows: With the two-stage approach, patients underwent initial lead placement with fluoroscopy and those who converted to stage two underwent permanent generator placement week later. Patients who did not convert underwent lead removal. Patients undergoing a one-stage procedure had initial lead and generator placement at the same time. Patients with success underwent no further procedure. Patients without success could opt for generator and lead removal. Cost effectiveness of one versus two-stage placement depended on successful conversion rate. RESULTS: Reimbursement included physician, anesthesia, facility and device fees. In a two-stage procedure, initial cost of lead placement was $6170. With successful conversion, cost of a second procedure with permanent lead and generator placement was $18,474. Patients who failed test phase underwent lead removal for a cost of $2879. In a one-stage procedure approach, initial cost of permanent lead and generator placement was $18,474. Patients with a successful outcome had no additional costs. Patients with an unsuccessful outcome could have the lead and generator removal for a cost of $5758. If the conversion rate from testing phase to permanent placement was greater than 71%, a one-stage approach proved to be cost effective. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying patients with favorable risk factors for success may predict those patients who warrant a one-stage approach.