In vivo ureteroscopic intrarenal pressures and clinical outcomes: a multi-institutional analysis of 120 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the pressure range generated in the human renal collecting system during ureteroscopy (URS), in a large patient sample, and to investigate a relationship between intrarenal pressure (IRP) and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective multi-institutional study was conducted, with ethics board approval; February 2022-March 2023. Recruitment was of 120 consecutive consenting adult patients undergoing semi-rigid URS and/or flexible ureterorenoscopy (FURS) for urolithiasis or diagnostic purposes. Retrograde, fluoroscopy-guided insertion of a 0.036-cm (0.014″) pressure guidewire (COMET™ II, Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) to the renal pelvis was performed. Baseline and continuous ureteroscopic IRP was recorded, alongside relevant operative variables. A 30-day follow-up was completed. Descriptive statistics were applied to IRP traces, with mean (sd) and maximum values and variance reported. Relationships between IRP and technical variables, and IRP and clinical outcome were interrogated using the chi-square test and independent samples t-test. RESULTS: A total of 430 pressure traces were analysed from 120 patient episodes. The mean (sd) baseline IRP was 16.45 (5.99) mmHg and the intraoperative IRP varied by technique. The mean (sd) IRP during semi-rigid URS with gravity irrigation was 34.93 (11.66) mmHg. FURS resulted in variable IRP values: from a mean (sd) of 26.78 (5.84) mmHg (gravity irrigation; 12/14-F ureteric access sheath [UAS]) to 87.27 (66.85) mmHg (200 mmHg pressurised-bag irrigation; 11/13-F UAS). The highest single pressure peak was 334.2 mmHg, during retrograde pyelography. Six patients (5%) developed postoperative urosepsis; these patients had significantly higher IRPs during FURS (mean [sd] 81.7 [49.52] mmHg) than controls (38.53 [22.6] mmHg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A dynamic IRP profile is observed during human in vivo URS, with IRP frequently exceeding expected thresholds. A relationship appears to exist between elevated IRP and postoperative urosepsis.

Contemporary trends for urological training and management of stress urinary incontinence in Ireland.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the trends in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery since the 2018 pause on use of the polypropylene (PP) mid-urethral sling (MUS) and to quantify the effect this has had on surgical training. METHODS: Two anonymous surveys were sent to all current urology trainees and to all consultant surgeons who specialise in stress urinary incontinence surgery. RESULTS: Prior to the pause, 86% (6 out of 7) of consultant urologists and 73% (11 out of 15) of consultant gynaecologists would "always"/"often" perform MUS for SUI. After that, 100% (22 out of 22) of consultants reported that they "never" perform MUS. There has been a modest increase in the use of urethral bulking agent (UBA) procedures among urologists, with 43% (3 out of 7) now "often" performing this, compared with 71% (5 out of 7) "never" performing it pre-2018. Trainee exposure to SUI surgery reduced by 75% between 2016 and 2020. Despite a ten-fold increase in UBA procedures logged by trainees, the decline in MUS has resulted in a major reduction in total SUI surgeries. Coinciding with this decrease in surgeries, there was a 56% reduction in trainees' self-assessed competence at SUI surgery. Thirteen percent of trainees are interested in specialising in Female Urology and those trainees had significantly greater exposure to SUI procedures during their training than those who did not (p = 0.0072). CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified a downward trend in SUI surgery, which is concerning for the undertreatment of females with SUI. A decline in SUI surgery training has resulted in reduced trainee confidence and interest in this subspecialty.

Comparison of synthetic mesh erosion and chronic pain rates after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to systematically compare rates of erosion and chronic pain after mesh insertion for pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery. METHODS: A systematic electronic search was performed on studies that evaluated the incidence of erosion and chronic pain after mesh insertion for POP or SUI. The primary outcome measurement was to compare mesh erosion rates for POP and SUI surgery. Secondary outcome measurements were incidence of de novo pain and a comparison of patient demographics for both surgeries. RESULTS: Twenty-six studies on 292,606 patients (n = 9077 for POP surgery and n = 283,529 for SUI surgery) met the inclusion criteria. Median follow-up was 26.38 ± 22.17 months for POP surgery and 39.33 ± 27.68 months for SUI surgery. Overall, the POP group were older (p < 0.0001) and had a lower BMI (p < 0.0001). Mesh erosion rates were significantly greater in the POP group compared to the SUI group (4% versus 1.9%) (OR 2.13; 95% CI 1.91-2.37; p < 0.0001). The duration from surgery to onset of mesh erosion was 306.84 ± 183.98 days. There was no difference in erosion rates between abdominal and transvaginal mesh for POP. There was no difference in erosion rates between the transobturator and retropubic approach for SUI. The incidence of chronic pain was significantly greater in the POP group compared to the SUI group (6.7% versus 0.6%) (OR 11.02; 95% CI 8.15-14.9; p < 0.0001). The duration from surgery to onset of chronic pain was 325.88 ± 226.31 days. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of mesh erosion and chronic pain is significantly higher after surgery for POP compared to SUI. These significant complications occur within the first year after surgery.

The transobturator suburethral sling: a safe and effective option for all degrees of post prostatectomy urinary incontinence.

INTRODUCTION: Male stress urinary incontinence (SUI) after radical prostatectomy (RP) is common. The surgical standard of care traditionally has been placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) but since its introduction the transobturator male sling has been shown to have particular unique advantages. Our aim was to assess outcomes of a consecutive series of suburethral sling insertions in men presenting with all degrees of post RP SUI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consecutive cohort of men undergoing AdVance sling insertion following RP were studied. Parameters assessed included pre and postoperative urinary function, 24 hour pad use, quality of life (QoL) outcomes, complications and further treatments. Degree of incontinence was categorized as mild (1-2), moderate (3-5) or severe (≥ 6) depending on daily pad use. Patients were reviewed at 1, 4 and 6 months. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF) was used to assess symptom severity and QoL outcomes. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients were included, mean age 68 and mean time to sling post RP 34 (8-113) months. Preoperative degree of incontinence: mild 22%, moderate 58%, severe 20%. Fourteen percent had undergone post RP radiation therapy (RT). In total 73% experienced complete resolution of symptoms post sling, 12% significant improvement, 15% no reduction in pad use. Sixty percent with severe incontinence were classified as cured (no pad or 1 dry pad for security reasons). When patients with preoperative RT were excluded, cure rate rose to 82%. On follow up survey at 30 months (mean), the ICIQ-SF score decreased from baseline 17.7 (9-21.0) to 8.0 (0-20) (p < 0.0001), CI 95% (8-12). CONCLUSIONS: Suburethral slings are effective and safe for all degrees of post RP incontinence, are associated with improved QoL parameters and with appropriate selection and counseling are a viable option for more severe degrees of post RP SUI.

Role of concurrent vaginal hysterectomy in the outcomes of mesh-based vaginal pelvic organ prolapse surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Hysterectomy is often performed at the time of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery; yet, there is insufficient evidence regarding the specific effect of hysterectomy on outcomes. We sought to determine the outcomes and associated short-term complications of mesh-based POP surgery with and without concurrent hysterectomy. METHODS: We utilized the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperation System (SPARCS) database to identify patients under 55 years of age undergoing surgeries for POP with mesh between 2009 and 2014. Patients who had a hysterectomy at the time of mesh-based POP surgery were compared with those who underwent mesh-based POP surgery without hysterectomy. Outcome measures of the patient groups before and after propensity score matching were compared. We assessed the difference Chi-squared tests and log-rank tests in the entire cohort and Mantel-Haenszel stratified Chi-squared tests and Prentice-Wilcoxon tests in the matched cohort. RESULTS: A total of 1,601 women underwent mesh-based POP surgery. 921 patients underwent concurrent hysterectomy, whereas 680 had mesh-based uterine-preserving POP surgery. After propensity score matching, there was no difference in reintervention rates between groups for up to 3 years. Concurrent hysterectomy with mesh-based POP repair was consistently associated with longer hospitalization (20.0% vs 12.8% stayed longer than 2 days) and higher charges (median charges were $22,689 vs $19,273). CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent hysterectomy during mesh-based POP surgery in patients under 55 years led to more expensive charges and a longer stay compared with uterine-preserving mesh surgery. There was no difference in reintervention rates between groups for up to 3 years.

Surgical treatment of detrusor underactivity: a short term proof of concept study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the surgical outcomes of men with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) due to benign prostatic obstruction (BPO) to those with detrusor underactivity (DU) or acontractile detrusor (DA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, IRB approved study included men who underwent BPO surgery for refractory LUTS or urinary retention. Patients were grouped based on videourodynamic (VUDS) findings: 1) men with BOO, 2) men with DU and 3) men with DA. The primary outcome measure was the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGII). Secondary outcome measures included uroflow (Qmax), post-void residual volume (PVR) and the need for clean intermittent catheterization (CIC). RESULTS: One hundred and nineteen patients were evaluated: 1) 34 with BOO, 2) 62 with DU and 3) 23 with DA. Subjective success rate (PGII) was highest in the BOO group (97%) and those with DU (98%), while DA patients had a PGII success of 26%, (p<0.0001). After surgery, patients with BOO had the lowest PVR (68.5mL). Fifty-six patients (47%) performed CIC pre-operatively (47% of BOO, 32% of DU and 87% of DA patients). None of the patients in the BOO and DU groups required CIC post operatively compared to16/23 (69%) of patients in the DA group (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: BPO surgery is a viable treatment option in men with presumed BOO and DU while DA is a poor prognostic sign in men who do not void spontaneously pre-operatively.

Trends in internet search activity, media coverage, and patient-centered health information after the FDA safety communications on surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse.

INTRODUCTION: In July 2011, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a safety communication regarding serious complications associated with surgical mesh for pelvic organ prolapse, prompting increased media and public attention. This study sought to analyze internet search activity and news article volume after this FDA warning and to evaluate the quality of websites providing patient-centered information. METHODS: Google Trends™ was utilized to evaluate search engine trends for the term "pelvic organ prolapse" and associated terms between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2014. Google News™ was utilized to quantify the number of news articles annually under the term "pelvic organ prolapse." The search results for the term "pelvic organ prolapse" were assessed for quality using the Health On the Net Foundation (HON) certification. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in search activity from 37.42 in 2010 to 57.75 in 2011, at the time of the FDA communication (p = 0.021). No other annual interval had a statistically significant increase in search activity. The single highest monthly search activity, given the value of 100, was August 2011, immediately following the July 2011 notification, with the next highest value being 98 in July 2011. Linear regression analysis of news articles per year since the FDA communication revealed r2 = 0.88, with a coefficient of 186. Quality assessment demonstrated that 42 % of websites were HON-certified, with .gov sites providing the highest quality information. CONCLUSIONS: Although the 2011 FDA safety communication on surgical mesh was associated with increased public and media attention, the quality of relevant health information on the internet remains of poor quality. Future quality assurance measures may be critical in enabling patients to play active roles in their own healthcare.

The role of acupuncture in managing overactive bladder; a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Overactive bladder (OAB) affects a considerable proportion of men and women in the United States and is associated with significant costs and quality of life (QoL) reduction. While medication remains a mainstay of treatment, there is increasing interest in the use of alternative medicine in the form of acupuncture. We reviewed the literature on the role of acupuncture in managing OAB. METHODS: A narrative review was compiled after searching electronic databases (PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and EMBASE) for clinical studies involving acupuncture in treating OAB. Databases were searched from the time of inception through September 2015 by a clinician for articles reporting the results related to the use of acupuncture in OAB. Key search terms were acupuncture, overactive bladder, bladder instability, urgency, urinary incontinence. Articles in English or translated into English were included. RESULTS: Initial animal studies suggest several biochemical mechanisms of action underlying the effect of acupuncture on OAB suppression. The experience in humans includes two case series and six comparative trials. All studies demonstrated subjective improvement in OAB symptoms, and some reported objective improvement in urodynamic studies. Notably, some comparative trials showed the benefit of acupuncture to be comparable with antimuscarinic treatment. CONCLUSION: Despite their limitations, existing studies serve as a promising foundation for suggesting a role for acupuncture as an alternative therapy for OAB. Further well-designed studies are required to investigate optimal technique and their outcomes.

Standardization of assay methods reduces variability of total PSA measurements: an Irish study.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Today, numerous assays for PSA detection are available from various manufacturers. However, these various assays do not detect PSA equally and several studies have demonstrated variability between them. In order to harmonise PSA results and reduce the discrepancies, reference materials are available for assay calibration. We have demonstrated significantly variability between 6 different assay methods currently in use in 9 hospitals despite assay calibration. Variability in PSA values was reduced with the standardisation of the assay method in 4 hospitals. Our results highlight the dilemma of PSA assay variability and stress the need for nationwide standardisation of PSA testing. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether standardization of total prostate-specific antigen (tPSA) assay methods reduces variability in tPSA measurements. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples from 84 patients attending a single urology department were distributed across nine hospitals selected throughout Ireland for the independent determination of tPSA under the same conditions. The selected hospitals collectively used six different assay methods for tPSA detection: Beckman Hybritech WHO Calibrated (used as reference method), Tosoh AIA 1800, Roche E170 (used in three hospitals), Abbott AxSYM, Immulite 2500 2nd Generation (used in two hospitals) and Siemens ADVIA Centaur. The method of tPSA detection was next standardized in a subset of four hospitals using the same assay method and the measurements were repeated. The difference in mean tPSA in the cohort across the hospitals tested was determined and the Bland-Altman test was used to assess the agreement between each test. Analysis was performed over both the full (0.5-30 µg/L, N = 84) and a narrow (3-7 µg/L, n = 25) tPSA range. RESULTS: The range and the mean tPSA of the full cohort were inflated across the eight test hospitals, when compared with the reference hospital. The poorest agreement between assay methods was associated with a bias of 2.2 ± 2.4 µg/L. The variability in tPSA measurements between assay methods was inconsistent across the range of tPSA values tested and increased with increasing mean tPSA. Agreement in reported tPSA was excellent after standardization of tPSA assay methods (bias <0.2 µg/L). Over the narrow 3-7 µg/L PSA range, 12/25 (48%) patients had a tPSA range of values across all hospitals in excess of 2 µg/L. Following standardization of the tPSA assay method, patient tPSA ranges were <0.5 µg/L for 13/25 (52%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that the lack of standardization of tPSA assay methods across a panel of Irish hospitals leads to significant variability in the measured tPSA values for the same patient samples. Variability in tPSA values was reduced with the standardization of the assay method in four hospitals. Standardization of PSA testing on a nationwide scale is warranted.

Introduction of Rezum system technology to Ireland for treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study on early outcomes and procedure cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Rezum technology uses heat from radiofrequency-generated water vapour to ablate prostate tissue. We evaluate the introduction of this thermal therapy to an Irish teaching hospital for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia. METHODS: A pilot study of men with moderate to severe lower urinary tract symptoms who underwent Rezum treatment to the prostate was performed. Perioperative efficacy was evaluated using international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (IPSS-QOL), uroflowmetry and post-void residual (PVR) volumes. Costs were evaluated and compared against matched patients undergoing the standard of care, transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). RESULT: Ten patients with a mean age of 70 ± 9 years who met the inclusion criteria underwent Rezum treatment. Mean PSA was 4.73 ± 4 ng/mL and mean prostate volume 72 ± 30 cc. Rezum therapy significantly improved both IPSS by 74% from mean baseline score of 20.8 ± 4 to 5.3 ± 1.49 (p < 0.001) and IPSS-QOL score by 84% from mean baseline score of 4.4 ± 0.7 to 0.6 ± 0.7 (p < 0.001) at 3 months. Maximum flow rate increase by 44% from 9.26 ± 2.5 to 13.34 ± 2.3 mL/s (p < 0.001). When compared to ten matched patients undergoing TURP in the same period, there was a significant cost saving of €1986.52 per patient for Rezum, overall up-front cost saving of €22,819 with an additional 19 bed days and 5 theatre hours spared. CONCLUSION: Rezum, a minimally invasive thermal therapy, provides significantly improved symptom relief and quality of life with a significant cost saving to the institution.

Does postal consent for flexible cystoscopy work?

BACKGROUND: Informed consent is an integral part of the process prior to any surgical procedure [1]. Flexible cystoscopy is a common day case urological procedure and it is the gold standard investigation for visible haematuria [2]. AIM: To assess if postal consent is a suitable form of gaining informed consent for flexible cystoscopy. METHODS: Patients booked for a flexible cystoscopy are initially reviewed in clinic. An information leaflet with an attached consent form is then posted to their home 2 weeks prior to their procedure. We designed a short questionnaire, to assess patient's satisfaction and understanding of the literature, given to them after the procedure. RESULTS: Sixty-seven questionnaires were completed. The mean age was 54. Sixty patients (93%) think that postal consent is of benefit to the patient. Sixty-one patients (91%) read the information sheet and felt that there was enough information regarding the procedure on it. Fifty-four patients (81%) had no difficulty understanding the consent form. Forty patients (60%) signed the form prior to arrival in the hospital. CONCLUSION: Postal consent is commonly used for gastro-intestinal endoscopy procedures. Postal consent for flexible cystoscopy is not well reported in the literature. Our study shows postal consent to be a suitable form of gaining informed consent for flexible cystoscopy.

Management of a persistent ileo-ureteric anastomotic leak with bilateral ureteric occlusion using angioplasty balloon catheters.

The ileal conduit continues to be the most common form of urinary diversion performed worldwide. As a result of improved surgical technique the perioperative mortality and morbidity for patients undergoing ileal conduit urinary diversion has reduced remarkably. However, one early complication that may occur is that of urinary leak at the ileo-ureteric anastomosis. Urinary anastomotic leaks may be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Although a small initial leakage postoperatively is common, the problem arises in cases of continued urinary leakage from the ileo-ureteric anastomosis. We report the management of a persistent ileo-ureteric anastomotic leak using angioplasty balloons catheters to occlude both ureters.

Predictors of emergency department attendance following ureterorenoscopy for urolithiasis.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the rate of emergency department (ED) attendance for complications after ureterorenoscopy (URS) for stone disease and to identify risk factors for ED attendance after URS. METHODS: An analysis of all patients undergoing URS over 12 months at a single institution was performed. Patient demographics, preoperative and intraoperative variables associated with postoperative complications and subsequent ED attendance were collected. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of URS complications presenting to ED. RESULTS: In total, 202 ureteroscopies were performed on 142 patients for urolithiasis. The mean age was 50.73 ± 13.93 and 66% were male. The incidence of re-presentation to ED was 14.8% (n = 30). Patients presented with postoperative pain (n = 10; 4.95%), pyrexia (n = 9; 4.46%), urinary tract infection (UTI) (n = 7, 3.47%), haematuria (n = 3, 1.49%) and urosepsis (n = 1; 0.5%). Significant risk factors for ED attendance included preoperative stent dwell time > 30 days (P = 0.004), recently treated positive preoperative urine culture (P < 0.0001), stone size ≥ 13 mm (P = 0.043), stone location mid-ureter (P = 0.036) and female gender (P = 0.005). The following factors did not predict ED attendance, stent omission, access sheath utilization and operation duration. CONCLUSION: Risk factors for ED attendance after URS include prolonged pre-stent dwell time, stone size ≥ 13 mm, treatment for a positive preoperative urine culture, mid-ureteric stone location and female gender. Urologists should be aware of these findings to decrease the risk of emergency re-presentation after elective URS surgery.

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate in an Irish prostate cancer patient cohort-an aggressive pathology and a strong familial link.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is poorly studied in the Irish population. This study investigated the incidence and clinicopathologic characteristics of IDC-P in an Irish prostate cancer (PCa) patient cohort. The study also discusses the rationale for genetic counseling and screening in Irish patients with familial risk factors for IDC-P. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study investigated patients diagnosed with IDC-P on prostate biopsy from 2012 to 2016. Primary outcome measurements were incidence, management, and clinical outcomes after follow-up in patients with IDC-P. The secondary outcome measurement was to identify a familial link for IDC-P. RESULTS: A total of 1,143 patients were diagnosed with PCa on needle biopsy, of which 30 (2.3%) had concomitant IDC-P. Mean age and prostate-specific antigen at diagnosis were 68.6 ± 10.5 years (range 53-85 years) and 9.15 ± 8.65 ng/mL (range 2.1-166 ng/mL), respectively. In total, 17 of 30 patients (57%) were diagnosed with concomitant high-grade (i.e., ≥Gleason score 8) PCa. Eight patients (27%) were treated with radical prostatectomy; of which five had biochemical recurrence (BCR) after 10.55 ± 25.9 months. Eleven patients (37%) received radical radiotherapy; of which one had BCR after 36 months. Eleven patients (37%) presented with advanced PCa and were managed with androgen deprivation therapy ± chemotherapy. A family history for PCa in first-degree relatives was found in eight patients (27%). CONCLUSIONS: IDC-P is associated with more aggressive clinicopathologic features and an increased risk of BCR after treatment. In Ireland, clinical guidelines and a genetic screening pathway are required to provide early detection and appropriate multimodal management of patients with IDC-P.

Ureteric stenting with magnetic retrieval: an alternative to traditional methods.

INTRODUCTION: Ureteric stents are frequently placed following endo-urological procedures. These stents cause significant morbidity for patients. Standard ureteric stents are removed by flexible cystoscopy. This procedure can be unpleasant for patients and requires additional resources. A newly designed magnetic stent allows removal in an outpatient setting. The aim of our study is to compare the magnetic stent and standard ureteric stents with regard to morbidity, pain on stent removal and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: This study was carried out across two sites between September 2016 and July 2017. In site A, a magnetic stent (Urotech, Black-Star®) is removed by magnetic retrieval device. Fifty consecutive patients completed the validated Ureteric Stent Symptom Questionnaire (USSQ) and visual analogue scale (VAS) at the time of stent removal. On site B, a soft polyurethane stent (Cook Universa) was removed by flexible cystoscopy. Fifty patients were identified retrospectively and completed questionnaires by post. Cost analysis was also performed. RESULTS: One hundred questionnaires were included for analysis. No significant difference in stent morbidity as assessed by the USSQ was shown between both groups. Median duration of stenting was significantly shorter in the magnetic stent group (5.5 versus 21.5 days, p < 0.001). Mean pain on stent removal was significantly less with magnetic retrieval (2.9 versus 3.9, p < 0.05). Complication rates were similar in both groups. Cost analysis showed a cost saving of €203 per patient with the magnetic stent group. CONCLUSION: Magnetic stents cause similar morbidity for patients compared with standard stents removed by flexible cystoscopy; they are associated with less pain at removal and are cost saving.

Admission of patients with acute urinary retention leads to a definitive management decision.

BACKGROUND: Acute urinary retention (AUR) is a common urologic emergency. However, its management is not standardized due to lack of clinical guidelines. AIMS: We retrospectively reviewed the treatment of all male patients admitted to our institution with AUR over 12 months. METHODS: Data was obtained from the HIPE (Hospital Inpatient Enquiry) data system, each patient's electronic discharge summary and from patient medical records. RESULTS: There were 130 AUR admissions during the period. About 74 admissions were due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE). Of these, 45.9% (n = 34) passed their trial without catheter (TWOC). The remainder (n = 40) failed their TWOC necessitating recatheterization and consideration for transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) or re-TWOC. An indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) was inserted for 27.5% (n = 11) of patients with a failed TWOC secondary to comorbidities. This group had a mean age of 78 years (range 68-96 years). Of those who failed their TWOC, 32.5% (n = 13) had a TURP on index admission. Of the remaining 16 patients with failed TWOC, 75% (n = 12) were discharged with an IDC and readmitted for an elective TURP with a median waiting time of 55 days (range 17-138 days). 18.75% (n = 3) passed a re-TWOC and thus offset the need to have any surgical intervention and 6.25% (n = 1) proceeded to a radical retropubic prostatectomy for biopsy proven prostate adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSION: Admission of patients with acute urinary retention leads to a definitive management decision and reduced prolonged catheterization.

Traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip in a 3-year-old child.

We report the case of a traumatic posterior dislocation of the hip in a 3-year-old boy. After a fall in the garden, the boy was brought to our emergency department where an x-ray confirmed a posterior dislocation of his right hip. A successful prompt reduction was performed in the operating room under general anesthesia. This uncommon injury represents an orthopedic emergency and requires prompt reduction to lessen the risk of complications including avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Delayed presentation of a traumatic brachial artery pseudoaneurysm.

Delayed presentation of a brachial artery pseudoaneurysm following penetrating trauma is infrequently reported. We report the case of a 23-year-old male who presented three months following a penetrating trauma to his antecubital fossa with a sudden exacerbation of swelling and tenderness of his elbow. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography arteriography confirmed the presence of a large pseudoaneurysm. Surgical reconstruction was performed using the long saphenous vein as an interposition vein graft, restoring normal arterial circulation.

Robotic simulation training for urological trainees: a comprehensive review on cost, merits and challenges.

Simulation in surgery is a safe and cost-effective way of training. Operating room performance is improved after simulation training. The necessary attributes of surgical simulators are acceptability and cost-effectiveness. It is also necessary for a simulator to demonstrate face, content, predictive, construct and concurrent validity. Urologists have embraced robot-assisted surgery. These procedures require steep learning curves. There are 6 VR simulators available for robot-assisted surgery; the daVinci Skills Simulator (dVSS), the Mimic dV Trainer (MdVT), the ProMIS simulator, the Simsurgery Educational Platform (SEP) simulator, the Robotic Surgical Simulator (RoSS) and the RobotiX Mentor (RM). Their efficacy is limited by the lack of comparative studies, standardisation of validation and high cost. There are a number of robotic surgery training curricula developed in recent years which successfully include simulation training. There are growing calls for these simulators to be incorporated into the urology training curriculum globally to shorten the learning curve without compromising patient safety. Surgical educators in urology should aim to develop a cost-effective, acceptable, validated simulator that can be incorporated into a standardised, validated robot-assisted surgery training curriculum for the next generation of robotic surgeons.

Incidence, Management, and Clinical Outcomes of Prostate Cancer in Kidney Transplant Recipients.

OBJECTIVES: We reviewed the incidence, management, and survival outcomes of prostate cancer among kidney transplant recipients and compared these characteristics with a national population (nonrecipients). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed on all kidney transplant recipients from a National Kidney Transplant Centre who were subsequently diagnosed with prostate cancer. Primary outcome variables included comparisons of incidence and 5-year overall survival in kidney transplant recipients versus nonrecipients after treatment of prostate cancer. Secondary outcome variables were prostate-specific antigen levels at diagnosis, Gleason grade, treatment strategy, and morbidity from treatment among kidney transplant recipients. RESULTS: Of 4048 kidney transplants performed, 3020 were male recipients (63.9%). In total, 34 kidney transplant recipients (1.1%) were diagnosed with prostate cancer 109 ± 83 months (range, 7-372 mo) after transplant. The mean age at prostate cancer diagnosis was 64 ± 7 years, median prostate-specific antigen level was 10 ng/dL (range, 2.6-771 ng/dL), and 76% (n = 26/34) were diagnosed with localized disease. The incidence of prostate cancer was 1126/100 000 in kidney transplant recipients compared with 160/100 000 nonrecipients in Ireland (P = .01). Treatment strategies included curative radiotherapy (n = 18), curative surgery (n = 2), androgen deprivation therapy (n = 8), and watchful waiting (n = 6). Overall survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were not significantly different between kidney transplant recipients with prostate cancer versus nonrecipients with prostate cancer (98% vs 98%, 80% vs 79%, and 77% vs 72%, respectively, P = .8). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of prostate cancer is significantly higher among kidney transplant recipients compared with nonrecipients in the general population, with most diagnosed with localized disease. Definitive management guidelines should be developed to increase awareness and optimize treatment options in this unique patient cohort.