Nomogram predicting the probability of spontaneous stone passage in patients presenting with acute ureteric colic.

OBJECTIVES: To develop a nomogram that could predict spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in patients presenting with acute ureteric colic who are suitable for conservative management. SUBJECT/PATIENTS: A 2517 patient dataset was utilised from an international multi-centre cohort study (MIMIC, A Multi-centre Cohort Study Evaluating the role of Inflammatory Markers In Patients Presenting with Acute Ureteric Colic) of patients presenting with acute ureteric colic across 71 secondary care hospitals in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. Inclusion criteria mandated a non-contrast CT-KUB. METHODS: SSP was defined as the 'absence of the need for intervention'. The model was developed using logistic regression and backwards selection (to achieve lowest AIC) in a subset from 2009-2015 (n=1728) and temporally validated on a subset from 2016-2017 (n=789). RESULTS: Of the 2517 patients, 1874 had SSP (74.5%). Mean age (±[SD]) was 47 (±14.7) years and 1892 were male (75.2%). At the end of the modelling process, gender: male (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.64-1.01, p=0.07), neutrophil count (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.00-1.06, p = 0.08), hydronephrosis (OR 0.79, 95%CI 0.59-1.05, p=0.1), hydroureter (OR 1.3, 95%CI 0.97-1.75, p =0.08), stone size >5-7mm (OR 0.2, 95%CI 0.16-0.25, p<0.0001), stone size >7mm (OR 0.11, 95%CI 0.08-0.15, p<0.001), middle ureter stone position (OR 0.59, 95%CI 0.43-0.81, p=0.001), upper ureter stone position (OR 0.31, 95%CI 0.25-0.39, p<0.001) ), medical expulsive therapy use (OR 1.36, 95%CI 1.1 - 1.67, p = 0.001), oral NSAID use (OR 1.3, 95%CI 0.99 - 1.71, p=0.06), and rectal NSAID use (OR1.17, 95%CI 0.9 - 1.53, p=0.24) remained. Concordance-statistic (C-statistic) was 0.77 (95%CI 0.75 - 0.80) and a nomogram was developed based on these. CONCLUSION: The presented nomogram is available to use as an online calculator via www.BURSTurology.com and could allow clinicians and patients to make a more informed decision on pursuing conservative management versus early intervention.

Stress urinary incontinence in the mesh complication era: current Australian trends.

OBJECTIVES: To examine available data relating to the surgical management of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in Australia before, during and after a well-publicized Senate Inquiry into transvaginal mesh use and to consider outcomes in the context of global guideline changes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The annual number of surgical procedures for the management of SUI by procedure type and age group for the years 2008/2009-2017/2018 was obtained from the Australian Government Department of Human Services database using Medicare Benefits Schedule item numbers. The data extracted were limited to women aged 25 years and older. These data were used to calculate age-specific and age-standardized rates, so as to accurately analyse trends in the usage of different procedures. Hospital Episode Statistics for mid-urethral sling (MUS) insertions were obtained for England's National Health Service from the Health and Social Care Information Centre for the years 2008/2009-2016/2017. These data were also used to calculate annual age-standardized rates for comparison purposes. RESULTS: Rates declined for most SUI procedures over time (MUS, colposuspension, fascial slings) except for urethral bulking agents. The absolute number of MUSs implanted in 2008/2009 was 5729, which decreased to 3127 in the 2017/2018 financial year. Over the decade, the annual rate for MUS implantation per 100 000 population halved from 78 to 36. Over this same period, the rate of usage of bulking agents doubled, although represented a low volume of procedures (overall numbers increased from 304 to 698, representing an increase from four to eight procedures per 100 000 population). The age-specific peak rate for MUS and Burch colposuspension changed over the decade from 55-64 years to 65-74 years, suggesting that women are deferring surgical treatment until later in life. Over the last decade, the total number of surgical procedures performed in Australia to treat SUI has decreased markedly from 6812 to 4279. This represents a decrease in the annual rate per 100 000 population from 93 to 49. CONCLUSIONS: There are clear changes evident for SUI management in the past decade in Australia, including an overall decline in operative numbers, which correlate with international advisory notifications and local investigations. The results of the Australian Senate inquiry, including removal of single-incision mini-slings, greater availability of patient resources, and greater regulation of SUI procedures, will probably have ongoing effects. Surgeons need to ensure that sufficient training and patient education continue in order to maintain appropriate access to treatment of SUI in the future.

Factors associated with spontaneous stone passage in a contemporary cohort of patients presenting with acute ureteric colic: results from the Multi-centre cohort study evaluating the role of Inflammatory Markers In patients presenting with acute ureteric Colic (MIMIC) study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the relationship of white blood cell count (WBC) and other routinely collected inflammatory and clinical markers including stone size, stone position, and medical expulsive therapy use (MET), with spontaneous stone passage (SSP) in a large contemporary cohort of patients with acute ureteric colic, as there are conflicting data on the role of WBC and other inflammatory markers in SSP in patients with acute ureteric colic. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Multicentre retrospective cohort study coordinated by the British Urology Researchers in Surgical Training (BURST) Research Collaborative at 71 secondary care hospitals across four countries (UK, Republic of Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand). In all, 4170 patients presented with acute ureteric colic and a computed tomography confirmed single ureteric stone. Our primary outcome measure was SSP, as defined by the absence of need for intervention to assist stone passage (SP). Multivariable mixed effects logistic regression was used to explore the relationship between key patient factors and SSP. RESULTS: In all, 2518 patients were discharged with conservative management and had further follow-up with a SSP rate of 74% (n = 1874/2518). Sepsis after discharge with conservative management was reported in 0.6% (n = 16/2518). On multivariable analysis neither WBC, neutrophils count, nor C-reactive protein (CRP) predicted SSP, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.91-1.04, P = 0.38), 1.06 (95% CI 0.99-1.13, P = 0.1) and 1.00 (95% CI 0.99-1.00, P = 0.17), respectively. MET also did not predict SSP (adjusted OR 1.11, 95% CI 0.76-1.61). However, stone size and stone position were significant predictors. SSP for stones <5 mm was 89% (95% CI 87-90) compared to 49% (95% CI 44-53) for stones ≥5-7 mm, and 29% (95% CI 23-36) for stones >7 mm. For stones in the upper ureter the SSP rate was 52% (95% CI 48-56), middle ureter was 70% (95% CI 64-76), and lower ureter was 83% (95% CI 81-85). CONCLUSION: In contrast to the previously published literature, we found that in patients with acute ureteric colic who are discharged with initial conservative management neither WBC, neutrophil count, nor CRP, helps determine the likelihood of SSP. We also found no overall benefit from the use of MET. Stone size and position are important predictors and our present findings represent the most comprehensive SP rates for each millimetre increase in stone size from a large contemporary cohort adjusting for key potential confounders. We anticipate that these data will aid clinicians managing patients with acute ureteric colic and help guide management decisions and the need for intervention.

Knowledge of smoking as a risk factor for disease among urology clinic patients in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Smoking remains a common habit among the general population. Despite the well-established risks of smoking, relatively few studies have been undertaken to assess the understanding of these risks among the general population. We intended to assess the understanding of smoking as a risk factor for various conditions in a urology outpatient cohort to assess the level of knowledge as well as particular strengths and weaknesses they possess. METHODS: A four-page questionnaire was distributed among urology outpatients over a 5 month period. The questionnaire captured information regarding the knowledge of smoking as a risk factor for various urological and non-urological conditions. Results were collated and stratified according to patient's cancer history as well as smoking status. RESULTS: A total of 112 participants were included in our analytical sample. Our study demonstrated a deficiency in knowledge regarding smoking and urological conditions. When ranked by level of knowledge, four of the bottom five conditions were urological in nature. Furthermore, we found that patients with a personal cancer history demonstrated generally poorer knowledge of smoking as a risk factor compared to patients without a cancer history. Conversely, smokers themselves demonstrated a greater understanding of risks compared to non-smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests there is much work to be done in the education of patients on the risks of smoking from a urological point of view. We believe more initiative needs to be taken by the specialists treating such patients to achieve an improved level of knowledge.

Three dimensional models in uro-oncology: a future built with additive fabrication.

PURPOSE: Three-dimensional (3D) printing was invented in 1983 but has only just begun to influence medicine and surgery. Conversion of digital images into physical models demonstrates promise to revolutionize multiple domains of surgery. In the field of uro-oncology, researchers and clinicians have recognized the potential of this technology and are working towards making it an integral part of urological practice. We review current literature regarding 3D printing and other 3D technology in the field of urology. METHOD: A comprehensive assessment of contemporary literature was performed according to a modified PRISMA analysis for the purposes of this narrative review article. Medical databases that were searched included: Web of Science, EMBASE and Cochrane databases. Articles assessed were limited only to English-language peer-reviewed articles published between 1980 and 2017. The search terms used were "3D", "3-dimensional", "printing", "printing technology", "urology", "surgery". Acceptable articles were reviewed and incorporated for their merit and relevance with preference given for articles with high impact, original research and recent advances. RESULTS: Thirty-five publications were included in final analysis and discussion. CONCLUSIONS: The area of 3D printing in Urology shows promising results, but further research is required and cost reduction must occur before clinicians fully embrace its use. As costs continue to decline and diversity of materials continues to expand, research and clinical utilization will increase. Recent advances have demonstrated the potential of this technology in the realms of education and surgical optimization. The generation of personalized organs using 3D printing scaffolding remains the 'holy grail' of this technology.

Laparoscopic lens fogging: solving a common surgical problem in standard and robotic laparoscopes via a scientific model.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic lens fogging (LLF) hampers vision and impedes operative efficiency. Attempts to reduce LLF have led to the development of various anti-fogging fluids and warming devices. Limited literature exists directly comparing these techniques. We constructed a model peritoneum to simulate LLF and to compare the efficacy of various anti-fogging techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intraperitoneal space was simulated using a suction bag suspended within an 8 L container of water. LLF was induced by varying the temperature and humidity within the model peritoneum. Various anti-fogging techniques were assessed including scope warmers, FREDTM, ResoclearTM, chlorhexidine, betadine and immersion in heated saline. These products were trialled with and without the use of a disposable scope warmer. Vision scores were evaluated by the same investigator for all tests and rated according to a predetermined scale. Fogging was assessed for each product or technique 30 times and a mean vision rating was recorded. RESULTS: All products tested imparted some benefit, but FREDTM performed better than all other techniques. Betadine and ResoclearTM performed no better than the use of a scope warmer alone. Immersion in saline prior to insertion resulted in decreased vision ratings. The robotic scope did not result in LLF within the model. CONCLUSIONS: In standard laparoscopes, the most superior preventative measure was FREDTM utilised on a pre-warmed scope. Despite improvements in LLF with other products FREDTM was better than all other techniques. The robotic laparoscope performed superiorly regarding LLF compared to standard laparoscope.

Penile Cancer: Contemporary Lymph Node Management.

PURPOSE: In penile cancer, the optimal diagnostics and management of metastatic lymph nodes are not clear. Advances in minimally invasive staging, including dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy, have widened the diagnostic repertoire of the urologist. We aimed to provide an objective update of the recent trends in the management of penile squamous cell carcinoma, and inguinal and pelvic lymph node metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We systematically reviewed several medical databases, including the Web of Science® (with MEDLINE®), Embase® and Cochrane databases, according to PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search terms used were penile cancer, lymph node, sentinel node, minimally invasive, surgery and outcomes, alone and in combination. Articles pertaining to the management of lymph nodes in penile cancer were reviewed, including original research, reviews and clinical guidelines published between 1980 and 2016. RESULTS: Accurate and minimally invasive lymph node staging is of the utmost importance in the surgical management of penile squamous cell carcinoma. In patients with clinically node negative disease, a growing body of evidence supports the use of sentinel lymph node biopsies. Dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy exposes the patient to minimal risk, and results in superior sensitivity and specificity profiles compared to alternate nodal staging techniques. In the presence of locoregional disease, improvements in inguinal or pelvic lymphadenectomy have reduced morbidity and improved oncologic outcomes. A multimodal approach of chemotherapy and surgery has demonstrated a survival benefit for patients with advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS: Recent developments in lymph node management have occurred in penile cancer, such as minimally invasive lymph node diagnosis and intervention strategies. These advances have been met with a degree of controversy in the contemporary literature. Current data suggest that dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy provides excellent sensitivity and specificity for detecting lymph node metastases. More robust long-term data on multicenter patient cohorts are required to determine the optimal management of lymph nodes in penile cancer.

Persistent Super-Utilization of Acute Care Services Among Subgroups of Veterans Experiencing Homelessness.

BACKGROUND: Acute health care utilization often occurs among persons experiencing homelessness. However, knowing which individuals will be persistent super-utilizers of acute care is less well understood. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to identify those more likely to be persistent super-utilizers of acute care services. RESEARCH DESIGN: We conducted a latent class analysis of secondary data from the Veterans Health Administration Corporate Data Warehouse, and Homeless Operations Management and Evaluation System. The study sample included 16,912 veterans who experienced homelessness and met super-utilizer criteria in any quarter between July 1, 2014 and December 31, 2015. The latent class analysis included veterans' diagnoses and acute care utilization. RESULTS: Medical, mental health, and substance use morbidity rates were high. More than half of the sample utilized Veterans Health Administration Homeless Programs concurrently with their super-utilization of acute care. There were 7 subgroups of super-utilizers, which varied considerably on the degree to which their super-utilization persisted over time. Approximately a third of the sample met super-utilizer criteria for ≥3 quarters; this group was older and disproportionately male, non-Hispanic white, and unmarried, with lower rates of post-9/11 service and higher rates of rural residence and service-connected disability. They were much more likely to be currently homeless with more medical, mental health, and substance use morbidity. CONCLUSION: Only a subset of homeless veterans were persistent super-utilizers, suggesting the need for more targeted interventions.

Blueprint unknown: a case for multidisciplinary management of advanced penile mycosis fungoides.

A 64-year-old man presented with a 2 week history of progressive phimosis and painful ulcer on his penile meatus. He underwent penile preserving excision, and subsequent pathological examination confirmed T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma with immunohistochemical features of large cell transformation of mycosis fungoides. The penis was further treated with local external beam radiotherapy consisting of 27 Gy in 15 fractions and systemic mini-CHOP chemotherapy. An organ-preserving tissue response has since been achieved. This case is the first of its kind in the literature and firmly highlights the role of multidisciplinary management for this rare malignancy.

Bilateral obstructing ureteric calculi in pregnancy: a rare cause of acute renal failure.

Bilateral obstructing ureteric calculi is a rare cause of acute renal failure. Although urolithiasis in later pregnancy is not uncommon, the development of bilateral obstruction secondary to ureteric calculi in the first trimester is rare and poses difficulty to diagnosis and management. Symptoms of diseases and physiological changes associated with pregnancy can obscure diagnosis of urolithiasis and obstructive uropathy. Advances in minimally invasive endourology afford intervention with reduced risk to fetal health. We present the second case of acute renal failure caused by bilateral obstructing ureteric calculi in a pregnant patient and discuss current management algorithms for this group.

Management of men with previous negative prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Up to 70% of prostate biopsies are negative in men with suspected prostate cancer. Because of inherent limitations in biopsy strategies, a significant proportion of cancers are missed on initial biopsy. Following negative biopsy, men frequently exhibit persistently elevated prostate-specific antigen - raising concerns for missed diagnosis. We highlight the recent updates in the management of negative prostate biopsy. RECENT FINDINGS: Advances in noninvasive diagnostics are available and assist clinicians in further substratifying risk of prostate cancer. Despite limited data, urinary prostate cancer antigen 3 and transmembrane protease serine 2 appear to have a promising predictive value for patients suspected of prostate cancer. The advent of multiparametricMRI allows the visualization of intermediate and high-grade prostate cancer, particularly in the troublesome anterior prostate. This modality may further provide the potential for magnetic resonance-guided targeted biopsies. Current data suggest that in the presence of suspicious radiological findings, magnetic resonance-guided biopsies have superior sensitivity profiles compared with traditional rebiopsy approaches. In the absence of multiparametricMRI or suspicious findings, traditional saturation biopsies are sufficient. SUMMARY: The management of negative biopsies is evolving rapidly with emerging diagnostics to stratify risk of prostate cancer in men with previous negative biopsies. An increasing body of information supports the use of magnetic resonance-guided biopsies.

Vitamin D status and monitoring in female veterans.

An increasing number of women are serving in the military. We initiated a retrospective study to evaluate vitamin D status and monitoring in female veterans, and to examine the potential link between vitamin D status, age, race, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), health care costs, and utilization. Approximately 44 percent of the 3,608 female veterans evaluated between 2001 and 2010 were vitamin D deficient (25(OH)D < 20 ng/ml), a rate substantially higher than that of the general population. While younger (<55 years) and older (55+ years) women did not differ significantly in initial vitamin D status, older women had significantly more vitamin D monitoring and follow-up testing than younger women. Approximately 44 percent of vitamin D deficient women did not receive follow-up vitamin D testing. Minority female veterans were most likely to be vitamin D deficient. Female veterans with PTSD did not differ from others regarding their initial vitamin D status; those that were initially deficient were significantly more likely to receive follow-up testing and were more likely to achieve a replete state. Vitamin D deficiency in female veterans was also associated with increased health-care costs. Appropriate monitoring and replacement of vitamin D should be offered to all female veterans.

"A button in my Benjamin" - Self-inflicted insertion of button batteries into the male urethra: Management and complications.

We present a case of self-insertion of multiple button batteries into the urethra. Button batteries are corrosive and tissue liquefaction and necrosis can occur within 2 hours. Emergent removal, intravenous antibiotics, suprapubic and indwelling catheter insertion and close monitoring are required to prevent further tissue injury. In our case, the batteries were removed with stent grasper forceps. There was extensive caustic circumferential injury to the urethral mucosa on cystoscopic examination. This was complicated by periurethral necrosis and abscess, requiring urgent incision and debridement. No reconstruction was performed due to the very high risk of graft failure.

Prevalence of Renal Neoplasia in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is a common inherited condition; however, its relationship with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remains unclear. This paper aims to establish the prevalence of RCC and its subtypes amongst ADPKD patients. METHODS: A database search was conducted to retrieve studies reporting RCC occurrence within ADPKD patients until July 2023. Key outcomes included number and subtype of RCC cases, and number of RCCs presenting incidentally. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed. RESULTS: Our search yielded 569 articles, 16 met the inclusion criteria. Nephrectomy specimens from 1,147 ADPKD patients were identified. Of studies reporting per-kidney results (n = 13), 73 RCCs were detected amongst 1,493 kidneys, equating to a per-kidney prevalence of 4.3% (95% CI, 3.1-5.7, I2 = 15.7%). 75 ADPKD patients were found to have RCC (75/1,147), resulting in a per-person prevalence of 5.7% (95% CI, 3.7-7.9, I2 = 40.3%) (n = 16). As 7 patients had bilateral disease, 82 RCCs were detected in total. Of these, 39 were clear cell RCC, 35 were papillary and 8 were other. As such, papillary RCCs made up 41.1% (95% CI, 25.9-56.9, I2 = 18.1%) of detected cancers. The majority of RCCs were detected incidentally (72.5% [95% CI, 43.7-95.1, I2 = 66.9%]). CONCLUSION: ADPKD appears to be associated with the papillary RCC subtype. The clinical implications of these findings are unclear, however, may become apparent as outcomes and life expectancy amongst APDKD patients improve.

Relationship of vitamin D monitoring and status to bladder cancer survival in veterans.

OBJECTIVES: Veterans of the armed forces, like most population groups, have a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency, which may be associated with adverse outcomes in several types of cancer. Ultraviolet irradiation is inversely linked with the risk of bladder cancer, presumably through enhanced vitamin D synthesis. We hypothesized that variations in vitamin D status and monitoring predict adverse outcomes in bladder cancer among veterans. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data in the Veterans Integrated Service Network-9 (southeastern United States) was performed for patients diagnosed between October 1, 1999 and February 29, 2008. Age, tobacco exposure, body mass index, and latitude and seasonality of sampling were included as variables in addition to serum vitamin 25(OH)D levels. RESULTS: Monitoring of vitamin D and vitamin D levels and status were closely linked to survival in bladder cancer. Both the chances of survival and longevity improved with enhanced vitamin D status and monitoring. Veterans with bladder cancer had better outcomes if the initial vitamin D level was higher and had more monitoring of the vitamin. Initial vitamin D levels were more strongly related to outcomes than follow-up levels. The link between vitamin D and outcomes remained after adjusting for background variables such as age, body mass index, latitude, seasonality, and tobacco exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that adequate vitamin D levels early in the course of the disease provide the best opportunity to improve outcomes. Ensuring that veterans with bladder cancer have adequate vitamin D reserves with appropriate monitoring may play a role in improving outcomes in bladder cancer.

Vitamin D testing patterns among six Veterans Medical Centers in the Southeastern United States: links with medical costs.

Veterans have a profound degree of vitamin D deficiency that may contribute to adverse health outcomes. Some veterans, especially African Americans at high risk of vitamin D deficiency, may not be receiving appropriate attention. We hypothesized variations in vitamin D status and monitoring across six different VAMCs and that these differences are associated with health care costs. A retrospective analysis of the medical data in the Veterans Integrated Service Network 9 (Southeastern United States) was performed, yielding a sample of 15,340 veterans. Monitoring of vitamin D, vitamin D levels, and medical costs and services in all categories varied greatly by site. Memphis tested vitamin D levels less often despite the increased minority presence and high levels of deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency and lack of monitoring predicted increased inpatient health care costs at all sites, but did not fully account for site-cost variations in controlled analyses. Vitamin D deficiency remains a significant problem among veterans in the Southeastern United States and is closely linked to increased health care costs. We recommend protocols that recognize site differences and facilitate testing and monitoring of vitamin D levels, especially in high-risk groups of veterans.

Ureteric orifice obstruction by catheter balloon Post-TURP: A rare cause of obstructive uropathy.

A 50-year-old male underwent small volume TURP for median lobe prostatic hypertrophy. Post-procedure, a 3-way urethral catheter was placed. He subsequently developed flank pain, anuria and creatinine rise. CT demonstrated bilateral obstructive uropathy. In the absence of obstructing lesions, it was suspected that the catheter balloon may have caused obstruction of bilateral ureteric orifices. Balloon deflation (from 30 to 10 mL) and catheter repositioning resulted in rapid resolution of pain and resumption of urine output. Urologists should consider the catheter balloon as a cause of obstructive uropathy, especially after procedures where normal trigonal anatomy is disrupted.

Interrogating the Impassable: A Case Series and Literature Review of Unilateral SPECT-CT Groin Visualization in Men With Penile Cancer.

Penile squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy, which is known to invade local inguinal lymph nodes prior to progressing to the pelvis. Dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy (DSLNB) is a standard for the minimally invasive assessment of lymphadenopathy in patients with subclinical groin metastasis. Hybrid 99mTc Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) has been shown to increase the accuracy of identifying first draining "sentinel" nodes (SN). Unilateral inguinal visualization on SPECT-CT is a rare presentation, which may increase the likelihood of a false negative SN biopsy. Retrospective analysis from three-penile cancer uro-oncologists in Melbourne, Australia identified 78 groins undergoing DSLNB for intermediate/high risk primary disease. Unilateral SPECT-CT results were observed in four patients suggesting a functional pattern of lymph diversion. Analysis confirmed malignancy (n = 2), sarcoidosis (n = 1), and evidence of local inflammation in SPECT-CT negative groins. Findings re-iterate the role of SPECT-CT a pre-operative adjunct. Experienced multimodal groin assessment using palpation, SPECT-CT, lymphoscintigraphy, and blue dye tracking remains paramount. Unilateral SN on pre-operative SPECT-CT in men with intermediate/high-risk penile SCC should elicit a higher degree of clinical suspicion. We recommend a low threshold for recommending radical inguinal lymph node dissection (ILND) for groins refractory to minimally invasive assessment.