Intra-individual comparison of prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography versus bone scan in detecting skeletal metastasis at prostate cancer diagnosis.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the diagnostic performance and radiological staging impact of 68 Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PSMA PET/CT) compared to 99 Tc whole-body bone scan (WBBS) for the detection of skeletal metastasis in the primary staging of prostate cancer (PCa). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective institutional database was retrospectively examined for patients who underwent both PSMA PET and WBBS within a 1 week interval for PCa primary staging. Lesions were categorised as 'negative', 'equivocal', or 'definite' based on nuclear medicine physician interpretation. Metastatic burden was characterised for each imaging modality according to three groups: (i) local disease (no skeletal metastases), (ii) oligometastatic disease (three or fewer skeletal metastases), or (iii) polymetastatic disease (more than three skeletal metastases). RESULTS: There were 667 patients included. The median (interquartile range) prostate-specific antigen level was 9.2 (6.2-16) ng/mL and 60% of patients were high risk according to a modified D'Amico risk classification. The overall distribution of skeletal metastasis detection changed across the two scans overall (P = 0.003), being maintained within high-risk (P = 0.030) and low-risk (P = 0.018) groups. PSMA PET/CT identified more definite skeletal metastases compared to WBBS overall (10.3% vs 7.3%), and according to risk grouping (high: 12% vs 9%, intermediate: 4% vs 1%). Upstaging was more common with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS (P = 0.001). The maximum standardised uptake value (SUVmax ) of the primary tumour was associated with upstaging of skeletal metastases on PSMA PET/CT (P = 0.025), while age was associated with upstaging on WBBS (P = 0.021). The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases were both higher according to extent of metastatic disease (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: More skeletal metastases were detected with PSMA PET/CT than WBBS, resulting in a higher upstaging rate mostly in high-risk patients. The SUVmax of the primary tumour and metastases was associated with upstaging.

Evaluating the Efficacy of ChatGPT as a Patient Education Tool in Prostate Cancer: Multimetric Assessment.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have made significant progress. These chatbots, particularly popular among health care professionals and patients, are transforming patient education and disease experience with personalized information. Accurate, timely patient education is crucial for informed decision-making, especially regarding prostate-specific antigen screening and treatment options. However, the accuracy and reliability of AI chatbots' medical information must be rigorously evaluated. Studies testing ChatGPT's knowledge of prostate cancer are emerging, but there is a need for ongoing evaluation to ensure the quality and safety of information provided to patients. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the quality, accuracy, and readability of ChatGPT-4's responses to common prostate cancer questions posed by patients. METHODS: Overall, 8 questions were formulated with an inductive approach based on information topics in peer-reviewed literature and Google Trends data. Adapted versions of the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for AI (PEMAT-AI), Global Quality Score, and DISCERN-AI tools were used by 4 independent reviewers to assess the quality of the AI responses. The 8 AI outputs were judged by 7 expert urologists, using an assessment framework developed to assess accuracy, safety, appropriateness, actionability, and effectiveness. The AI responses' readability was assessed using established algorithms (Flesch Reading Ease score, Gunning Fog Index, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, The Coleman-Liau Index, and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook [SMOG] Index). A brief tool (Reference Assessment AI [REF-AI]) was developed to analyze the references provided by AI outputs, assessing for reference hallucination, relevance, and quality of references. RESULTS: The PEMAT-AI understandability score was very good (mean 79.44%, SD 10.44%), the DISCERN-AI rating was scored as "good" quality (mean 13.88, SD 0.93), and the Global Quality Score was high (mean 4.46/5, SD 0.50). Natural Language Assessment Tool for AI had pooled mean accuracy of 3.96 (SD 0.91), safety of 4.32 (SD 0.86), appropriateness of 4.45 (SD 0.81), actionability of 4.05 (SD 1.15), and effectiveness of 4.09 (SD 0.98). The readability algorithm consensus was "difficult to read" (Flesch Reading Ease score mean 45.97, SD 8.69; Gunning Fog Index mean 14.55, SD 4.79), averaging an 11th-grade reading level, equivalent to 15- to 17-year-olds (Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level mean 12.12, SD 4.34; The Coleman-Liau Index mean 12.75, SD 1.98; SMOG Index mean 11.06, SD 3.20). REF-AI identified 2 reference hallucinations, while the majority (28/30, 93%) of references appropriately supplemented the text. Most references (26/30, 86%) were from reputable government organizations, while a handful were direct citations from scientific literature. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis found that ChatGPT-4 provides generally good responses to common prostate cancer queries, making it a potentially valuable tool for patient education in prostate cancer care. Objective quality assessment tools indicated that the natural language processing outputs were generally reliable and appropriate, but there is room for improvement.

Transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy remains a safe method in confirming a prostate cancer diagnosis: a multicentre Australian analysis of infection rates.

PURPOSE: Worldwide, transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle remains the most common method of diagnosing prostate cancer. Due to high infective complications reported, some have suggested it is now time to abandon this technique in preference of a trans-perineal approach. The aim of this study was to report on the infection rates following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsy in multiple Australian centres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were collected from seven Australian centres across four states and territories that undertake transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsies for the diagnosis of prostate cancer, including major metropolitan and regional centres. In four centres, the data were collected prospectively. Rates of readmissions due to infection, urosepsis resulting in intensive care admission and mortality were recorded. RESULTS: 12,240 prostate biopsies were performed in seven Australian centres between July 1998 and December 2020. There were 105 readmissions for infective complications with rates between centres ranging from 0.19 to 2.60% and an overall rate of 0.86%. Admission to intensive care with sepsis ranged from 0 to 0.23% and overall 0.03%. There was no mortality in the 12,240 cases. CONCLUSION: Infective complications following transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate needle biopsies are very low, occurring in less than 1% of 12,240 biopsies. Though this study included a combination of both prospective and retrospective data and did not offer a comparison with a trans-perineal approach, TRUS prostate biopsy is a safe means of obtaining a prostate cancer diagnosis. Further prospective studies directly comparing the techniques are required prior to abandoning TRUS based upon infectious complications.

A prospective, matched comparison of ultra-low and standard-dose computed tomography for assessment of renal colic.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultra-low-dose computed tomography (ULDCT) compared with standard-dose CT (SDCT) in the evaluation of patients with clinically suspected renal colic, in addition to secondary features (hydroureteronephrosis, perinephric stranding) and additional pathological entities (renal masses). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective, comparative cohort study was conducted amongst patients presenting to the emergency department with signs and symptoms suggestive of renal or ureteric colic. Patients underwent both SDCT and ULDCT. Single-blinded review of the image sets was performed independently by three board-certified radiologists. RESULTS: Among 21 patients, the effective radiation dose was lower for ULDCT [mean (SD) 1.02 (0.16) mSv] than SDCT [mean (SD) 4.97 (2.02) mSv]. Renal and/or ureteric calculi were detected in 57.1% (12/21) of patients. There were no significant differences in calculus detection and size estimation between ULDCT and SDCT. A higher concordance was observed for ureteric calculi (75%) than renal calculi (38%), mostly due to greater detection of calculi of <3 mm by SDCT. Clinically significant calculi (≥3 mm) were detected by ULDCT with high specificity (97.6%) and sensitivity (100%) compared to overall detection (specificity 91.2%, sensitivity 58.8%). ULDCT and SDCT were highly concordant for detection of secondary features, while ULDCT detected less renal cysts of <2 cm. Inter-observer agreement for the ureteric calculi detection was 93.9% for SDCT and 87.8% for ULDCT. CONCLUSION: ULDCT performed similarly to SDCT for calculus detection and size estimation with reduced radiation exposure. Based on this and other studies, ULDCT should be considered as the first-line modality for evaluation of renal colic in routine practice.

Long Pulse-Width Setting Improves Holmium-YAG Laser Lithotripsy - Enhanced Fragmentation and Retropulsion Characteristics of Renal Calculi in a Novel In-Vivo Setting.

The aim of this novel in vivo study was to characterize the effect of short pulse-width versus long pulse-width Holmium-YAG laser lithotripter settings on retropulsion and fragmentation in a real-life setting. A prospective, crossover study was conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital in NSW, Australia. Patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy for renal calculi in 2018 were included. All patients underwent flexible ureteroscopy using a Flexor® 10.7/12 French ureteric access sheath (Cook Medical LLC, Bloomington, IN, USA) and lithotripsy with a 30W Holmium-YAG laser (Rocamed, Monaco). Thirty-two renal calculi were subjected to 1 min of laser treatment using both short and long pulse-width settings. Using 5-point, operator-assessed Likert scales, the level of retropulsion and fragmentation efficacy were assessed. There was significantly less retropulsion and improved stone fragmentation (p<0.001) using the long pulse-width compared to the short pulse-width setting. Regardless of stone size, in vivo renal calculi lithotripsy with a long pulse-width significantly improves the efficacy of lithotripter treatment.

Evaluation of the accuracy of multiparametric MRI for predicting prostate cancer pathology and tumour staging in the real world: an multicentre study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) for the detection of significant prostate cancer in men undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) in an Australian multicentre setting, and to assess concordance between mpMRI and RP for local tumour staging and index lesion locations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Men who underwent mpMRI within 12 months of RP between January 2013 and August 2016 at three Australian sites were included (Central Coast, NSW, St Vincents Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., and Bendigo Hospital, Vic.). The results of mpMRI were compared with the final RP specimen to analyse the performance of mpMRI for significant prostate cancer detection, index lesion localization, prediction of T3 disease and lymph node metastasis. A comparison between mpMRI cases performed using the technical and reporting specifications of Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 1 and version 2 was also performed. Data analysis was performed using spss 24.0. RESULTS: A total of 235 cases were included for analysis. mpMRI PI-RADS score ≥3 had a 91% sensitivity and 95% positive predictive value (PPV) for significant prostate cancer at RP. The overall concordance between index lesion location on mpMRI and RP specimen was 75%. The sensitivity for predication of significant prostate cancer was higher in the PI-RADS version 2 cases compared with PI-RADS version 1 (87-99%; P = 0.005). Index lesion concordance was higher in the PI-RADS version 2 group (68% vs 91%; P = 0.002). mpMRI had a 38% sensitivity, 95% specificity, 90% PPV and 57% negative predictive value for extraprostatic disease. Sensitivity for prediction of T3 disease improved from 30% to 62% (P = 0.008) with PI-RADS version 2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients undergoing RP, an abnormal mpMRI is highly predictive (95% PPV) of significant prostate cancer, with an index lesion concordance of 75%. There has been a significant improvement in accuracy after the adoption of PI-RADS version 2 technical specifications and reporting criteria; however; further study is required to determine if this is attributable to improved experience with mpMRI or changes in the PI-RADS system.

Single use versus reusable digital flexible ureteroscopes: A prospective comparative study.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the performance and surgical outcomes of two different single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes with a reusable video flexible ureteroscope. METHODS: Patients undergoing retrograde flexible ureteroscopy at Nepean Hospital, Sydney, Australia, were included in this study. Three different flexible ureteroscopes were used in this study: (i) single-use digital LithoVue (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA); (ii) single-use digital PU3022A (Pusen, Zhuhai, China); and (iii) reusable digital URF-V2 (Olympus, Tokyo, Japan). Visibility and maneuverability was rated on a 5-point Likert scale by the operating surgeon. Operative outcomes and complications were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 150 patients were included in the present study. Of these, 141 patients had ureteroscopy for stone treatment, four for endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery and five for diagnostic/tumor treatment. There were 55 patients in the LithoVue group, 31 in the PU3022A group and 64 patients in the Olympus URF-V2 group. The URF-V2 group had higher visibility scores than both the single-use scopes and higher maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. The LithoVue had higher visibility and maneuverability scores when compared with the PU3022A. There were no differences in operative time, rates of relook flexible ureteroscopes, scope failure or complication rates observed. CONCLUSIONS: Single-use digital flexible ureteroscopes have visibility and maneuverability profiles approaching that of a reusable digital flexible ureteroscope. Single-use flexible ureteroscopes achieve similar clinical outcomes to the more expensive reusable versions.

Multi-centre, prospective evaluation of the Seldinger technique for difficult male urethral catheter insertions by non-urology trained doctors.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Seldinger technique by non-urology trained (NUT) doctors for difficult male indwelling urinary catheter (IDC) insertions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In all, 115 patients and 57 participating NUT doctors were recruited by the urologist or urology registrar, when contacted in regards to failed IDC insertion. The successful passage of an IDC by the NUT doctors using the Seldinger technique with a straight, hydrophilic guidewire was assessed in our prospective, multicentre evaluation. Instruction of this technique was via bedside teaching by the urology registrar or via video media. RESULTS: The 115 patients, involving 57 NUT doctors, were prospectively evaluated across four sites; 93% (107/115) of cases had successful placement of an IDC with the Seldinger technique by a NUT doctor. No complications with the Seldinger technique were recorded. In 80 patients (69.6%), the technique was successfully performed by a NUT doctor without attendance by a urologist or urology registrar, with instruction provided from video media or prior bedside teaching by the urology registrar. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to validate the safety and effectiveness of the Seldinger technique for difficult male IDC insertion performed by NUT doctors. This technique can be taught via video education and thus has important implications for health services where urological support is not readily available.

The use of portable video media vs standard verbal communication in the urological consent process: a multicentre, randomised controlled, crossover trial.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if portable video media (PVM) improves patient's knowledge and satisfaction acquired during the consent process for cystoscopy and insertion of a ureteric stent compared to standard verbal communication (SVC), as informed consent is a crucial component of patient care and PVM is an emerging technology that may help improve the consent process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this multi-centre randomised controlled crossover trial, patients requiring cystoscopy and stent insertion were recruited from two major teaching hospitals in Australia over a 15-month period (July 2014-December 2015). Patient information delivery was via PVM and SVC. The PVM consisted of an audio-visual presentation with cartoon animation presented on an iPad. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the validated Client Satisfaction Questionnaire 8 (CSQ-8; maximum score 32) and knowledge was tested using a true/false questionnaire (maximum score 28). Questionnaires were completed after first intervention and after crossover. Scores were analysed using the independent samples t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test for the crossover analysis. RESULTS: In all, 88 patients were recruited. A significant 3.1 point (15.5%) increase in understanding was demonstrable favouring the use of PVM (P < 0.001). There was no difference in patient satisfaction between the groups as judged by the CSQ-8. A significant 3.6 point (17.8%) increase in knowledge score was seen when the SVC group were crossed over to the PVM arm. A total of 80.7% of patients preferred PVM and 19.3% preferred SVC. Limitations include the lack of a validated questionnaire to test knowledge acquired from the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates patients' preference towards PVM in the urological consent process of cystoscopy and ureteric stent insertion. PVM improves patient's understanding compared with SVC and is a more effective means of content delivery to patients in terms of overall preference and knowledge gained during the consent process.

Portable Video Media Versus Standard Verbal Communication in Surgical Information Delivery to Nurses: A Prospective Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial.

BACKGROUND: Continuing education of health professionals is important for delivery of quality health care. Surgical nurses are often required to understand surgical procedures. Nurses need to be aware of the expected outcomes and recognize potential complications of such procedures during their daily work. Traditional educational methods, such as conferences and tutorials or informal education at the bedside, have many drawbacks for delivery of this information in a universal, standardized, and timely manner. The rapid uptake of portable media devices makes portable video media (PVM) a potential alternative to current educational methods. OBJECTIVE: To compare PVM to standard verbal communication (SVC) for surgical information delivery and educational training for nurses and evaluate its impact on knowledge acquisition and participant satisfaction. DESIGN: Prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled crossover trial. SETTING: Two hospitals: Gosford District Hospital and Wyong Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-two nursing staff (36 at each site). INTERVENTION: Information delivery via PVM--7-minute video compared to information delivered via SVC. OUTCOME MEASURES: Knowledge acquisition was measured by a 32-point questionnaire, and satisfaction with the method of education delivery was measured using the validated Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8). RESULTS: Knowledge acquisition was higher via PVM compared to SVC 25.9 (95% confidence interval [CI] 25.2-26.6) versus 24.3 (95% CI 23.5-25.1), p = .004. Participant satisfaction was higher with PVM 29.5 (95% CI 28.3-30.7) versus 26.5 (95% CI 25.1-27.9), p = .003. Following information delivery via SVC, participants had a 6% increase in knowledge scores, 24.3 (95% CI 23.5-25.1) versus 25.7 (95% CI 24.9-26.5) p = .001, and a 13% increase in satisfaction scores, 26.5 (95% CI 25.1-27.9) versus 29.9 (95% CI 28.8-31.0) p < .001, when they crossed-over to information delivery via PVM. LINKING EVIDENCE TO ACTION: PVM provides a novel method for providing education to nurses that improves knowledge retention and satisfaction with the educational process.

Nasolacrimal duct screening to minimize post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis.

BACKGROUND: To examine unrecognized nasolacrimal duct obstruction as a risk factor for developing endophthalmitis post-cataract surgery in order to assess the value of preoperative lacrimal system screening. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. PARTICIPANTS: A random sample of patients undergoing phacoemulsification cataract surgery (control group) and a consecutive series of patients admitted to our hospital with post-cataract surgery endophthalmitis. METHODS: We compared the rate of nasolacrimal duct obstruction in the control group versus the endophthalmitis series. Both groups underwent nasolacrimal duct syringing with normal saline on the ipsilateral side to the surgery. A standard macro-dacryocystogram was performed to confirm for obstruction detected on syringing. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Nasolacrimal duct obstruction rate. RESULTS: Forty-four eyes from 39 patients were included in this study: 34 eyes from 29 patients formed the control group and 10 eyes from 10 patients formed the endophthalmitis group. A higher rate of nasolacrimal duct obstruction was found among patients who developed endophthalmitis post-cataract in comparison with the control group, on both nasolacrimal duct syringing (50.0% vs. 11.8%; P = 0.018) and macro-dacryocystogram (20.0% vs. 2.9%, P = 0.125). Two out of the three patients with radiologically confirmed nasolacrimal duct obstruction reported a long history of epiphora. CONCLUSION: The higher rates of obstruction on nasolacrimal duct syringing and macro-dacryocystogram among patients who developed endophthalmitis suggest that nasolacrimal duct obstruction is a significant risk factor for postoperative endophthalmitis. We recommend routine screening for symptoms and examination of the lacrimal system prior to cataract surgery.

iPhone applications for eye care professionals: a review of current capabilities and concerns.

PURPOSE: To quantitatively review and categorize the eye care-related iPhone(®) (Apple(®), Cupertino, CA) applications ("apps") currently available, evaluate qualified professional involvement in app development, and suggest future needs in this emerging area of mobile health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Apple iTunes(®) store was searched for iPhone eye care-themed apps using the general terms "ophthalmology," "ophthalmologist," "optometry," "optometrist," "eye care," and "ocular," in addition to terms based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's common eye conditions. Data collected from each app included publication date, target audience, category of app, estimated number of downloads, average user rating, and documented involvement of qualified professionals. RESULTS: In total, 182 apps were identified. The majority of apps lacked community user ratings and had 3,000 or fewer downloads (84% and 69%, respectively). Consistent with other medical specialties, only 37% of apps had documented qualified professional involvement in their development. When stratified by intended audience, 52% and 44% of apps designed for ophthalmologists and optometrists, respectively, had professional input, compared with 31% for non-eye care clinicians and 21% for the general public. CONCLUSIONS: Smartphone apps are likely to become of increasingly greater relevance to the modern eye care professional with tremendous versatility in daily practice. However, despite the rapid emergence of eye care apps, a low level of qualified professional involvement in app development and a lack of peer review after publishing remain. There is a clear need for evidence-based principles and standards of app development to be adopted in this emerging area.

Bladder Endometriosis: What do we know and what is left to find out? A narrative review.

Bladder endometriosis accounts for 70-85% of urinary tract endometriosis cases. Urinary tract endometriosis occurs in approximately 1% of those living with endometriosis. Underlying aetiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood, but there are several plausible theories. As well as the typical pain symptoms, those with bladder endometriosis can experience several urinary tract symptoms. The manifestation of these symptoms can have complex pathways and processes. Imaging is accurate in the diagnosis of bladder endometriosis and clinicians should be mindful of the risk of silent kidney loss. Management should be guided by symptoms; both medical and surgical options are feasible. Surgical management offers potentially definitive treatment. Excisional surgery via bladder shave or partial cystectomy offers good improvement in symptoms with relatively low rates of serious complications and recurrence.

A vertical study programme for medical students: peer-assisted learning in practice.

BACKGROUND: Monash University employs a vertically-integrated curriculum with cumulative knowledge testing throughout the course. To facilitate cross-year level revision, a vertical study programme (VESPA) was established using the principles of peer-assisted learning (PAL). AIM: To implement and evaluate VESPA in relation to defined objectives. METHODS: Following from a successful pilot, a working group organised five 2 h VESPA sessions over the course of 2009. Each was case-based and study materials were provided. Participants were allocated to a group of 10-15 students of all year levels, and pre-interns acted as facilitators. Sessions were evaluated using a 10-question survey. RESULTS: A total of 647 evaluation surveys were completed overall and participant numbers ranged from 79 to 182 per session. Of these, 624 (96%) agreed the case materials were easy to follow and 562 (87%) believed they allowed students from all year levels to contribute; 552 (85%) felt VESPA helped them understand curriculum content. There were no significant differences between sessions. CONCLUSIONS: VESPA represents an innovative application of PAL that has been well received by students. Potential benefits to participants include academic revision, the development of mentoring relationships and enhanced teaching and facilitation skills. This model of a structured revision programme would suit other settings with vertically-integrated curricula and assessment.

Unexpected case of large ureteric calculus being passed following prostatic artery embolisation.

Spontaneous passage of large ureteric calculi over 10mm is uncommon. We present a case of a 69-year-old male with a significant prostatic enlargement (150 cc) and a 13mm ureteric calculus which had not passed for 3 months following a failed attempt at ureteroscopy. His stone passed spontaneously following prostatic artery embolisation (PAE), performed for symptomatic benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). We consider the mechanisms by which PAE may impact on the distal ureter which allowed stone passage.

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT versus CT and bone scan for investigation of PSA failure post radical prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the use of Gallium-68 prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography/computed tomography (68Ga-PSMA PET/CT), compared with conventional CT abdomen/pelvis (CTAP) and whole body single photon emission CT bone scan (BS), for detection of local or distant metastasis following biochemical failure/recurrence in post-prostatectomy patients. METHODS: We conducted a review of our prospectively maintained, institutional database to identify 384 patients with post-prostatectomy biochemical failure/recurrence who underwent PSMA PET/CT, CTAP and BS from February 2015 to August 2017 in Nepean Hospital, tertiary referral centre. The results of the three imaging modalities were analysed for their ability to detect local recurrence and distant metastases. PSMA PET/CT and CTAP imaging were separately performed on the same day and the BS was performed within several days (mostly in 24 h). Difference in detection rates was determined between the modalities and the Chi square test was used to determine significance. RESULTS: A total of 384 patients were identified with a median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of 0.465 ng/mL (interquartile range =0.19-2.00 ng/mL). Overall, PSMA PET/CT was positive for 245 (63.8%) patients whereas CTAP and BS were positive in 174 patients (45.3%). A total of 98 patients (25.5%) had local or distant metastasis detected on PSMA only, while 20 patients (5.2%) had recurrences detected on CTAP but not on PSMA PET/CT. CONCLUSION: The use of PSMA PET/CT has a higher detection rate of predicted local or distant metastasis compared to CTAP and BS in the staging of patients with biochemical recurrences after radical prostatectomy.