Phosphine interacting with argon: potential energy surface and line widths of PH3 perturbed by Ar.

The phosphine-Ar (PH3-Ar) van der Waals complex's three-dimensional potential energy surface (3D-PES) was mapped along the intermonomer coordinates using the explicitly correlated Coupled Clusters approach. An analytical expansion of this 3D-PES is deduced. The complex characteristics of the intermolecular interactions between PH3 and Ar, which are at the origin of the pressure broadening of the PH3 rovibrational lines, are accurately described by this 3D-PES. Afterwards, the broadening of the phosphine lines perturbed by Ar at room temperature is computed using this 3D-PES. To be able to incorporate this 3D-PES into our collisional broadening computation software, we first modified it with a new "fractional" function. Then, we used the semiclassical Modified Robert and Bonamy model improved by the so-called notion of exact trajectory. For various branches of the ν2 and ν4 PH3 rovibrational bands, room temperature data are provided. Our data agree with the experimental measurements. The precise estimation of PH3 and Ar abundances in planetary atmosphere spectra should benefit greatly from the data provided here.

Mastoid obliteration versus canal wall down or canal wall up mastoidectomy for cholesteatoma: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: There is ongoing debate over the optimal surgical approach for cholesteatoma treatment1-5. The aim of this review was to determine whether canal-wall down with mastoid obliteration is associated with favourable outcomes compared to either canal-wall down without obliteration or canal-wall up. The primary outcome was cholesteatoma reoccurrence with secondary outcomes including otorrhoea, reoperation and patient-reported outcome measures. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Cochrane databases and clinicaltrials.gov were searched for studies reporting outcomes of patients undergoing primary CWD-MO for cholesteatoma and directly compared with CWD and CWU mastoidectomies. Data were collated and meta-analysis performed. RESULTS: 2379 patients were included from 12 studies that met the inclusion criteria. CWD-MO was found to be associated with significantly less risk of recurrence when compared to CWU (OR = 0.330 (95 % CI 0.191-0.570, p < 0.001). When compared to CWD, CWD-MO was associate with significantly lower incidence of persistent otorrhoea (OR 0.405 (95 % CI 0.232-0.706, p < 0.001) while the rates of recurrence were comparable (OR: 1.231 [95 % CI: 0.550-2.757] p = 0.613). Otorrhoea rates between CWD-MO and CWU were equivalent as was reoperation. Quality of life and hearing outcomes were variably reported. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review demonstrates that CWD-MO technique achieves lower recurrence rates comparable to CWD approaches and superior to CWU, while offering improved long-term control of otorrhoea. The final procedural choice should be decided based on surgeon experience, skill set and individual patient factors. To address the risk of selection bias, a randomised controlled trial is needed to answer this important research question.

SP rTaTME: initial clinical experience with single-port robotic transanal total mesorectal excision (SP rTaTME).

BACKGROUND: The technical difficulty and steep learning curve of transanal total mesorectal excision (taTME) has limited widespread adoption. The single-port (SP) daVinci robot is designed to facilitate single-incision and natural-orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). This paper describes the first clinical experience of single-port robotic taTME (SP rTaTME). METHODS: This was a prospective study on consecutive patients with rectal cancer who underwent SP rTaTME proctosigmoidectomy with handsewn coloanal anastomosis in December 2018 and January 2019. The primary outcome was technical feasibility of the procedure. The secondary outcomes include blood loss, intraoperative complications, length of hospital stay, quality of the TME specimen, short- and long-term morbidity and mortality, as well as short-term oncologic follow -up. RESULTS: There were two patients, a 48-year-old male and a 38-year-old female. Both operations were completed successfully without complications or conversion. Estimated blood loss was 200 mL and 130 mL. In both cases the TME was completed transanally using the SP robot. In the first patient, the abdominal portion was completed through an abdominal single-incision; in the second patient the operation was entirely performed transanally as a pure NOTES procedure. In both cases, the final pathology report showed a complete TME with negative margins. Patients were discharged on postoperative day 3 and 4,respectively. There was no long-term morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: SP rTaTME is feasible and can be safely performed. It provides excellent optics and dexterity to work in a limited space. Future studies are required to further define the safety profile and the ultimate utility of the SP robot for taTME.

First clinical experience with single-port robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SP rTAMIS) for benign rectal neoplasms.

BACKGROUND: The new da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robot is a single-arm four-channel robotic system well suited for endoluminal surgery. We report our initial experience performing SP robotic transanal minimally invasive surgery (SP rTAMIS) for rectal neoplasms. METHODS: Under Institutional Review Board approval, two patients with rectal neoplasms were prospectively enrolled for elective SP rTAMIS. The primary endpoint was to report the safety and feasibility of successful procedure completion with the SP robot. Secondary endpoints included patient characteristics and perioperative metrics. RESULTS: Both patients underwent successful SP rTAMIS resection of rectal neoplasms without intraoperative complications or conversions. The lesions were 4.0 cm and 3.0 cm in size, located 6 cm and 7 cm cephalad to the anorectal ring. Excisions were full thickness with no piecemeal extractions or specimen fragmentation. Estimated blood loss was 0 mL and 30 mL. The mean excised area was 13.4 cm2 (22.7 cm2 and 9.0 cm2). The mean docking time was 5.25 min (range 2-8 min) and mean console time was 122.5 min (98 min and 147 min). Patients tolerated a liquid diet on postoperative day (POD) 0 and were discharged on POD 1 after tolerating a low residue diet and having bowel function. Pathology showed two adenomas with negative margins. There was no immediate or delayed morbidity or mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience indicates that SP rTAMIS is a safe and feasible approach for local excision of rectal lesions. While SP rTAMIS is very promising, more experience with this approach is necessary to determine its widespread applicability.

rSILS: initial clinical experience with single-port robotic (SPr) right colectomy.

BACKGROUND: The da Vinci Single-Port (SP) robot is a novel platform designed to facilitate single-incision robotic surgery (rSILS). The objective of this study was to describe our initial experience using this platform for SP robotic (SPr) right colectomy. METHODS: Under a Food and Drug Administration-regulated feasibility study and Institutional Review Board approval, a patient with cecal adenocarcinoma underwent an SPr right colectomy. The primary endpoint was the safety and feasibility of the first SPr right colectomy performed in the USA. Secondary endpoints included perioperative metrics, morbidity and mortality. RESULTS: An SPr Standard right colectomy was performed through a 4-cm single incision without the need for conversion or additional port placement. Estimated blood loss was 100 mL and there were no intraoperative complications. The robot was docked once with a docking time of 19 min. Total console time was 116 min and operative time was 219 min. The patient tolerated clear liquids on postoperative day (POD) 0 and a low-residue diet on POD 1. The patient had flatus and a bowel movement on POD 1. She was discharged home on POD 3. Final pathology showed pT3N0 cecal adenocarcinoma with negative margins and 0/24 lymph nodes positive for disease. CONCLUSIONS: Our initial experience demonstrates that an SPr right colectomy is feasible and can be safely completed. We completed an oncologic resection of a cecal adenocarcinoma without complications. The SP robot facilitates the utilization of robotic technology in a single-incision platform to perform colorectal procedures and offers promising benefits in the advancement of robotic surgery.

Single-port robotic left colectomy: first clinical experience using the SP robot (rSILS).

BACKGROUND: The single-port daVinci robot is a new platform designed to facilitate single-incision surgeries. The objective of this study was to describe the first clinical experience in colorectal surgery using a novel single-port robotic system and report its feasibility and safety. METHODS: After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained and the study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, we performed single port robot-assisted left colectomy using the novel daVinci SP surgical system on two patients. The surgeries were completed through a single incision. The multichannel port accommodates a three-dimensional articulating camera and three double-jointed articulating instruments. The primary aim of this study was to report, for the first time in the USA, the technical feasibility of the procedure in the living human. The secondary aim was to report the outcomes including blood loss, number of incisions, number of dockings, docking time of the robot, incision length, operative time, console time, need for additional port and instrumentation, intraoperative complications, morbidity and mortality, time for tolerating diet, bowel function, and discharge. RESULTS: Both surgeries were completed without conversion through a single incision, 4.0 and 4.5 cm in size. Estimated blood loss was less than 60 ml in both cases. The robot was docked two and three times. Mean time to dock was 13 min (range 3-33 min). There were no intraoperative complications, no morbidity or death. Discharges occurred on postoperative days 2 and 3. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port robotic colectomy using the new robot is feasible and can be safely completed. The overall utility and functionality of the SP robot portends wide utilization and expansion of this technique. Careful development and analysis of the procedure outcomes, training, and cost will be necessary to properly advance the field.

Incisional Nociceptive Input Impairs Attention-related Behavior and Is Associated with Reduced Neuronal Activity in the Prefrontal Cortex in Rats.

WHAT WE ALREADY KNOW ABOUT THIS TOPIC: WHAT THIS ARTICLE TELLS US THAT IS NEW: BACKGROUND:: Cognitive capacity may be reduced from inflammation, surgery, anesthesia, and pain. In this study, we hypothesized that incision-induced nociceptive input impairs attentional performance and alters neuronal activity in the prefrontal cortex. METHODS: Attentional performance was measured in rats by using the titration variant of the 5-choice serial reaction time to determine the effect of surgical incision and anesthesia in a visual attention task. Neuronal activity (single spike and local field potentials) was measured in the medial prefrontal cortex in animals during the task. RESULTS: Incision significantly impaired attention postoperatively (area under curve of median cue duration-time 97.2 ± 56.8 [n = 9] vs. anesthesia control 25.5 ± 14.5 s-days [n = 9], P = 0.002; effect size, η = 0.456). Morphine (1 mg/kg) reduced impairment after incision (area under curve of median cue duration-time 31.6 ± 36.7 [n = 11] vs. saline 110 ± 64.7 s-days [n = 10], P < 0.001; η = 0.378). Incision also decreased cell activity (n = 24; 1.48 ± 0.58 vs. control, 2.93 ± 2.02 bursts/min; P = 0.002; η = 0.098) and local field potentials (n = 28; η = 0.111) in the medial prefrontal cortex. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that acute postoperative nociceptive input from incision reduces attention-related task performance and decreases neuronal activity in the medial prefrontal cortex. Decreased neuronal activity suggests nociceptive input is more than just a distraction because neuronal activity increases during audiovisual distraction with similar behavioral impairment. This suggests that nociceptive input and the medial prefrontal cortex may contribute to attentional impairment and mild cognitive dysfunction postoperatively. In this regard, pain may affect postoperative recovery and return to normal activities through attentional impairment by contributing to lapses in concentration for routine and complex tasks.

Substantial utilization of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram in the prostate cancer community.

PURPOSE: To measure the usage rate of social media (SoMe) resources in the prostate cancer community, we performed a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative assessment of SoMe activity on the topic of PCa on the four most frequented platforms. METHODS: We scanned the SoMe platforms Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram for "prostate cancer" as a cross-sectional analysis or during a defined time period. Sources were included if their communication centered on PCa by title and content. We assessed activity measurements for each SoMe source and classified the sources into six functional categories. RESULTS: We identified 99 PCa-related Facebook groups that amassed 31,262 members and 90 Facebook pages with 283,996 "likes". On YouTube, we found 536 PCa videos accounting for 43,966,634 views, 52,655 likes, 8597 dislikes, and 12,393 comments. During a 1-year time period, 32,537 users generated 110,971 tweets on #ProstateCancer on Twitter, providing over 544 million impressions. During a 1-month time period, 638 contributors posted 1081 posts on Instagram, generating over 22,000 likes and 4,748,159 impressions. Among six functional categories, general information/support dominated the SoMe landscape on all SoMe platforms. CONCLUSION: SoMe activity on the topic of PCa on the four most frequented platforms is high. Facebook groups, YouTube videos, and Twitter tweets are mainly used for giving general information on PCa and education. High SoMe utilization in the PCa community underlines its future role for communication of PCa.

Andrology on the Internet: Most wanted, controversial and often primary source of information for patients.

The Internet is an important source of health information with relevant impact on the physician-patient relationship. The German urological associations host one of the most comprehensive platforms for patient information on urological diseases. The aim of the study was to characterise its users and their specific needs. We invited users of the website www.urologenportal.de via pop-up to complete a 26-item online survey to evaluate health-related behaviour, distress and decision-making preferences. We received n = 551 complete responses. The most frequently requested topics were from the field of andrology (45.4%, n = 250). Of these, the most popular topics were circumcision (28.9%, n = 159) and erectile dysfunction (18.1%; n = 100). Overall, 216 users (39.2%) searched for information prior to their first doctor's appointment, and 89.3% (n = 492) preferred autonomous or shared decision-making. Users seeking information on circumcision were less frequently under urological treatment (p < .001), and more self-determined regarding healthcare decisions (p = .01). Circumcision was the only information on the website, which received relevant critical comments. Andrology was the most frequently requested urological topic. The vast majority of patients wanted to take self-determined healthcare decisions and searched for information prior to a doctor's appointment. This might have an impact on the physician-patient relationship and causes a high demand for good-quality health information websites.

Feasibility and safety of augmented reality-assisted urological surgery using smartglass.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility, safety and usefulness of augmented reality-assisted urological surgery using smartglass (SG). METHODS: Seven urological surgeons (3 board urologists and 4 urology residents) performed augmented reality-assisted urological surgery using SG for 10 different types of operations and a total of 31 urological operations. Feasibility was assessed using technical metadata (number of photographs taken/number of videos recorded/video time recorded) and structured interviews with the urologists on their use of SG. Safety was evaluated by recording complications and grading according to the Clavien-Dindo classification. Usefulness of SG for urological surgery was queried in structured interviews and in a survey. RESULTS: The implementation of SG use during urological surgery was feasible with no intrinsic (technical defect) or extrinsic (inability to control the SG function) obstacles being observed. SG use was safe as no grade 3-5 complications occurred for the series of 31 urological surgeries of different complexities. Technical applications of SG included taking photographs/recording videos for teaching and documentation, hands-free teleconsultation, reviewing patients' medical records and images and searching the internet for health information. Overall usefulness of SG for urological surgery was rated as very high by 43 % and high by 29 % of surgeons. CONCLUSIONS: Augmented reality-assisted urological surgery using SG is both feasible and safe and also provides several useful functions for urological surgeons. Further developments and investigations are required in the near future to harvest the great potential of this exciting technology for urological surgery.

Transanal TATA/TME: a case-matched study of taTME versus laparoscopic TME surgery for rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND: Natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has always made more sense in the colorectal field where the target organ for entry houses the pathology. To address the question whether an adequate total mesorectal excision (TME) for rectal cancer can be performed from a transanal bottoms-up approach, we performed a case-matched study. METHODS: Starting in 2009, transanal TME (taTME) surgery was selectively used for rectal cancer after neoadjuvant therapy and prospectively entered into a database. Between March 2012 and February 2014, 17 consecutive taTME rectal cancer patients were identified and case-matched to multiport laparoscopic TME (MP TME) based on age, body mass index, uT stage, radiation dose, level in the rectum, and procedure. Perioperative outcomes, morbidity, mortality, local recurrence, completeness of TME, and radial and distal margins were analyzed. Statistically significant differences were identified using Student's t test. RESULTS: There were 12 transanal abdominal transanal (TATA)/5 abdominoperineal resection procedures in each group. Data regarding overall/taTME/MP TME are as follows: % positive-circumferential margin: 2.9/0/5.9 % (p = 0.32). Distal margin: 0/0/0 %. Complete or near-complete TME: 97.1/100/94.1 % (p = 0.32). Incomplete TME 2.9/0/5.9 % (p = 0.32). Local recurrence: 2.9/5.9/0 % (p = 0.32). There were no perioperative mortalities. Morbidity in each group: 26.4/23.5/29.4 % (p = 0.79). There were no differences in perioperative or postoperative outcomes except days to clear liquids (1/2 days, p = 0.03) and largest incision length (1.3/2.6 cm, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated no differences in perioperative/postoperative outcomes or pathologic TME outcomes of transanal or bottoms-up TME compared to standard laparoscopic TME. TaTME is a promising progressive approach to NOTES and deserves additional evaluation.

Impact of risk scoring on decision-making in symptomatic moderate carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Benefit from carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in symptomatic moderate (50-69 per cent) carotid stenosis remains marginal. The Fourth National Clinical Guideline for Stroke recommends use of the risk score from the European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) to aid decision-making in symptomatic carotid disease. It is not known whether clinicians are, in fact, influenced by it. METHODS: Using the ECST risk prediction model, three scenarios of patients with a low (less than 10 per cent), moderate (20-25 per cent) and high (40-45 per cent) 5-year risk of stroke were devised and validated. Invitations to complete an online survey were sent by e-mail to vascular surgeons and stroke physicians, with responses gathered. The questionnaire was then repeated with the addition of the ECST risk score. RESULTS: Two hundred and one completed surveys were analysed (21·5 per cent response rate): 107 by stroke physicians and 94 by vascular surgeons. The high-risk scenario after the introduction of the ECST risk score showed an increased use of CEA (66·7 versus 80·1 per cent; P = 0·009). The low-risk scenario after risk score analysis demonstrated a swing towards best medical therapy (23·4 versus 57·2 per cent; P < 0·001). CEA was preferred in the moderate-risk scenario and this was not altered significantly by introduction of the risk score (71·6 versus 75·6 per cent; P = 0·609). Vascular surgeons exhibited a preference towards CEA compared with stroke physicians in both low- and moderate-risk scenarios (P < 0·001 and P = 0·003 respectively). CONCLUSION: The addition of a risk score appeared to influence clinicians in their decision-making towards CEA in high-risk patients and towards best medical therapy in low-risk patients.

Screening for High-Risk Oral Human Papillomavirus (HPV31, HPV33, HPV35) in a Multi-Racial Pediatric and Adult Clinic Patient Population.

Many human papillomavirus (HPV) strains induce cancer in the cervix and the oral cavity. Although high-risk strains including HPV16 and HPV18 are commonly known, additional high-risk strains including HPV31, HPV33, and HPV35 may also induce carcinogenesis, and much less is known about their prevalence. Using an approved protocol, samples from a salivary biorepository were screened to find pediatric and adult samples from a multi-ethnic, university-based patient clinic population. A total of N = 86 samples from the saliva biorepository met the quality and concentration standards and were screened for high-risk HPV. qPCR screening of adult samples revealed n = 10/45 or 22% were HPV31- or HPV33-positive. In addition, a total of n = 9/41 or 21.9% of pediatric samples were either HPV31- or HPV33-positive (or both). No samples harbored HPV35. Most samples were derived from patients within the recommended vaccination or catch-up age range (age 9-45 years). These results demonstrated that a significant percentage of patients harbor additional high-risk HPV strains within the oral cavity, including HPV31 and HPV33. These data support oral healthcare provider recommendations for the newer nine-valent vaccine, which includes both HPV31 and HPV33.

[Polypharmacy and medication review in the context of prehabilitation]. / Polypharmazie und Medikamentencheck im Kontext der Prähabilitation.

Against the background of typical geriatric multimorbidity and with the particular vulnerability of geriatric patients, polypharmacy deserves special attention. In accordance with the guidelines, medication should not only be reviewed regularly, but also on an ad hoc basis and with each hospital stay-and also in the context of prehabilitation. Thus, not only substances that interfere with the currently planned intervention, anesthesia, or risk of bleeding should be considered, but any medication that increases common risks for geriatric patients. These include drugs that cause or increase a tendency to fall, induce delirium, or alter the comedication through potential drug-drug interactions. Measures to minimize the risk include the following: exact documentation of medications, structured and complete transfer of information, patient and family training about any side effects that may occur, a recall system for possible laboratory checks, and compliance with the instructions for taking the medication.

Prognostic factors in acute poisoning with central nervous system xenobiotics: development of a nomogram predicting risk of intensive care unit admission.

Background: Acute intoxication with central nervous system (CNS) xenobiotics is an increasing global problem. Predicting the prognosis of acute toxic exposure among patients can significantly alter the morbidity and mortality. The present study outlined the early risk predictors among patients diagnosed with acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics and endorsed bedside nomograms for identifying patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission and those at risk of poor prognosis or death. Methods: This study is a 6-year retrospective cohort study conducted among patients presented with acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics. Results: A total of 143 patients' records were included, where (36.4%) were admitted to the ICU, and a significant proportion of which was due to exposure to alcohols, sedative hypnotics, psychotropic, and antidepressants (P = 0.021). ICU admission was associated with significantly lower blood pressure, pH, and HCO3 levels and higher random blood glucose (RBG), serum urea, and creatinine levels (P < 0.05). The study findings indicate that the decision of ICU admission could be determined using a nomogram combining the initial HCO3 level, blood pH, modified PSS, and GCS. HCO3 level < 17.1 mEq/L, pH < 7.2, moderate-to-severe PSS, and GCS < 11 significantly predicted ICU admission. Moreover, high PSS and low HCO3 levels significantly predicted poor prognosis and mortality. Hyperglycemia was another significant predictor of mortality. Combining initial GCS, RBG level, and HCO3 is substantially helpful in predicting the need for ICU admission in acute alcohol intoxication. Conclusion: The proposed nomograms yielded significant straightforward and reliable prognostic outcomes predictors in acute exposure to CNS xenobiotics.

Ulnar Nerve Palsy in Both-Bone Forearm Fracture in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Report.

Closed fractures of both the radius and the ulna are common in the pediatric age group; however, ulnar nerve palsy is a rare complication with this type of fracture. We present a case of a fracture in both forearm bones in an eight-year-old boy. The patient was admitted for closed reduction and internal fixation. Before surgery, he developed signs of ulnar nerve palsy. The surgery took place under general anesthesia without complications. Postoperative recovery took place with signs of ulnar nerve palsy, and he was discharged the following day. After three months, the ulnar palsy completely resolved, and the fracture had healed. This case shows that a physical examination and ulnar nerve function should be assessed pre- and post-manual manipulation so that the patient can be managed properly. When nerve involvement is noted after manual manipulation of the limb, we recommend surgical intervention and fixation. Controlled studies would allow the development of an algorithm for managing similar cases.

[Comparison of catheter-associated quality of life in external urinary diversion: nephrostomy vs. suprapubic catheter]. / Vergleich der katheterassoziierten Lebensqualität bei externen Harnableitungen: Nephrostomie vs. suprapubischer Katheter.

INTRODUCTION: A percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) affects the integrity of the patient due to the requirement of an external drainage bag and regular changes. The catheter-associated quality of life (QOL) was evaluated using a validated assessment and compared to similar patients with suprapubic bladder drainage. METHODS: A validated assessment analyzing catheter-related QOL for 5 domains and 25 individual items (first published by Mary Wilde) was completed during a catheter change appointment by patients who had their unilateral or bilateral PCN for a minimum of 3 months in life-long indication. RESULTS: In 66 patients (unilateral PCN: 42 patients), a moderate impairment of their catheter-related QOL was shown. The overall QOL score was median 4.0 on a scale of 0-5. This was rated lower-indicating a stronger impairment of QOL-than in patients with a suprapubic bladder catheter, who had a median score of 4.3. Significant differences were found related to the catheter type in the items "feeling of humiliation due to the PCN", "conflicts with the medical or nursing staff", "fear of painful catheter changes", "feeling ill", "being handicapped in activities of daily living" and "concern of not being able to do what one wants to do" and "fear of catheter leakages". The indication for the PCN due to a malignant or benign underlying disease was not associated with the catheter-related QOL. CONCLUSION: For the first time, the catheter-related QOL was found to be moderately impaired in patients with a PCN using a validated assessment. Affected individuals report feeling "ill" and "limited/disabled" in activities of daily living; thus, the surgical indication should be strict. Fear of painful catheter changes and of catheter leakages indicates the need of technically correct catheter changes.

[Are there benefits for catheter valves for catheter-associated quality of life? : Results of an investigation in 427 catheter wearers with life-long indication]. / Hat eine Ventilversorgung Vorteile bei der katheterassoziierten Lebensqualität? : Ergebnisse einer Untersuchung an 427 Katheterträgern in lebenslanger Indikation.

BACKGROUND: In urology, a subset of patients with lifelong urine drainage are fitted with a catheter valve. Data on catheter-related quality of life (crqol) in this subset of patients are missing. AIM: Clarification of the whether there are advantages for valve-aided catheters in comparison with continuous urine drainage in catheter wearers with a lifelong indication. METHODS: In all, 357 patients with a catheter with lifelong indication of continuous urine drainage from a previous study were compared with 70 valve-aided patients. The crqol was evaluated by a validated assessment with 25 items and five domains. RESULTS: There were statistically more patients with a suprapubic catheter than with a transurethral indwelling catheter (73.4 vs. 54.4%, p = 0.005), significantly more patients with bladder voiding dysfunction (73.5 vs. 52.6%, p = 0.003) and significantly more patients with small catheter sizes (p = 0.001). Crqol was altogether slightly impaired with a median score of 4.2 (no impairment indicated by 5 points) in valve-aided patients, but crqol was more impaired in valve-aided patients compared to patients with continuous drainage (4.4 points, n. s.). Some items demonstrated more problems dealing with urinary urge in valve-aided patients, but catheter-related pain was more often worse in patients with continuous drainage. CONCLUSION: There is no clear evidence for an advantage of a catheter valve over a continuous urine drainage system. Thus, the decision regarding a catheter-valve system must be made individually according to the indication and the preferences of the patient.