Reusable vs. single-use cystoscope for removal of double-j stent: a prospective randomized comparison and cost analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Two main types of cystoscopes, reusable cystoscope (RC) and disposable cystoscope, (DC) are used for the removal of ureteric stents. This study aimed to prospectively compare the effectiveness of disposable and reusable cystoscopes for the removal of ureteric stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who recently underwent double-J stent insertion were recruited and randomly assigned to the disposable and reusable cystoscope groups. Data were collected prospectively, which included pain scores (10-point visual analog scale), operation time, complications, and a 5-point Likert scale satisfaction assessment for surgeons, nurses, and patients. A cost analysis was also performed. The association between categorical data was assessed using the Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. The t-test was used to assess the mean difference in surgery time. RESULTS: Overall, 128 patients (mean age, 46.8 years) were included in the study; 64 procedures were completed using each cystoscope type. Stent removal satisfaction among surgeons and patients was equivalent in both groups, while nurses favored the disposable cystoscope. A significant reduction of 23% in the procedural time and 27% in the total operative time was observed in the disposable cystoscope group. Pain score was the same for both groups. Two patients in the reusable cystoscope group had UTI. No complications were reported in the disposable cystoscope group. CONCLUSIONS: Both disposable and reusable cystoscopes are comparable in terms of pain score and surgeons' and patients' satisfaction. Disposable cystoscope is more cost effective than reusable cystoscope.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on quality of partner relationship and sexual activity among COVID positive males: a cross sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess sexual activity, partner relationships among males who had been infected with COVID-19, to study the impact of COVID-19 infection on partner relationship and to find out the association between partner and sexual relationship during lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms via online questionnaire between December 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 among 871 participants after a pilot study among 20 participants of which 497 were included in the study. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 20.0 (IBM Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages and the association was studied using Chi squared test/Fisher's exact test. The value of p ≤ .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Out of the total study participants, nearly 85% of them belonged to the age range of 18 to 39 years, more than half of the participants were married. In the six months prior to the study being conducted, 268 respondents (53.9%) did not have sexual relationships. Respondents with positive COVID-19 infection reported that their partner lived with them in the same house during home isolation and was also found to be significantly associated with having intact sexual relationships in the last six months of the lockdown period (p-value < .001). Moreover, respondents who reported having good relationships with their partners during the pandemic were found to be significantly associated with having intact sexual relationships during the pandemic lockdown (p-value < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Among the COVID-19-positive respondents, sexual activity and partner relationships were largely found to be intact during the pandemic lockdown period.

Urinary incontinence among Saudi women: prevalence, risk factors, and impact on quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: This study was done to determine UI prevalence among women in Saudi Arabia and identify the associated risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2020 to September 2020 in Saudi women who came to the Urology Department at King Khalid Hospital, Majmaah, Saudi Arabia. In the age group of 20 to 50 years, Saudi women who are not seriously ill or pregnant or in the postnatal period or diagnosed with pelvic organ prolapse were included as participants. A semi-structured questionnaire modified from the International Consultation Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was used to collect data on frequency, the severity, consequences, and impact of UI on quality of life. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA) with the calculation of mean and standard deviation for quantitative variables. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine the predictors of UI. RESULTS: A total of 451 participants were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the study population was 42.52 years (SD 11.75). Among risk factors, 45 (10%) had diabetes, 56 (12.4%) had hypertension, 36 (8%) had asthma, 80 (17.7%) had UTI/STDs. Out of 451 participants, 188 (41.7%) had urinary incontinence (UI). Sociodemographic characteristics and risk factors like family income, urinary and genital infections (UTI/STDs), pelvic/uterine prolapse, any other disease, and cough were found to have a statistically significant association with urinary incontinence (p-value <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of UI was 41.7% among the study population. The various risk factors associated with UI are older age, parity, multiple vaginal deliveries, hypertension, history of asthma, and chronic cough. Poor health-seeking behavior was observed. Creating awareness and the need for early diagnosis with timely intervention is recommended.