Real-world outcomes in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma according to risk factors: the STAR-TOR registry.

Aim: Examine outcomes in sunitinib-treated patients by International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium (IMDC) or Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk factors. Patients & methods: Patients enrolled in STAR-TOR registry (n = 327). End points included overall survival, progression-free survival and objective response rate. Results: Overall survival was similar for IMDC 0 versus 1 (p = 0.238) or 2 versus ≥3 (p = 0.156), but different for MSKCC (0 vs 1, p = 0.037; 2 vs ≥3, p = 0.001). Progression-free survival was similar for IMDC 2 versus 3 (p = 0.306), but different for MSKCC (p = 0.009). Objective response rate was different for IMDC 1 (41.9%) and 2 (29.5%) and similar for MSKCC 1 (34.4%) and 2 (31.0%). Conclusion: Outcome data varied according to IMDC or MSKCC. MSKCC model accurately stratify patients into risk groups. Clinical trial registration: NCT00700258 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Mesorectal Lymph Node Metastases as Index Lesion in 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT Imaging for Recurrent Prostate Cancer.

Purpose: Several studies have demonstrated an advantage of 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT as staging modality for detection of prostate cancer (PCa) metastases. Data concerning metastatic manifestation and impact on PCa development of mesorectal lymph nodes (MLN) is limited. Our investigation describes MLN metastases as index lesion in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging for recurrent PCa. Methods: Twelve PCa patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after primary therapy who prospectively underwent a baseline 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT initially showed MLN metastases. Eight of these patients received a follow-up 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT to evaluate treatment response and further evolution. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-levels, changes in PSMA-uptake of MLN metastases and further 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT findings were recorded. Results: Median PSA at the first 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT was 5.39 ng/ml. In all patients therapeutic management changed after the first 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) was initiated in seven of eight patients, one patient restarted initial ADT. Three patients additionally received salvage radiation therapy (sRT) including the prostatic lodge and docetaxel chemotherapy was started in one case. At follow-up, a decrease of PSA-level was detected in all patients (median 2.05 ng/ml) after median 10 months. In six of eight patients we observed a decrease or complete regress of PSMA-uptake in MLN in the follow-up 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT. Conclusion: MLN metastases detected by 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT seem to be a relevant localization of tumor manifestation and may serve as index lesion in the treatment of recurrent PCa. Besides the known oncological benefits of ADT and sRT, in case of sole MLN metastases individualized therapy like salvage lymphadenectomy or RT with a defined radiation field could be options for these patients.

Stage and Grade Migration in Prostate Cancer Treated With Radical Prostatectomy in a Large German Multicenter Cohort.

INTRODUCTION: Overdiagnosis and overtherapy in prostate cancer (PCa) treatment should be avoided, which has led to an awareness of the need to decrease treatment in cases of low-risk PCa with radical prostatectomy (RP). Simultaneously, prostate-specific antigen testing has become less popular in the last few years, which has resulted in higher cancer grade and stage at diagnosis. We evaluated stage and grade migration in the disease of patients treated with RP in a large German cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Overall, 4842 patients undergoing RP between 2000 and 2019 were included. Age, prostate-specific antigen level, biopsy, and pathologic Gleason score as well as clinical and pathologic stage were collected. D'Amico risk groups and Gleason score were evaluated over different time points. RESULTS: We detected a significant grade migration toward higher grade. The proportion of biopsy Gleason sum ≤ 6 dropped from 45.8% to 20.6% between ≤ 2010 and 2017-2019. Further, the proportion of patients with low D'Amico risk scores also decreased by almost 50% (20.8% vs 12.2%). Finally, the proportion of non-organ-confined PCa increased over time, and the proportion of postoperative Gleason sum ≤ 6 decreased from 20% to 10% over time. CONCLUSION: Taken together, data indicate a significant preoperative grade and stage migration toward disease of higher grade in RP-treated PCa. Between the years 2000 and 2019, the proportion of biopsy Gleason sum ≤ 6 and the proportions of D'Amico low risk disease decreased by approximately 50% (respectively, 45% to 20% and 20.8% to 12.2%). This might indicate better patient selection for RP, but might also be a telltale sign of the rising mortality and morbidity of PCa.

The Silent Operation Theatre Optimisation System (SOTOS©) to reduce noise pollution during da Vinci robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

To reduce noise pollution and consequently stress during robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) the aim of our study was to evaluate the silent operation theatre optimisation system (SOTOS) in its effectiveness. In the operating room (OR) the noise level is between 80 and 85 decibel (dB). Noise corresponds to a major stress factor for surgical teams and especially surgeons. The use of the da Vinci surgical system entails an additional aspect of noise in the OR. The SOTOS surgical team used wired or wireless headphone/microphone combinations to communicate. We measured sound pressure levels in two different locations in the OR and the heart rate of every surgical team member as an indicator of the stress level. We further captured subjective acceptance of SOTOS as well as perioperative data such as surgical time. We prospectively randomised 32 RALP patients into two study arms. Sixteen surgeries were performed using SOTOS and 16 without (control). Overall, the mean sound pressure level in the SOTOS group was 3.6 dB lower compared to the control (p < 0.001). The highest sound pressure level measured was 96 dB in the control group. Mean heart rates were 81.3 beats/min for surgeons and 90.8 beats/min for circulating nurses. SOTOS had no statistically significant effect on mean heart rates of the operating team. Subjective acceptance of SOTO was high. Our prospective evaluation of SOTOS in RALP could show a significant noise reduction in the OR and a high acceptance by the surgical stuff.

Effect of comorbidities/comedications on sunitinib outcomes for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: the STAR-TOR registry.

Aim: Examine the effects of baseline hypertension (HTN) and statin or proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use on sunitinib treatment outcomes in STAR-TOR, a real-world registry. Materials & methods: Presence or absence of HTN and use or nonuse of statins or PPIs were determined at registry entry. End points included overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Results: Data were from 557 patients. Presence or absence of HTN did not affect OS or PFS. PFS (median [95% CI]) was longer in statin users (9.4 [6.5-13.6] months) versus nonusers (6.9 [5.7-8.2] months) (p = 0.0442). OS was shorter in PPI users (20.2 [14.9-28.3] months) versus nonusers (25.7 [22.7-33.0] months) (p = 0.0212). Conclusion: Comorbidities and comedications may affect real-world sunitinib treatment outcomes. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT00700258 (ClinicalTrials.gov).

Super early detailed assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP): a prospective study.

PURPOSE: To prospectively investigate early and consecutive changes of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), specifically storage symptoms after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: Patients referred for HoLEP completed the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) the day before, at discharge, and 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 52 weeks after HoLEP. Total IPSS was stratified into mild (score 0-7), moderate (8-19), and severe (20-35) LUTS. Storage symptoms were sub-stratified into storage "negative" and "positive". IPSS changes served as the main postoperative outcome. Mixed linear models identified risk factors affecting postoperative recovery of LUTS. RESULTS: Between December 2010 and 2012, 144 consecutive HoLEP patients were prospectively included in the study. Preoperatively 57.6% of the cohort reported severe storage symptoms (mean total IPSS: 22.6 ± 5.0). Total IPSS decreased significantly immediately after surgery (p < 0.001). Patients with severe LUTS, storage-positive sub-score, and high maximum urinary flow rate were affected by a rebound of mainly storage symptoms 6-8 weeks after HoLEP and prolonged recovery from LUTS. Of these, about 7.4% presented persisting urge complaints. Finally, 12 weeks following HoLEP, the vast majority of patients were symptom-free. Limitations of this study include missing urodynamic workup and a comparative patient cohort. CONCLUSION: Immediately after HoLEP, patients experience a significant decrease of LUTS. Continuous symptom recovery seems to be hampered in patients with severe and storage-positive baseline symptoms. (De-novo) storage symptoms slightly affect postoperative recovery. Quality of life is restored to a stable and significantly improved status 3 months after surgery.

[Public online reporting of urological content for hospital choice making in Germany: a systematic overview]. / Abbildung urologischer Inhalte auf online Bewertungsportalen zur Krankenhauswahl in Deutschland ­ eine systematische Übersicht.

BACKGROUND : The acquisition of information on hospitals' quality-of-care is an important aspect for patients' decision-making, especially in the setting of elective interventions. Moreover, hospitals depend on a transparent representation of their performance in the current competitive setting. This study aims to evaluate the representation and rating of online hospital report cards with special focus on urological disease and departments. MATERIAL UND METHODS : We undertook a systematic internet search to identify eligible online hospital report cards. The quality of hospital report cards was rated on a scoring system that was developed specifically for this purpose. RESULTS: Ten of 42 (24 %) identified hospital report cards were included. Urological content was available in 9 of 10 (90 %); detailed information on surgical interventions and outcomes was given in 3 (33 %) hospital navigators. Recommended criteria for evaluation of transparency and reliability of medical information were most present in the Weisse Liste, and the hospital-navigators of AOK and BARMER. The Weisse Liste is currently the only HON-code certified hospital report card in Germany. CONCLUSION : There is a broad, but divers range of online hospital report cards available for patients in Germany. The evaluation of urological content of hospital report cards is currently feasible in terms of analysis of general parameters, but not on outcome specific quality indicators. Clarity and reduction on essential information is warranted to ensure user-oriented platforms.

Enhancing PSMA-uptake with androgen deprivation therapy - a new way to detect prostate cancer metastases?

ABSTRACT Purpose: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging is a promising modality for the staging of recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). Current evidence suggests limited diagnostic value of the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PSA-levels ≤0.3ng/mL. Experimental data have demonstrated an increase in PSMA-expression in PCa metastases by androgen deprivation in vitro. The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA with low-dose androgen deprivation in patients with BCR and low PSA-levels. Materials and Methods: Five patients with PCa and BCR, following radical prostatectomy, underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. A consecutive 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was performed 6 to 11 days after injection of 80mg of Degarelix (Firmagon®). We recorded PSA and testosterone serum-levels and changes of PSMA-uptake in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images. Results: Median PSA prior 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 0.27ng/mL. All patients had a decrease in testosterone serum levels from median 2.95μg/l to 0.16μg/l following Degarelix injection. We observed an increase in the standardized uptake value (SUV) in PSMA-positive lymphogenous and osseous lesions in two patients following androgen deprivation. In another two patients, no PSMA positive signals were detected in either the first or the second scan. Conclusion: Our preliminary results of this feasibility assessment indicate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA-imaging induced by low-dose ADT. Despite several limitations and the small number of patients, this could be a new approach to improve staging by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PCa patients with BCR after primary therapy. Further prospective studies with larger number of patients are needed to validate our findings.

Enhancing PSMA-uptake with androgen deprivation therapy - a new way to detect prostate cancer metastases?

PURPOSE: 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT imaging is a promising modality for the staging of recurrent prostate cancer (PCa). Current evidence suggests limited diagnostic value of the 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PSA-levels ≤0.3ng/mL. Experimental data have demonstrated na increase in PSMA-expression in PCa metastases by androgen deprivation in vitro. The aim of the current study was to investigate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA with low-dose androgen deprivation in patients with BCR and low PSA-levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with PCa and BCR, following radical prostatectomy, underwent 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT. A consecutive 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was performed 6 to 11 days after injection of 80mg of Degarelix (Firmagon®). We recorded PSA and testosterone serum-levels and changes of PSMA-uptake in 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT images. RESULTS: Median PSA prior 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT was 0.27ng/mL. All patients had a decrease in testosterone serum levels from median 2.95µg/l to 0.16µg/l following Degarelix injection. We observed an increase in the standardized uptake value (SUV) in PSMA-positive lymphogenous and osseous lesions in two patients following androgen deprivation. In another two patients, no PSMA positive signals were detected in either the fi rst or the second scan. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results of this feasibility assessment indicate a possible enhancing effect of PSMA-imaging induced by low-dose ADT. Despite several limitations and the small number of patients, this could be a new approach to improve staging by 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT in PCa patients with BCR after primary therapy. Further prospective studies with larger number of patients are needed to validate our findings.

Mapping the landscape of urology: A new media-based cross-sectional analysis of public versus academic interest.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify public and academic interest in the urological field using a novel new media-based methodology. METHODS: We systematically measured public and academic interest in 56 urological keywords and combined in nine subspecialties. Public interest was quantified as video views on YouTube. Academic interest was quantified as article citations using Microsoft Academic Search. The public-to-academic interest ratio was calculated for a comparison of subspecialties as well as for diseases and treatments. RESULTS: For the selected 56 urological keywords, we found 226 617 591 video views on YouTube and 2 146 287 citations in the academic literature. The public-to-academic interest ratio was highest for the subspecialties robotic urology (ratio 6.3) and andrological urology (ratio 4.6). Prostate cancer was the central urological disease combining both a high public (20% of all video views) and academic interest (26% of all citations, ratio 0.8). Further diseases/treatments of high public interest were premature ejaculation (ratio 54.4), testicular cancer (ratio 11.4), erectile dysfunction (ratio 5.5) and kidney transplant (ratio 3.7). Urological treatments had a higher public-to-academic interest ratio (median ratio 0.25) than diseases (median ratio 0.05; P = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: A quantification of academic and public interest in the urological field is feasible using a novel new media-based methodology. We found several mismatches in public versus academic interest in urological diseases and treatments, which has implications for research strategies, conference planning and patient information projects. Regular re-assessments of the public and academic interest landscape can contribute to detecting and proving trends in the field of urology.

Gender Specific Differences in Disease-Free, Cancer Specific and Overall Survival after Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

PURPOSE: We summarize the evidence on gender specific differences in disease-free, cancer specific and overall survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of MEDLINE®, Embase® and the Cochrane Library in July 2017. Studies evaluating gender specific differences in disease-free, cancer specific or overall survival after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer were included in study. Analyses included random effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-influence and cumulative meta-analyses. Funnel plots and the Egger test were used to assess publication bias. RESULTS: Of the 3,868 studies identified during the literature search 59 published between 1998 and 2017 were included in analysis. Of the studies 30 in a total of 38,321 patients evaluated disease-free survival, 44 in a total of 69,666 evaluated cancer specific survival and 26 in a total of 30,039 evaluated overall survival. Random effect meta-analyses revealed decreased disease-free, cancer specific survival and overall survival in female patients than in their male counterparts. Pooled estimates showed a HR of 1.16 (95% CI 1.06-1.27, p = 0.0018) for disease-free survival, 1.23 (95% CI 1.15-1.31, p <0.001) for cancer specific survival and 1.08 (95% CI 1.03-1.12, p = 0.0004) for overall survival. Subgroup analyses confirmed impaired disease-free, cancer specific and overall survival in female patients in all strata. Publication bias was evident only for studies of cancer specific survival (Egger test p = 0.0029). After adjusting for publication bias by the trim and fill method the corrected pooled estimated HR of cancer specific survival was 1.13 (95% CI 1.05-1.21, p = 0.0012). CONCLUSIONS: Female patients who underwent radical cystectomy for bladder cancer demonstrated worse disease-free, cancer specific and overall survival than their male counterparts. The multifactorial etiology might include epidemiological differences, gender specific health care discrepancies and hormonal influences.

Urinary Diversion After Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer: Comparing Trends in the US and Germany from 2006 to 2014.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess and compare trends of urinary diversion (UD) for patients receiving radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer in the US and Germany, and to investigate decisive predictors for the choice of UD. METHODS: We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2006 to 2014. Cases with a bladder cancer diagnosis combined with RC were included, and trends in the choice of UD, transfusion rates, length of stay, and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: From 2006 to 2014, the total number of RCs recorded within the NIS were 17,711, with a varying annual caseload of 1666-2009, while RC numbers increased from 5627 to 7390 in Germany (p < 0.001 for trends), with a total of 60,447 cases. The share of incontinent UD in the US remained stable at 93%, while increasing from 63.2 to 70.8% in Germany. Multivariate models indicated age and sex were the most important factors associated with the choice of UD in both countries, while hospital caseload and teaching status were less relevant factors in the US. In-hospital mortality was lower in the US compared with Germany (1.9% vs. 4.6%; p < 0.001), with significantly shorter hospital stays (10.7 days in the US vs. 25.1 days in Germany; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The increasing age of patients with presumably higher comorbidity in recent years led to increased use of incontinent UD in Germany, while continent UD appears to be underused in the US. Mortality and transfusion rates were significantly lower in the US within a shorter hospital stay.

Gender-specific Differences in Recurrence of Non-muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The incidence of urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB) is lower in women; however, women tend to present with more advanced disease. To date, there is no quantitative synthesis of studies reporting gender-specific outcomes in non-muscle-invasive UCB. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a meta-analysis evaluating gender-specific differences in recurrence of non-muscle-invasive urinary bladder cancer (NMIBC). EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: An unrestricted systematic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane libraries was conducted. Studies evaluating the impact of gender on disease recurrence after local treatment of NMIBC using multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were included. Random effect meta-analysis, subgroup analyses, meta-influence, and cumulative meta-analyses were conducted. Publication bias was assessed via a funnel plot and Eggers test. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Of 609 studies screened, 27 comprising 23 754 patients were included. Random effect meta-analyses indicated women at increased risk for UCB recurrence compared with men (hazard ratio [HR]=1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01-1.23, p=0.03). Subgroup analyses yielded estimates between HR=0.99 and HR=1.68. Gender-specific differences in UCB recurrence were most pronounced in studies administering exclusively bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG; HR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.13-2.39, p=0.01), especially in a long-term treatment regimen (HR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.32-2.15, p<0.001). Sensitivity analyses confirmed female patients at increased risk for UCB recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Women are at increased risk for disease recurrence after local treatment of NMIBC compared with male patients. Reduced effectiveness of BCG treatment might underlie this observation. Gender-specific differences were evident across various subgroups and proved robust upon sensitivity analyses. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this report, we combined several studies on gender-specific differences in relapse of superficial bladder cancer. Women were more likely to experience cancer relapse than men.

Prevention of kidney cancer incidence and recurrence: lifestyle, medication and nutrition.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The incidence of kidney cancer rises globally with the highest rates in developed countries. This demonstrates the impact of advanced diagnostic imaging but also rising prevalence of modifiable risk factors such as smoking, obesity and hypertension. A literature search was performed with focus on recent studies on risk factors related to lifestyle, medication and nutrition. Further we searched for the effect of cancer prevention strategies. RECENT FINDINGS: Overall, we included 76 studies of the past 5 years. Based on current evidence smoking tobacco, obesity and hypertension remain established risk factors for kidney cancer. Certain analgesics and consumption of processed meat have been linked to increase development of renal cell carcinoma, although data are limited. Fruits, fiber-rich vegetables, coffee and physical activity may have a protective effect against kidney cancer but causal conclusions are not yet supported. Significantly, there is an increasing evidence of inverse association between moderate alcohol consumption. SUMMARY: Overall evidence confirms an effective way to prevent the risk of kidney cancer is maintaining a healthy weight and avoid smoking. State policies should further ensure strategies to raise public awareness and support to adopt healthy lifestyles.

Management of Anterior Urethral Strictures in Adults: A Survey of Contemporary Practice in Germany.

INTRODUCTION: Treatment methods of anterior urethral strictures in adults have undergone considerable changes in the recent past. Our goal was to determine national practice patterns among German urologists and to compare results with the results of prior international surveys. METHODS: We conducted a survey on the management of urethral strictures among German urologists. RESULTS: Eight hundred forty-five urologists, representing about 14.6% of German urologists, answered the survey. Most common procedures were direct vision internal urethrotomy (DVIU; 87.2%), blind internal urethrotomy (57.5%), dilatation (56.3%), ventral buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty (31.6%) and excision and primary anastomosis (28.9%). In case of a 3.5-cm bulbar stricture and in the case of a 1-cm bulbar stricture after 2 failed DVIUs, a consecutive urethroplasty was significantly more often favoured compared to transurethral treatment options (44.9 vs. 21.3% and 59.4 vs. 8.3%, both p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Open urethral reconstruction reveals to be a more common method in practice nowadays. Adherence to recommended treatment algorithms improved in comparison to prior surveys.

New Media for Educating Urology Residents: An Interview Study in Canada and Germany.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usage and perceived usefulness of new media for educating urology residents in Canada and Germany. DESIGN: We designed an 11-item online survey to assess the use and perceived usefulness of new media for education. We performed a comparative analysis. SETTING: The survey was distributed via e-mail to 143 Canadian and 721 German urology residents. PARTICIPANTS: The survey included 58 urology residents from Canada and 170 from Germany. RESULTS: A total of 58 residents from Canada (41% response rate) and 170 from Germany (24% response rate) responded to this survey. Residents spent 45% of their education time on new media. The Internet was used by 91% (n = 208) of the residents for professional education purposes, with a median time of 270 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 114-540) per month. Apps were used by 54% (n = 118) of the residents, with a median time of 101 minutes (IQR: 45-293) per month. A total of 23% (n = 47) of the residents used social media (SoMe) for education, with a median time of 90 minutes (IQR: 53-80) per month. In all, 100% (n = 228) rated the Internet, 76% (n = 173) apps, and 43% (n = 97) SoMe as being useful for professional education purposes. A total of 90% (n = 205) watched medical videos for education, and 89% (n = 203) of these videos were on surgical procedures. Canadian urology residents used more new media sources for professional education than did the Germans (58% vs. 41%, p < 0.001). The time spent for education on new media was higher among Canadian residents for the Internet (p < 0.001), apps (p < 0.001), and SoMe (p = 0.033). Canadian residents reported more privacy concerns (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: New media play a dominant role in the education of urology residents. The primary source for personal education in urology is the Internet. Future studies and technological developments should investigate and improve new media tools to optimize education during residency.

Widespread use of internet, applications, and social media in the professional life of urology residents.

INTRODUCTION: Digital media have revolutionized communication and information dissemination in healthcare. We aimed to quantify and evaluate professional digital media use among urology residents. METHODS: We designed a 17-item survey to assess usage and perceived usefulness of digital media, as well as communication type and device type and distributed it via email to 143 Canadian and 721 German urology residents. RESULTS: In total, 58 (41% response rate) residents from Canada and 170 (24% response rate) from Germany reported professional usage rates of 100% on the internet, 89% on apps, and 46% on social media (SoMe). For professional use, residents spent a median of 30 minutes per day on the internet, 10 minutes on apps, and 15 minutes on SoMe. 100% rated the internet, 89% apps, and 31% SoMe as useful for clinical practice. Most (94%) used digital media for communication with colleagues and 23% for communication with patients. Digital media use was allocated to desktop computers (55%) and mobile devices (45%). Canadian residents had higher usage rates of apps (96% vs. 86%; p=0.042) and SoMe (65% vs. 39%; p=0.002) and longer daily usage times for the internet, apps, and SoMe than German residents (p<0.001 each). CONCLUSIONS: Digital media are an integral part of the daily professional practice of urology residents, reflected by high usage rates and perceived usefulness of the internet and apps, and the growing importance of SoMe. Urologists should strive to progressively exhaust the vast potential of digital media for academic and clinical practice.