The prognostic value of perioperative platelet and leukocyte values in patients undergoing radical cystectomy: a prospective long-term cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies assessing the impact of preoperative and first-day postoperative values of leukocytes, thrombocytes, and platelet/leukocyte ratio (PLR) after radical cystectomy (RC) are sparse. We aimed to assess the impact of these factors on long-term survival after RC. METHODS: An analysis of patients undergoing open RC from 2004 to 2023 at our center was performed. Leukocytosis was defined as ≥8,000 leukocytes/µL and thrombocytosis as ≥400,000 thrombocytes/µL. Similarly, the cutoff for PLR was set at 28. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the role of leukocytosis, thrombocytosis and PLR on long-term survival after RC. For all analyses hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1,817 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR: 62-77) were included. Overall, 804 (44%), 175 (10%), and 1,296 (71%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 preoperatively. Accordingly, 1,414 (78%), 37 (2%), and 249 (14%) patients presented with leukocytosis, thrombocytosis, and PLR ≥28 on the first day after RC. At a median follow-up of 26 months (IQR: 8-68) after RC, 896 (49%) patients died. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis after adjusting for major perioperative risk factors, only preoperative leukocytosis (HR: 1.3, 95%CI: 1.1-1.6, p=0.01), as well as both preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis (HR: 2.1, 95%CI: 1.5-2.9 and HR: 2.8, 95%CI: 1.6-5.1, p<0.001, accordingly) were associated with worse overall survival. CONCLUSION: PLR should not be used as a prognostic marker for survival after RC. On the contrary, preoperative leukocytosis, as well as preoperative and first-day thrombocytosis should raise awareness among clinicians performing RC, since they were independently associated with worse survival after RC.

The impact of health care on outcomes of suspected testicular torsion: results from the GRAND study.

BACKGROUND: Suspicion of testicular torsion represents a urological emergency, necessitating immediate surgery. Comprehensive data on the current trends and perioperative outcomes regarding surgical exploration are sparse. Therefore, we utilized nationwide data on the prevalence and results of this surgery, aiming to provide evidence on this matter. METHODS: We assessed the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from 2005 to 2021, provided by the Research Data Center of the Federal Bureau of Statistics. We performed multiple regression analyses to evaluate the perioperative outcomes (length of hospital stay, transfusion, and surgical wound infection) after surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion based on both the outcome of surgery (orchiectomy, detorsion with preservation of the testicle, and no testicular torsion) and on the department of operation (urological versus non-urological). RESULTS: A total of 81,899 males underwent surgical exploration due to suspected testicular torsion in Germany from 2005 to 2021. Of them, 11,725 (14%) underwent orchiectomy, 30,765 (38%) detorsion with preservation of the testicle and subsequent orchidopexy, and 39,409 (48%) presented no testicular torsion. Orchiectomy was significantly associated with longer length of hospital stay (day difference of 1.4 days, 95%CI: 1.3-1.4, p < 0.001), higher odds of transfusion (1.8, 95% CI: 1.2-2.6, p = 0.002) and surgical wound infections (1.8, 95%CI: 1.4-2.3, p < 0.001) compared to no testicular torsion. The proportion of patients undergoing orchiectomy was significantly lower in urological departments (14%) versus non-urological departments (16%) and the proportion of patients undergoing preservation of testicle after detorsion was significantly higher in urological departments (38%) versus non-urological departments (37%), p < 0.001. Patients undergoing treatment in a urological department were discharged earlier and presented lower odds of transfusion and surgical wound infection (p < 0.001) compared to patients undergoing treatment in a non-urological department. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly half of patients who underwent surgery for suspected testicular torsion did not have intraoperatively the condition confirmed. Patients treated in urological departments had significantly better perioperative outcomes compared to those treated in non-urological departments. Therefore, we advise to refer patients to urological treatment as early as possible.

The Vanishing Clinical Value of PD-L1 Status as a Predictive Biomarker in the First-Line Treatment of Urothelial Carcinoma of the Bladder.

BACKGROUND: Our study endeavors to elucidate the clinical implications of PD-L1 positivity in individuals afflicted with advanced urothelial carcinoma of the bladder (UCB). METHODS: Patients with advanced UCB were prospectively enrolled following a radical cystectomy (RC) performed within January 2017 to December 2022 at our tertiary referral center. The clinical outcome, defined as the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) on systemic treatment, was analyzed using an χ2-test, Mann-Whitney U-test, the Kaplan-Meier method, and a log-rank test. RESULTS: A total of 648 patients were included following an RC performed within January 2017 to December 2022. Their PD-L1 status was analyzed with the primary PD-L1-specific antibody (clone SP263, Ventana) and defined both by the CPS and IC-score in 282 patients (43.5%) with a high risk (pT3-pT4 and/or lymph node involvement) or metastatic UCB. While the median PFS was significantly prolonged 5-fold in PD-L1+ patients, we found no difference in OS, regardless of PD-L1 status, or treatment regimen. CONCLUSIONS: While PD-L1 positivity indicates prolonged PFS, the presence of PD-L1 does not influence OS rates, suggesting its limited usefulness as a prognostic biomarker in bladder cancer. However, the positive correlation between an PD-L1 status and a sustained response to ICI treatments indicates its potential role as a predictive biomarker. Further research is required to understand how the predictive value of PD-L1 positivity may extend to the use of ICIs in combination with antibody-drug conjugates.

Impact of preoperative LUTS on Health-Related Quality of Life following Radical Prostatectomy - A propensity score matched longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of preoperative lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) on long-term health-related quality of life (HRQOL) up to 10 years after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer (PC). METHODS: Within our prospective institutional database of 6487 patients treated with RP for PC (2008- 2020), 2727 patients with preoperative LUTS (IPSS score of ≥8) were identified. A 1:1 propensity-score matched analysis of 3056 men (n=1528 LUTS, n=1528 no LUTS) was conducted. Primary endpoint was HRQOL (based on EORTC QLQ-C30 and PR25). Linear regression models tested the effect of preoperative LUTS on the net change in general HRQOL (p<0.05). RESULTS: Median follow-up was 48 months. Preoperative mean global health status (GHS) score (67.4 vs. 75.7) was significantly lower in the LUTS cohort (p<0.001). Post-RP the difference in general HRQOL between the LUTS cohort and the no-LUTS cohort became smaller (65.7 vs. 67.8), however remaining statistically significant (p=0.037). In long-term follow-up, general HRQOL was comparable between both subcohorts (p-range 0.716 - 0.876). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed increased preoperative IPSS as an independent predictor for increased perioperative improvement of IPSS (p<0.001) CONCLUSIONS: For patients undergoing RP, preoperative LUTS were associated with a postoperative improvement of HRQOL outcomes. In long-term follow-up HRQOL was comparable to patients without preoperative LUTS. Hence RP is an efficient option to treat PC as well as LUTS in those patients.

Generative artificial intelligence in surgery.

Generative artificial intelligence is able to collect, extract, digest, and generate information in an understandable way for humans. As the first surgical applications of generative artificial intelligence are applied, this perspective paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current applications and future perspectives for the application of generative artificial intelligence in surgery, from preoperative planning to training. Generative artificial intelligence can be used before surgery for planning and decision support by extracting patient information and providing patients with information and simulation regarding the procedure. Intraoperatively, generative artificial intelligence can document data that is normally not captured as intraoperative adverse events or provide information to help decision-making. Postoperatively, GAIs can help with patient discharge and follow-up. The ability to provide real-time feedback and store it for later review is an important capability of GAIs. GAI applications are emerging as highly specialized, task-specific tools for tasks such as data extraction, synthesis, presentation, and communication within the realm of surgery. GAIs have the potential to play a pivotal role in facilitating interaction between surgeons and artificial intelligence.

Health-related quality of life following salvage radical prostatectomy for recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy or focal therapy.

BACKGROUND: Salvage radical prostatectomy (sRP) is an important treatment option for patients with recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) after radiotherapy (RT) or focal therapy (FT). However, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after sRP depending on the primary treatment is understudied. METHODS: Patients who underwent Salvage RP for recurrent PCa were analyzed. The primary outcome of this study was HRQOL assessed by the quality-of-life questionnaire (QLQ)-C30 and its prostate specific QLQ-PR25 add-on. Secondary outcomes were functional outcome parameters (erectile function, continence) and biochemical recurrence-free survival (BRFS). Statistical analyses employed the chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Kaplan-Meier method, with a p value < 0.05 denoting significance. RESULTS: 37 patients with RT as primary treatment (RT-sRP) and 22 patients with focal therapy prior sRP (FT-sRP) were analyzed. Mean global health score was not significantly different preoperatively (71.9 vs. 67.3, p = 0.89) as well as after a median of 32 months follow-up (54.9 vs. 50.6, p = 0.63) with impaired HRQOL after sRP in both groups. Baseline erectile dysfunction was more prevalent in the RT-sRP group (mean IIEF-5: 5.0) than in the FT-sRP group (mean IIEF-5: 8.5, p = 0.037). No differences were observed at follow-up for erectile function (IIEF-5-Score: 0.5 vs 2.5, p = 0.199) and continence (continence rate: 48.4% vs 52.9% (p = 0.763) between the RT-sRP and FT-sRP group. 5-year-BRFS was 60% (RT-sRP) and 68% (FT-sRP, p = 0.849). CONCLUSIONS: sRP impacts HRQOL in patients with PCa after RT and FT with no significant differences. Comparison with HRQOL and BRFS of treatment alternatives is paramount to counsel patients for appropriate treatments.

The impact of perioperative risk factors on long-term survival after radical cystectomy: a prospective, high-volume cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: Radical cystectomy (RC) is the gold standard for muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nevertheless, RC is associated with substantial perioperative morbidity and mortality. We aimed to evaluate the role of important perioperative risk factors in predicting long-term survival after RC. METHODS: An analysis of the prospective cohort of patients undergoing open RC from 2004 to 2023 at our center was performed. Patients who died within one month after RC were excluded from the study. A univariate and multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the role of sex, age, urinary diversion, preoperative values of creatinine and hemoglobin, first-day postoperative values of CRP, leucocytes, and thrombocytes, perioperative Clavien-Dindo complications, perioperative chemotherapy, admission to the intensive or intermediate care unit, as well as type of histology, pathologic T-stage, positive lymph nodes, and positive surgical margins on predicting the long-term overall survival after RC. For all analyses hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 1,750 patients with a median age of 70 years (IQR: 62-76) were included. Of them, 1,069 (61%) received ileal conduit and 650 (37%) neobladder. Overall, 1,016 (58%) perioperative complications occurred. At a median follow-up of 31 months (IQR: 12-71), 884 (51%) deaths were recorded. In the multivariable Cox regression analysis, increasing age (HR: 1.03, 95%CI: 1.02-1.04, p < 0.001), higher preoperative creatinine values (HR: 1.27, 95%CI: 1.12-1.44, p < 0.001), lower preoperative hemoglobin values (HR: 0.93, 95%CI: 0.89-0.97, p = 0.002), higher postoperative thrombocyte values (HR: 1.01, 95%CI: 1.01-1.02, p = 0.02), Clavien-Dindo 1-2 complications (HR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.03-1.53, p = 0.02), Clavien-Dindo 3-4 complications (HR: 1.55, 95%CI: 1.22-1.96, p < 0.001), locally advanced bladder cancer (HR: 1.29, 95%CI: 1.06-1.55, p = 0.009), positive lymph nodes (HR: 1.74, 95%CI: 1.45-2.11, p < 0.001), and positive surgical margins (HR: 1.61, 95%CI: 1.29-2.01, p < 0.001) negatively affected long-term survival. CONCLUSION: Beside increased age and worse oncological status, impaired renal function, lower preoperative hemoglobin values, higher postoperative thrombocyte values, and perioperative complications are independent risk factors for mortality in the long term in patients undergoing open RC.

Biophotonics-Intraoperative Guidance During Partial Nephrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: Partial nephrectomy (PN) with intraoperative guidance by biophotonics has the potential to improve surgical outcomes due to higher precision. However, its value remains unclear since high-level evidence is lacking. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive analysis of biophotonic techniques used for intraoperative real-time assistance during PN. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: We performed a comprehensive database search based on the PICO criteria, including studies published before October 2022. Two independent reviewers screened the titles and abstracts followed by full-text screening of eligible studies. For a quantitative analysis, a meta-analysis was conducted. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: In total, 35 studies were identified for the qualitative analysis, including 27 studies on near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging using indocyanine green, four studies on hyperspectral imaging, two studies on folate-targeted molecular imaging, and one study each on optical coherence tomography and 5-aminolevulinic acid. The meta-analysis investigated seven studies on selective arterial clamping using NIRF. There was a significantly shorter warm ischemia time in the NIRF-PN group (mean difference [MD]: -2.9; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -5.6, -0.1; p = 0.04). No differences were noted regarding transfusions (odds ratio [OR]: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2, 1.7; p = 0.27), positive surgical margins (OR: 0.7; 95% CI: 0.2, 2.0; p = 0.46), or major complications (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.1, 1.2; p = 0.08). In the NIRF-PN group, functional results were favorable at short-term follow-up (MD of glomerular filtration rate decline: 7.6; 95% CI: 4.6, 10.5; p < 0.01), but leveled off at long-term follow-up (MD: 7.0; 95% CI: -2.8, 16.9; p = 0.16). Remarkably, these findings were not confirmed by the included randomized controlled trial. CONCLUSIONS: Biophotonics comprises a heterogeneous group of imaging modalities that serve intraoperative decision-making and guidance. Implementation into clinical practice and cost effectiveness are the limitations that should be addressed by future research. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed the application of biophotonics during partial removal of the kidney in patients with kidney cancer. Our results suggest that these techniques support the surgeon in successfully performing the challenging steps of the procedure.

Awareness and Use of ChatGPT and Large Language Models: A Prospective Cross-sectional Global Survey in Urology.

BACKGROUND: Since its release in November 2022, ChatGPT has captivated society and shown potential for various aspects of health care. OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential use of ChatGPT, a large language model (LLM), in urology by gathering opinions from urologists worldwide. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An open web-based survey was distributed via social media and e-mail chains to urologists between April 20, 2023 and May 5, 2023. Participants were asked to answer questions related to their knowledge and experience with artificial intelligence, as well as their opinions of potential use of ChatGPT/LLMs in research and clinical practice. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data are reported as the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables, and the frequency and percentage for categorical variables. Charts and tables are used as appropriate, with descriptions of the chart types and the measures used. The data are reported in accordance with the Checklist for Reporting Results of Internet E-Surveys (CHERRIES). RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 456 individuals completed the survey (64% completion rate). Nearly half (47.7%) reported that they use ChatGPT/LLMs in their academic practice, with fewer using the technology in clinical practice (19.8%). More than half (62.2%) believe there are potential ethical concerns when using ChatGPT for scientific or academic writing, and 53% reported that they have experienced limitations when using ChatGPT in academic practice. CONCLUSIONS: Urologists recognise the potential of ChatGPT/LLMs in research but have concerns regarding ethics and patient acceptance. There is a desire for regulations and guidelines to ensure appropriate use. In addition, measures should be taken to establish rules and guidelines to maximise safety and efficiency when using this novel technology. PATIENT SUMMARY: A survey asked 456 urologists from around the world about using an artificial intelligence tool called ChatGPT in their work. Almost half of them use ChatGPT for research, but not many use it for patients care. The resonders think ChatGPT could be helpful, but they worry about problems like ethics and want rules to make sure it's used safely.

Long-Term Follow-Up in Patients Undergoing Renal Mass Biopsy: Seeding is not Anecdotal.

INTRODUCTION: Renal biopsy is recommended if the outcome might alter therapeutic decisions for patients who present with renal masses of unclear etiology. However, little is known about long-term risks related to this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of an institutional database maintained by a tertiary referral center that included patients who underwent renal biopsies between 2003 and 2005 with a follow-up of at least 15 years. Renal biopsies were taken percutaneously with a coaxial technique according to guideline recommendations and included off-line ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: We identified 106 patients who underwent biopsies for a renal mass of unclear etiology. The median age was 58.7 years (43.7-66.2). A median of 4.2 (3-6) biopsies were collected from each patient. Tumor seeding leading to local growth was identified in 6 patients (5,7%) after a median follow-up of 8.2 years. Four of these lesions that were resected exhibited the same histology as the original biopsy result; these patients experienced no further recurrence. In 45 patients (42%), the biopsy results led to a therapy other than surgery (n = 28 lymphoma, n = 6 metastasis from other malignancies, n = 11 oncocytoma). The remaining 61 patients (58%) were diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma treated either surgically or with ablation. None of the patients developed metastatic spread related to tumor seeding. CONCLUSION: Tumor seeding after renal mass biopsy is a rare, but relevant risk associated with this procedure. As indications for renal mass biopsy increase, longer-term follow-up and improved biopsy techniques should be considered to address this complication.

A new era and future of education: the impact of pandemic on online learning - a study from the European School of Urology.

Introduction: In contemporary times, the online learning process has become indispensable for healthcare education. In this direction, the European School of Urology (ESU) has taken the challenge to implement new technologies to bring down knowledge barriers. Web-based seminars (webinars) are one of the tools that help us move towards such inclusivity, and in front-facing COVID-19 pandemic, when face-to-face meetings were forbidden. Material and methods: Data from ESU webinars was collected from 2016 to 2022. We described the trends through years of: a) number of webinars per year; b) number of oncological versus non-oncological webinars per year; c) number of registrations per year; d) attendance rate; e) YouTube visualisations. We also analysed audience demographics and COVID-19 impact. Results: We found a 60% increase in webinars launched per year with a trend towards more non-oncological webinars. A 94% rise in the number of registrations and an 85% increase in the attendance ratio from 2016 to 2022 was observed. The mean YouTube visualisations per webinar decreased over 200%. Among registrations, we had a 3:1 male: female ratio, 53% were older than 40, and a 51% were of European precedence. COVID-19 positively impacted webinars with a remarkable increase on the amount of webinars launched, number of registrations and attendance ratio. Conclusions: Webinars are a powerful tool to spread healthcare knowledge, bridging the gap in medical educational access. COVID-19 was a determinant that reinforced its implantation, but our data show that this new learning tool had a positive uptake, and has come to stay.

Can the Abdominal Aortic Atherosclerotic Plaque Index Predict Functional Outcomes after Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy?

This study aims to evaluate the abdominal aortic atherosclerotic plaque index (API)'s predictive role in patients with pre-operatively or post-operatively developed chronic kidney disease (CKD) treated with robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). One hundred and eighty-three patients (134 with no pre- and post-operative CKD (no CKD) and 49 with persistent or post-operative CKD development (post-op CKD)) who underwent RAPN between January 2019 and January 2022 were deemed eligible for the analysis. The API was calculated using dedicated software by assessing the ratio between the CT scan atherosclerotic plaque volume and the abdominal aortic volume. The ROC regression model demonstrated the influence of API on CKD development, with an increasing effect according to its value (coefficient 0.13; 95% CI 0.04-0.23; p = 0.006). The Model 1 multivariable analysis of the predictors of post-op CKD found that the following are independently associated with post-op CKD: Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR 1.31; p = 0.01), last follow-up (FU) Δ%eGFR (OR 0.95; p < 0.01), and API ≥ 10 (OR 25.4; p = 0.01). Model 2 showed API ≥ 10 as the only factor associated with CKD development (OR 25.2; p = 0.04). The median follow-up was 22 months. Our results demonstrate API to be a strong predictor of post-operative CKD, allowing the surgeon to tailor the best treatment for each patient, especially in those who might be at higher risk of CKD.

The Impact of Telemedicine in Reducing the Carbon Footprint in Health Care: A Systematic Review and Cumulative Analysis of 68 Million Clinical Consultations.

CONTEXT: Carbon footprint (CF) has emerged as an important factor when assessing health care interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reduction in CF for patients utilizing telemedicine. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were queried for studies describing telemedicine consultation and reporting on carbon emissions saved and the carbon emissions of telemedicine devices as primary outcomes, and travel distance and time and cost savings and safety as secondary outcomes. Outcomes were tabulated and calculated per consultation. Carbon emissions and travel distances were also calculated for each total study cohort. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale, and the Oxford level of evidence was determined. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 48 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering 68 465 481 telemedicine consultations and savings of 691 825 tons of CO2 emissions and 3 318 464 047 km of travel distance. Carbon assessment was mostly reported as the estimated distance saved using a conversion factor. Medical specialties used telemedicine to connect specialists with patients at home (n = 25) or at a local center (n = 6). Surgical specialties used telemedicine for virtual preoperative assessment (n = 9), follow-up (n = 4), and general consultation (n = 4). The savings per consultation were 21.9-632.17 min and $1.85-$325. More studies focused on the COVID-19 time frame (n = 33) than before the pandemic (n = 15). The studies are limited by calculations, mostly for the travel distance for carbon savings, and appropriate follow-up to analyze the real impact on travel and appointments. CONCLUSIONS: Telemedicine reduces the CF of the health care sector. Expanding the use of telemedicine and educating providers and patients could further decrease CO2 emissions and save both money and time. PATIENT SUMMARY: We reviewed 48 studies on the use of telemedicine. We found that people used their cars less and saved time and money, as well as CO2 emissions, if they used teleconsultations. Some studies only looked at how much CO2 from driving was saved, so there might be more to learn about the benefits of teleconsultations. The use of online doctor appointments is not only good for our planet but also helps patients in saving time and money. This review is registered on the PROSPERO database for systematic reviews (CRD42023456839).

Perioperative outcomes of penile prosthesis implantation in Germany: results from the GRAND study.

We aimed to assess the recommended annual hospital volume for inflatable penile prosthesis implantation (PPI) and to provide evidence on perioperative outcomes of semi-rigid and inflatable PPI in Germany. We used the GeRmAn Nationwide inpatient Data (GRAND) from 2005 to 2021 and report the largest study to date with 7,222 patients. 6,818 (94.4%) patients underwent inflatable and 404 (5.6%) semi-rigid PPI. Inflatable PPI was significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (difference of 2.2 days, 95%CI: 1.6-2.7, p < 0.001), lower odds of perioperative urinary tract infections (5.5% versus 9.2%; OR: 0.58, 95%CI: 0.41-0.84, p = 0.003) and surgical wound infections (1% versus 2.5%; OR: 0.42, 95%CI: 0.22-0.88, p = 0.012) compared to semi-rigid PPI. Overall, 4255 (62.4%) inflatable PPIs were undertaken in low- ( < 20 PPI/year) and 2563 (37.6%) in high-volume ( ≥ 20 PPI/year) centers. High-volume centers were significantly associated with shorter length of hospital stay (difference of 1.4 days, 95%CI: 1.2-1.7, p < 0.001) compared to low-volume centers. Our findings suggest that inflatable PPI leads to a shorter length of hospital stay and lower rates of perioperative urinary tract and surgical wound infections compared to semi-rigid PPI. Patients undergoing surgery in high-volume centers for inflatable PPI are discharged earlier from the hospital.

Patients' Trust in Artificial Intelligence-based Decision-making for Localized Prostate Cancer: Results from a Prospective Trial.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to enhance diagnostic accuracy and improve treatment outcomes. However, AI integration into clinical workflows and patient perspectives remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine patients' trust in AI and their perception of urologists relying on AI, and future diagnostic and therapeutic AI applications for patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: A prospective trial was conducted involving patients who received diagnostic or therapeutic interventions for prostate cancer (PC). INTERVENTION: Patients were asked to complete a survey before magnetic resonance imaging, prostate biopsy, or radical prostatectomy. OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS AND STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The primary outcome was patient trust in AI. Secondary outcomes were the choice of AI in treatment settings and traits attributed to AI and urologists. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Data for 466 patients were analyzed. The cumulative affinity for technology was positively correlated with trust in AI (correlation coefficient 0.094; p = 0.04), whereas patient age, level of education, and subjective perception of illness were not (p > 0.05). The mean score (± standard deviation) for trust in capability was higher for physicians than for AI for responding in an individualized way when communicating a diagnosis (4.51 ± 0.76 vs 3.38 ± 1.07; mean difference [MD] 1.130, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.010-1.250; t924 = 18.52, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.040) and for explaining information in an understandable way (4.57 ± vs 3.18 ± 1.09; MD 1.392, 95% CI 1.275-1.509; t921 = 27.27, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 1.216). Patients stated that they had higher trust in a diagnosis made by AI controlled by a physician versus AI not controlled by a physician (4.31 ± 0.88 vs 1.75 ± 0.93; MD 2.561, 95% CI 2.444-2.678; t925 = 42.89, p < 0.001; Cohen's d = 2.818). AI-assisted physicians (66.74%) were preferred over physicians alone (29.61%), physicians controlled by AI (2.36%), and AI alone (0.64%) for treatment in the current clinical scenario. CONCLUSIONS: Trust in future diagnostic and therapeutic AI-based treatment relies on optimal integration with urologists as the human-machine interface to leverage human and AI capabilities. PATIENT SUMMARY: Artificial intelligence (AI) will play a role in diagnostic decisions in prostate cancer in the future. At present, patients prefer AI-assisted urologists over urologists alone, AI alone, and AI-controlled urologists. Specific traits of AI and urologists could be used to optimize diagnosis and treatment for patients with prostate cancer.

Artificial Intelligence in Surgical Training for Kidney Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

The prevalence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is increasing due to advanced imaging techniques. Surgical resection is the standard treatment, involving complex radical and partial nephrectomy procedures that demand extensive training and planning. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) can potentially aid the training process in the field of kidney cancer. This review explores how artificial intelligence (AI) can create a framework for kidney cancer surgery to address training difficulties. Following PRISMA 2020 criteria, an exhaustive search of PubMed and SCOPUS databases was conducted without any filters or restrictions. Inclusion criteria encompassed original English articles focusing on AI's role in kidney cancer surgical training. On the other hand, all non-original articles and articles published in any language other than English were excluded. Two independent reviewers assessed the articles, with a third party settling any disagreement. Study specifics, AI tools, methodologies, endpoints, and outcomes were extracted by the same authors. The Oxford Center for Evidence-Based Medicine's evidence levels were employed to assess the studies. Out of 468 identified records, 14 eligible studies were selected. Potential AI applications in kidney cancer surgical training include analyzing surgical workflow, annotating instruments, identifying tissues, and 3D reconstruction. AI is capable of appraising surgical skills, including the identification of procedural steps and instrument tracking. While AI and augmented reality (AR) enhance training, challenges persist in real-time tracking and registration. The utilization of AI-driven 3D reconstruction proves beneficial for intraoperative guidance and preoperative preparation. Artificial intelligence (AI) shows potential for advancing surgical training by providing unbiased evaluations, personalized feedback, and enhanced learning processes. Yet challenges such as consistent metric measurement, ethical concerns, and data privacy must be addressed. The integration of AI into kidney cancer surgical training offers solutions to training difficulties and a boost to surgical education. However, to fully harness its potential, additional studies are imperative.

The Impact of Laser Energy on Functional Outcome Following Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of total laser energy applied, as well as enucleation efficiency on short-term functional outcomes for patients treated for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1593 consecutive patients who underwent HoLEP for LUTS due to benign prostate obstruction in a tertiary care center between January 2018 and January 2021 was performed. Perioperative parameters and short-term functional outcome were evaluated. Spearman's rank correlation and linear regression analysis was applied to identify the relationship between total laser energy applied or enucleation efficiency and functional outcome (P < .05). RESULTS: Median weight of enucleated tissue was 65g, median tissue retrieval percentage was 72.2% and median surgery speed was 0.8g/min. Median laser energy applied was 48.8 kJ, median enucleation efficiency was 1.4g/kJ. No significant correlation between the total laser energy and postoperative International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), peak urinary flow (Qmax) or postvoid residual urine volume (PVR) was found (P-range: .473-.969). Likewise, no correlation was found between enucleation efficiency and postoperative IPSS, Qmax, and PVR (P-range: .080-.932). Perioperative improvement of functional outcome (delta IPSS, delta Qmax, and delta PVR) did not correlate with total laser energy applied (P-range: .211-.785) or with enucleation efficiency (P-range: .118-.543). Those results were confirmed in linear regression analysis. CONCLUSION: The results of this study reveal that functional outcome following HoLEP are not dependant on the amount of laser energy applied or enucleation efficiency. Our results should support the increased use of HoLEP as surgical treatment option for LUTS due to BPH.

Digital Therapeutics in Urology: An Innovative Approach to Patient Care and Management.

Digital therapeutics (DTx) are a new class of intervention involving evidence-based software applications and have been used in neurology and psychiatry. To assess the potential of DTx in urology, we conducted a survey to assess the current prevalence of the digital infrastructure required for DTx, areas of support expected by patients, and requirements for uptake. Between November 2022 and January 2023, we conducted an anonymized survey at two German academic centers among patients with urologic conditions. We found that among patients aged <65 yr versus ≥65 yr, digital devices including smartphones (93.6% vs 77.3%; p < 0.001), computers (80.4% vs 70.1%; p < 0.001), tablets (51.7% vs 38.1%; p < 0.001), and smartwatches (24.7% vs 7.7%; p < 0.001) are already widely used, especially in the younger age group. Apps (95.6% vs 74.4%; p < 0.001) and health apps (57.6% vs 30.4%; p < 0.001) are already frequently used, but certified DTx apps are not (7.3% vs 5.4%; p = 0.25). Patients favor solutions that provide access to validated information (49.6%), give medical advice based on data or symptoms captured by the app (43.0%), or replace a physiotherapist (41.7%). Patients feel that optimization of therapy (78.4%), significant positive health outcomes (76.9%), and better patient autonomy (73.4%) are important requirements for DTx in urology. Regulatory and reimbursement changes mean that DTx might play an increasing role in urology. Patient summary: Patients can use digital therapeutics (DTx), which are mainly smartphone apps, to improve their health status or treat medical conditions. We assessed the current and future use of DTx in urology. Patients are already widely using smartphones and frequently use uncertified health apps, but do not use DTx. Patients would like to use DTx to optimize therapy that provides a significant health improvement.

[Digitalization in urology-challenge and opportunity]. / Digitalisierung in der Urologie ­ Herausforderung und Chance.

Digitalization is changing medicine. In Germany these changes are not highly accepted yet. Medical pathways should be supported and become safer by digital transformation. Furthermore, artificial intelligence (AI) applications are increasingly used in medicine. Only time will tell whether these will decrease the workload and make patient treatment easier, while increasing precision and individualization.. Urology must accept the upcoming new challenges. This can best be done by participating in the development.