Program Directors' Perspectives on Residency Applications in the Post‒United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 Era: A Case for Standardized Letters of Recommendation?

INTRODUCTION: The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 test evolved into a key metric utilized by program directors (PDs) in assessing candidates for residency. The transition to a USMLE Step 1 binary pass/fail scoring system has resulted in a loss of an important objective assessment. With national movements toward pass/fail systems for clerkship grading and trends toward abandonment of class ranking, assessing residency applications has become increasingly challenging. METHODS: The Society of Academic Urologists convened a task force to, in part, assess the perspectives of urology PDs regarding the importance of various aspects of a residency application for predicting clinical performance. An anonymous survey was disseminated to all urology PDs in the US. Perspectives on 11 potential application predictors of clinical performance and demographics were recorded. Descriptive statistics characterized PD responses. Friedman test and pairwise Wilcoxon tests were used to evaluate the relative ranks assigned to application elements by PDs. RESULTS: There was a 60.5% response rate (89/147). Letters of recommendation (LORs) were ranked as the most important predictor, with a mean rank of 2.39, median of 2 (IQR 1-3). Clerkship grades and USMLE Step 1 were comparable and ranked second. Medical school reputation ranked the lowest. There was significant subjective heterogeneity among categories; however, this was less so for LORs, which predominated as the most important factor among application elements (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the largest sample size assessing PD perspectives on application factors that predict clinical performance. The second (clerkship grades) and third (USLME Step 1) most important factors moving toward binary pass/fail systems create an opportunity for actionable change to improve assessment objectivity. Our data demonstrate LORs to be the most important factor of residency applications, making a compelling argument for moving toward a standardized LOR to maximize this tool, mitigate bias, and improve interreviewer reliability.

Critical Examination of Indications for Urinalysis in the United States.

INTRODUCTION: Urinalysis is commonly performed in the United States. We critically evaluated urinalysis indications in the United States. METHODS: We obtained an Institutional Review Board exemption for this study. 2015 National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey data were queried for urinalysis testing frequency and associated International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition diagnoses. 2018 MarketScan data were queried for urinalysis testing frequency and associated International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition diagnoses. We considered International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition codes for genitourinary disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperparathyroidism, renal artery disease, substance abuse, or pregnancy as an appropriate indication for urinalysis. We considered International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition codes A (certain infections and parasitic diseases), C, D (neoplasms), E (endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases), N (disease of the genitourinary system), and select R codes (symptoms, signs, and abnormal clinical laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified) as an appropriate indication for urinalysis. RESULTS: Of 99 million 2015 urinalysis encounters, 58.5% had an International Classification of Diseases, ninth edition code for genitourinary disease, diabetes, hypertension, hyperparathyroidism, renal artery disease, substance abuse, and pregnancy. Forty percent of the 2018 urinalysis encounters did not have an International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition diagnosis. Twenty-seven percent had an appropriate primary diagnosis code, and 51% had one of the appropriate codes. The most common International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition codes were encounter for general adult examination, urinary tract infection, essential hypertension, dysuria, unspecified abdominal pain, and encounter for general adult medical examination with abnormal findings. CONCLUSIONS: Urinalysis is commonly performed without an appropriate diagnosis. Widespread urinalysis leads to a large number of evaluations for asymptomatic microhematuria, with associated cost and morbidity. Closer examination for urinalysis indications is needed to reduce costs and morbidity.

One size does not fit all: variations by ethnicity in demographic characteristics of men seeking fertility treatment across North America.

OBJECTIVE: To compare racial differences in male fertility history and treatment. DESIGN: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data. SETTING: North American reproductive urology centers. PATIENT(S): Males undergoing urologist fertility evaluation. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Demographic and reproductive Andrology Research Consortium data. RESULT(S): The racial breakdown of 6,462 men was: 51% White, 20% Asian/Indo-Canadian/Indo-American, 6% Black, 1% Indian/Native, <1% Native Hawaiian/Other Pacific Islander, and 21% "Other". White males sought evaluation sooner (3.5 ± 4.7 vs. 3.8 ± 4.2 years), had older partners (33.3 ± 4.9 vs. 32.9 ± 5.2 years), and more had undergone vasectomy (8.4% vs. 2.9%) vs. all other races. Black males were older (38.0 ± 8.1 vs. 36.5 ± 7.4 years), sought fertility evaluation later (4.8 ± 5.1 vs. 3.6 ± 4.4 years), fewer had undergone vasectomy (3.3% vs. 5.9%), and fewer had partners who underwent intrauterine insemination (8.2% vs. 12.6%) compared with all other races. Asian/Indo-Canadian/Indo-American patients were younger (36.1 ± 7.2 vs. 36.7 ± 7.6 years), fewer had undergone vasectomy (1.2% vs. 6.9%), and more had partners who underwent intrauterine insemination (14.2% vs. 11.9%). Indian/Native males sought evaluation later (5.1 ± 6.8 vs. 3.6 ± 4.4 years) and more had undergone vasectomy (13.4% vs. 5.7%). CONCLUSION(S): Racial differences exist for males undergoing fertility evaluation by a reproductive urologist. Better understanding of these differences in history in conjunction with societal and biologic factors can guide personalized care, as well as help to better understand and address disparities in access to fertility evaluation and treatment.

Self-Identified African Americans and prostate cancer risk: West African genetic ancestry is associated with prostate cancer diagnosis and with higher Gleason sum on biopsy.

Concerns about overtreatment of clinically indolent prostate cancer (PrCa) have led to recommendations that men who are diagnosed with low-risk PrCa be managed by active surveillance (AS) rather than immediate definitive treatment. However the risk of underestimating the aggressiveness of a patient's PrCa can be a significant source of anxiety and a barrier to patient acceptance of AS. The uncertainty is particularly keen for African American (AA) men who are about 1.7 times more likely to be diagnosed with PrCa than European American (EA) men and about 2.4 times more likely to die of this disease. The AA population, as many other populations in the Americas, is genetically heterogeneous with varying degrees of admixture from West Africans (WAs), Europeans, and Native Americans (NAs). Recommendations for PrCa screening and management rarely consider potential differences in risk within the AA population. We compared WA genetic ancestry in AA men undergoing standard prostate biopsy who were diagnosed with no cancer, low-grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 6), or higher grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 7-10). We found that WA genetic ancestry was significantly higher in men who were diagnosed with PrCa on biopsy, compared to men who were cancer-negative, and highest in men who were diagnosed with higher grade PrCa (Gleason Sum 7-10). Incorporating WA ancestry into the guidelines for making decisions about when to obtain a biopsy and whether to choose AS may allow AA men to personalize their approach to PrCa screening and management.

Reproductive endocrinologists are the gatekeepers for male infertility care in North America: results of a North American survey on the referral patterns and characteristics of men presenting to male infertility specialists for infertility investigations.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the referral patterns and characteristics of men presenting for infertility evaluation using data obtained from the Andrology Research Consortium. DESIGN: Standardized male infertility questionnaire. SETTING: Male infertility centers. PATIENT(S): Men presenting for fertility evaluation. INTERVENTION(S): Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Demographic, infertility history, and referral data. RESULT(S): The questionnaires were completed by 4,287 men, with a mean male age of 40 years ± 7.4 years and female partners age of 37 years ± 4.9 years. Most were Caucasian (54%) with other races being less commonly represented (Asian 18.6%, and African American 5.5%). The majority (59.7%) were referred by a reproductive gynecologist, 19.4% were referred by their primary care physician, 4.2% were self-referred, and 621 (14.5%) were referred by "other." Before the male infertility investigation, 12.1% of couples had undergone intrauterine insemination, and 4.9% of couples had undergone in vitro fertilization (up to six cycles). Among the male participants, 0.9% reported using finasteride (5α-reductase inhibitor) at a dose used for androgenic alopecia, and 1.6% reported exogenous testosterone use. CONCLUSION(S): This broad North American patient survey shows that reproductive gynecologists are the de facto gateway for most male infertility referrals, with most men being assessed in the male infertility service being referred by reproductive endocrinologists. Some of the couples with apparent male factor infertility are treated with assisted reproductive technologies before a male factor investigation. The survey also identified potentially reversible causes for the male infertility including lifestyle factors such as testosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitor use.

Epigenetic risk score improves prostate cancer risk assessment.

BACKGROUND: Early detection of aggressive prostate cancer (PCa) remains crucial for effective treatment of patients. However, PCa screening remains controversial due to a high rate of overdiagnosis and overtreatment. To better reconcile both objectives, more effective methods for assessing disease severity at the time of diagnosis are needed. METHODS: The relationship between DNA-methylation and high-grade PCa was examined in a cohort of 102 prospectively enrolled men who received standard 12-core prostate biopsies. EpiScore, an algorithm that quantifies the relative DNA methylation intensities of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC in prostate biopsy tissue, was evaluated as a method to compensate for biopsy under-sampling and improve risk stratification at the time of diagnosis. RESULTS: DNA-methylation intensities of GSTP1, RASSF1, and APC were higher in biopsy cores from men diagnosed with GS ≥ 7 cancer compared to men with diagnosed GS 6 disease. This was confirmed by EpiScore, which was significantly higher for subjects with high-grade biopsies and higher NCCN risk categories (both P < 0.001). In patients diagnosed with GS ≥ 7, increased levels of DNA-methylation were present, not only in the high-grade biopsy cores, but also in other cores with no or low-grade disease (P < 0.001). By combining EpiScore with traditional clinical risk factors into a logistic regression model, the prediction of high GS reached an AUC of 0.82 (95%CI: 0.73-0.91) with EpiScore, DRE, and atypical histological findings as most important contributors. CONCLUSIONS: In men diagnosed with PCa, DNA-methylation profiling can detect under-sampled high-risk PCa in prostate biopsy specimens through a field effect. Predictive accuracy increased when EpiScore was combined with other clinical risk factors. These results suggest that EpiScore could aid in the detection of occult high-grade disease at the time of diagnosis, thereby improving the selection of candidates for Active Surveillance.

Assessing the Costs of Extraurinary Findings of Computed Tomography Urogram in the Evaluation of Asymptomatic Microscopic Hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the costs associated with incidental extraurinary findings on computed tomography urogram (CTU) in patients with asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed to identify all CTUs performed for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria at our institution from 2012 to 2014. All genitourinary (GU) and incidental extraurinary findings were documented. Further clinical follow-up to May 2015 was reviewed to determine if any referrals, tests, imaging, and/or procedures were ordered based on the initial CTU. Cost estimates were determined using the Medicare physician reimbursement rate. RESULTS: Two hundred two patients were evaluated with CTU for asymptomatic microscopic hematuria. GU malignancy was documented in 2 patients (0.99%), both renal masses suspicious for renal cell carcinoma. Sixty patients were found to have kidney stones, of which 26 had stones ≥5 mm. Incidental extraurinary findings were found in 150 (74.3%) patients, requiring further imaging costs of $17,242 or $85.35 per patient screened. Twelve patients required a total of 20 procedures for a cost of $54,655. The total cost related to extraurinary findings was $140,290 or $694.50 per initial patient screened. CONCLUSION: The incidental extraurinary findings detected on CTU can lead to expensive and invasive testing and treatment. Whereas costs associated with further workup were high, the overall outcomes in both GU and non-GU cancer diagnosis were low. Future analysis should focus on limiting the cost and invasiveness of our evaluation for this condition.

Extraurinary Incidental Findings on CT for Hematuria: The Radiologist's Role and Downstream Cost Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The purposes of this study of patients who underwent CT for hematuria were to understand how radiologists' recommendations regarding incidental findings affect their management, assess long-term outcomes from important incidental findings, and calculate estimates of downstream costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of 1295 patients who underwent CT for hematuria from 2004 to 2006 at our institution. Incidental findings outside the urinary tract were recorded and imaging reports categorized on the basis of recommendations, interpretations, and actions of radiologists. Patients with important incidental findings were followed for 6-8 years. Costs related to incidental findings were estimated and tallied. RESULTS: Two hundred fourteen important findings were found in 143 of 1295 patients, with 93 patients undergoing clinical follow-up, including 30 patients who underwent invasive procedures leading to 154 hospital days and 16 operations (group 1). In 63 patients, no invasive procedures were performed (group 2). Costs were higher in group 1 than in group 2, and the average per-patient cost for all 1295 patients was $385. In group 1, 95% of recommendations were followed compared with 80% in group 2. There was probable therapeutic benefit in 25 of 143 (17%) patients. There were serious complications in six of 143 (4.2%) patients, including death in two of 143 (1.4%). CONCLUSION: Radiologists' recommendations were generally followed for important incidental findings. These recommendations can direct the most cost-efficient and effective care for incidental findings. Although some patients with incidental findings had probable benefit, others incurred morbidity or mortality. A small number of invasive procedures resulted in substantial costs in this symptomatic population. Costs averaged over the entire population were higher than have been previously reported.

Medical testosterone: an iatrogenic cause of male infertility and a growing problem.

OBJECTIVE: To determine (1) the frequency of testosterone (T) use in 2 academic male infertility practices, (2) the effect on semen parameters, and (3) the potential for reversibility. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review. Inclusion criteria were supplemental T usage at the time of initial visit, T cessation, and semen analyses before and after T cessation. RESULTS: From January 2005 to March 2011, 110 of 1540 patients evaluated for infertility (7.1%) were on supplemental T. Thirty-nine patients met the inclusion criteria. Twenty-two of 39 patients (56%) were started on medical recovery by medical treatment. Median sperm concentration increased from 0 to 6.3 million/mL (P <.0001) after T cessation, with median follow-up of 4.5 months. Eight men (21%) remained azoospermic, and 3 men had sperm concentrations of ≤ 0.1 million/mL. Fifteen of 22 men given medical treatment and 16 of 17 men given no treatment had sperm return to the semen, respectively (P = .1061). Final sperm concentration did not differ between those who received medical treatment and those who did not. CONCLUSION: Exogenous T treatment causes infertility and is common among reproductive-aged men. These effects are transient for some, but not all men had return of sperm to the semen during the study interval, suggesting a possible underlying primary testicular dysfunction or ongoing hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis suppression. Education about exogenous T's negative reproductive effects is necessary to avoid this preventable form of infertility. Men with low T levels should have sufficient evaluation to evaluate for underlying pathology before starting T.

Vasectomy.

This article is intended to familiarize the surgeon with all aspects of vasectomy including preoperative counseling, anesthetic techniques, surgical techniques, postoperative follow-up, and postvasectomy semen analysis. The latest literature regarding the complication rates and failure rates of various vas occlusion techniques is also discussed.

National semen analysis reference range reporting: adherence to the 1999 World Health Organization guidelines 10 years later.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the adherence by laboratories across the United States to the standard semen analysis guidelines and parameter reference ranges 10 years after being set by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1999 and to compare compliance between regional laboratories vs. specialty assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories. DESIGN: Observational study. SETTING: Regional clinical and reproductive endocrinology andrology laboratories. INTERVENTION(S): Blank or deidentified semen analysis reports were collected from laboratories through direct contact or from reports received as part of clinical care for male infertility. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Adherence to semen analysis reference range reporting as recommended by the 1999 WHO guidelines. RESULT(S): Semen analyses reports were collected from 111 laboratories from 31 different states. Of 111 laboratories, 26 (23%) reported all reference range parameters in accordance with the guidelines. Of 65 ART laboratories, 21 (32%) complied with all reference range parameters as outlined by the guidelines, vs. 5 of 46 non-ART laboratories (11%). Seventy percent of laboratories that did not report 1999 WHO parameters did so because of differences in reference values for normal morphology. CONCLUSION(S): Adherence to WHO 1999 semen analysis reference range guidelines has not been achieved by ART and non-ART laboratories 10 years after being introduced. Non-ART laboratories report reference ranges less accurately than ART laboratories.

Association of cystic fibrosis genetic modifiers with congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether genetic modifiers of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease also predispose to congenital bilateral absence of the vas deferens (CBAVD) in association with cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutations. We tested the hypothesis that polymorphisms of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß1 (rs 1982073, rs 1800471) and endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA) (rs 5335, rs 1801708) are associated with the CBAVD phenotype. DESIGN: Genotyping of subjects with clinical CBAVD. SETTING: Outpatient and hospital-based clinical evaluation. PATIENT(S): DNA samples from 80 subjects with CBAVD and 51 healthy male controls from various regions of Europe. This is one of the largest genetic studies of this disease to date. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Genotype analysis. RESULT(S): For single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs 5335, we found increased frequency of the CC genotype among subjects with CBAVD. The difference was significant among Turkish patients versus controls (45.2% vs. 19.4%), and between all cases versus controls (36% vs. 15.7%). No associations between CBAVD penetrance and polymorphisms rs 1982073, rs 1800471, or rs 1801708 were observed. CONCLUSION(S): Our findings indicate that endothelin receptor type A polymorphism rs 5335 may be associated with CBAVD penetrance. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate genetic modifiers relevant to CBAVD.

Bladder cancer incidence and mortality rates compared to ecologic factors among states in America.

PURPOSE: Smoking, inadequate vitamin D and pesticide exposure have been linked to bladder cancer (BCa) in past studies. The objective of this study is to explore associations between BCa rates and these risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BCa incidence and mortality rates among states were compared to smoking; solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation levels and drinking water from a surface water supply (which has greater residual pesticide contamination than groundwater and both are used as sources for drinking water). Lack of health insurance, median family income and urbanization were included to adjust for access to health care and socioeconomic status. RESULTS: BCa incidence and mortality correlated directly with smoking and inversely with solar UV radiation for males and females. BCa mortality correlated directly with drinking surface water for both sexes. Lack of health insurance correlated inversely with BCa incidence for females and trended toward significance for males. Multivariable analyses identified solar UV radiation as the best predictor of BCa incidence in males and solar UV radiation and smoking in females. Solar UV radiation, smoking and drinking surface water were the best predictors of BCa mortality in males, while smoking and drinking surface water were the best predictors of mortality in females. CONCLUSIONS: BCa incidence and mortality for both sexes correlated directly with smoking and inversely with solar UV radiation levels. BCa mortality for both sexes correlated with drinking water from a surface water source. It is hypothesized that BCa mortality risks may increase from drinking water contaminated with low levels of pesticides.

Treatment outcomes for percutaneous nephrolithotomy in renal allografts.

PURPOSE: We reviewed our experience with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in patients with renal allografts over 19 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We cross-referenced all renal allograft recipients at our institution with all PCNLs performed. We identified 16 renal allograft recipients who underwent a total of 21 PCNL procedures between 1986 and 2005. These charts were abstracted and the outcomes reviewed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 7.2 years. No loss of renal function occurred in the perioperative period. Five patients lost graft function during the follow-up period; however, none of these patients' loss of function was related to the PCNL. No patient had sepsis. Thirteen of the 16 patients were rendered stone free during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: PCNL is a safe and effective method of treating nephrolithiasis in a transplanted kidney.

Determination of split renal function by 3D reconstruction of CT angiograms: a comparison with gamma camera renography.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to examine the correlation between CT-based and radionuclide renography-based measures of split renal function in a healthy population of live potential kidney donors using 3D models generated from CT angiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of 173 renal donor candidates who had undergone CT and radionuclide renography between March 1, 2005, and February 28, 2006, were retrospectively evaluated; of those 173 patients, 152 met study inclusion criteria. A blinded investigator using 3D models that were created semiautomatically from the unenhanced, arterial, and excretory phase data made measurements of CT renal volumes and attenuations. The mean renal attenuation and volume were used to calculate the net accumulation of contrast material and split renal function for comparison with radionuclide renography. Split function from CT was calculated in the arterial and excretory phases as well as based on split renal volume and the Patlak method. RESULTS: All four CT-based methods for the calculation of split renal function showed correlation with no significant difference from radionuclide renography (p > 0.05, Student's t test). Pearson's correlation coefficients varied from 0.36 to 0.63 (p < 0.001 for each). Difference scores revealed that the excretory and renal volume splits had the narrowest range and showed a linear, nonzero relationship to the renography splits. Bland-Altman analysis confirmed that the majority of difference scores between each CT method and the radionuclide renography were within the 95% CI of the differences. CONCLUSION: Split renal function based on 3D CT models can provide a "one-stop" evaluation of both the anatomic and the functional characteristics of the kidneys of living potential kidney donors. The excretory phase data and the split renal volume data show the best correlation and the smallest difference scores compared with radionuclide renography data.

Restructuring reconstructive techniques--advances in reconstructive techniques.

Microsurgical reconstruction to correct male infertility, although usually performed for vasectomy reversal, also is performed to correct other types of iatrogenic, congenital, and postinflammatory obstruction. In an effort to improve success rates and facilitate performance of these complex microsurgical procedures, modifications are continually suggested. This article reviews some of these proposed modifications. The modifications can be divided into five general categories: (1) use of biomaterials/sealants, (2) laser soldering, (3) use of absorbable and nonabsorbable stents, (4) new intussusception vasoepididymostomy (VE) anastomotic techniques, and (5) use of robotics.

Practical use of investigations in patients with hematuria.

OBJECTIVE: The majority of patients with microscopic hematuria undergo a complete evaluation resulting in negative findings. The outcome of patients with hematuria was analyzed in an effort to optimize the use of investigations. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records for 404 patients who presented with hematuria were reviewed. Data were collected on demographics, type of hematuria, investigations, and final diagnosis. RESULTS: The hematuria was microscopic in 140 patients (35%) and gross in 264 patients (65%). In gross hematuria patients, 10% had urinary tract tumors and 12% had calculi. All patients with genitourinary tumors and 87% of patients with calculi had gross hematuria and/or > or =5 RBCs/HPF (red blood cells per high-power microscopic field) on urinalysis. The sensitivity and specificity were 94% and 6% for the dipstick urine test, 37% and 71% for urine cytology, 92% and 93% for computed tomography (CT), 50% and 95% for ultrasound scans, and 38% and 90% for intravenous pyelography, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that age and number of RBCs/HPF in the urinalyses were the only significant factors predicting genitourinary cancer. In patients < or =40 years old, there was one patient with malignancy and seven patients with stones. In older patients, there were 31 patients with malignancy and 32 patients with stones. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with <5 RBCs/HPF on three urinalyses are unlikely to have significant pathology and could possibly be followed up conservatively. Patients < or =40 years of age should have a noncontrast CT or ultrasound study if they present with microscopic hematuria, and a cystoscopy should be added if gross hematuria exists. In older patients, a pre- and postcontrast CT and a cystoscopy should be performed.

Living renal donor allograft lithiasis: a review of stone related morbidity in donors and recipients.

PURPOSE: The use of screening computerized tomography angiography has resulted in the increased detection of incidental nephrolithiasis in potential living renal donor candidates. We reviewed current acceptance guidelines for donors with stone disease as well as data on stone related outcomes in donors with stone disease and recipients who received a kidney with a stone left in situ. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a medical literature search in English using MEDLINE/PubMed that addressed renal donor allograft lithiasis. We then analyzed the literature with respect to the historical evolution of this concept, current guidelines regarding the acceptance of donors with stones and stone related morbidity in recipients and donors. RESULTS: The prevalence of asymptomatic solitary nephrolithiasis has increased with the widespread use of screening computerized tomography angiography during renal donor evaluation. Few studies have addressed the risk of stone related morbidity in donors and recipients. Short-term studies have shown little stone related morbidity in patients who donate or receive an allograft with a stone left in situ. Consensus statements from transplant societies around the world offer guidance for determining donor eligibility. CONCLUSIONS: The available literature on stone related morbidity in donors and recipients is extremely limited. It would appear that the risk of recurrence and subsequent morbidity in renal donors with a solitary kidney is low but not insignificant. Rare stone related adverse events are reported for recipients of an allograft with a stone left in situ. Renal donors and recipients should be educated regarding their unique risk perspectives. Long-term followup is mandatory.