Significant Geographic Variation in Access to Certified Collagenase Clostridium histolyticum Injectors for Peyronie's Disease Throughout the United States.

INTRODUCTION: We characterize the geographic distribution of providers trained to inject Clostridium histolyticum and identify areas with low provider availability. METHODS: We utilized a publicly available search tool to identify clinical sites offering Clostridium histolyticum in the US The data gathered included the provider's name, specialty, address, and whether the site was considered high-volume (ie, administer ≥20 Clostridium histolyticum injections per year). Data were compared to the AUA Census. RESULTS: In total, 2,388 clinical sites offering Clostridium histolyticum were identified. A total of 894 sites (37%) were high-volume sites. The mean number of locations offering Clostridium histolyticum per 100,000 state residents was 0.69 (SD 0.27). Georgia (1.28), Rhode Island (1.13), and Alaska (1.10) had the highest number, whereas New Mexico (0.10), Maine (0.22), and Delaware (0.30) had the lowest. The mean proportion of urologists providing Clostridium histolyticum to total urologists was 0.17 (SD 0.07). The 3 states with the highest proportion were Georgia (0.37), Alaska (0.31), and Utah (0.30), whereas New Mexico (0.03), Maine (0.05), and Vermont (0.06) had the lowest. CONCLUSIONS: States with low numbers of clinical sites offering Clostridium histolyticum per 100,000 residents relative to other states also had a low total ratio of urologists offering Clostridium histolyticum as a treatment. There is room for urologists in these states and others to expand their practice to offer Clostridium histolyticum and improve patient access to this important nonsurgical treatment option.

Perceived influence of medical school sexual health education on specialty selection in young urologists specializing in sexual dysfunction.

Background: To determine effects of sexual health curriculum (SHC) in medical school and mentorship on future specialty/subspecialty selection, we sought to evaluate the experiences of urology trainees and practicing urologists. Methods: Residents, fellows, and practicing urologists completed a 15-question survey regarding their exposure to a SHC during medical school, topics covered, and the influence of mentors in their career choice. Summary statistics were used to identify trends based on survey responses. Results: Ninety-four respondents, primarily post-graduate training year 4 and 5 (46%), completed the survey. Approximately 50% recalled a dedicated SHC during medical school with 46% planning to pursue fellowship training in sexual medicine/reconstruction. Topics commonly covered included reproductive anatomy/physiology and sexual history-taking, while respondents rarely recalled topics such as sexual aids/toys and pornography. Only 25% felt their SHC provided an adequate fund of knowledge to address sexual health concerns in patients, and only 14% felt that exposure to a SHC influenced their decision to pursue urology. Individuals intending to pursue fellowship were more likely to have an attending mentor, a mentor with expertise in sexual dysfunction, and considered their mentor as important or very important in their decision to subspecialize (P<0.05). Conclusions: Most urology trainees do not have strong exposure to a SHC during medical school and cite mentorship as a more important role in the decision to pursue subspecialty training. These data support the need for a standardized formal SHC and continued exposure to sexual health experts during training to ensure continued interest in sexual medicine/reconstruction fellowship.

And then there was one incision. First single-port pediatric robotic case series.

BACKGROUND: In the past two decades, technology has advanced to augment an already minimally-invasive approach in laparoscopic surgery. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic platforms have now evolved to its 4th-generation product: a single-port system, first cleared through the FDA for urologic procedures last year. A single, 2.5 cm incision allows for placement of a port that admits a fully-wristed camera as well as three fully-wristed instruments, all controlled by the surgeon at the console. OBJECTIVE: We sought to document the feasibility of the single-port (SP) robotic platform in the first clinical series of pediatric patients, reporting use of this system for dismembered pyeloplasty and Mitrofanoff. Secondary aims were to report intraoperative details and perioperative outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Seven patients underwent surgery using the da Vinci SP Surgical System (Intuitive Surgical, Sunnyvale, CA). Six patients, two girls and 4 boys, were diagnosed with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and underwent SP robotic-assisted dismembered pyeloplasty while one male patient with neurogenic bladder underwent SP robotic-assisted Mitrofanoff procedure. Patient's ages ranged from 22 months to 14 years. A 2.5-cm incision was made within the Pfannenstiel line in HIdES fashion for the pyeloplasties, while the previous gastrostomy tube site was used for the Mitrofanoff. Through this incision a 25-mm multichannel port was placed. The 12 × 10-mm articulating robotic camera and two 6-mm articulating robotic instruments were utilized. RESULTS: All surgeries were completed successfully through the single port without intraoperative complications, need for separate ports, or conversion. Median operative time was 120 min, and all patients were dismissed in less than 24 h, taking only acetaminophen and ibuprofen for pain control. There was no issue with instrumentation in older patients; however, shorter working distance in the 22-month-old pyeloplasty limited wristing of the instruments. CONCLUSIONS: We report the first cases utilizing the SP robotic platform in children. Despite their smaller size and limited workspace, we had no issues with instrument clashing or triangulation in older patients, completing the procedures in a similar timeframe as multiport robotic platforms. Use of the SP platform is not recommended if working distance will be < 10 cm from the end of the port as instrument movement is prohibitive. The HIdES approach of placing the port in the Pfannenstiel line gave additional working distance and kept the incision below the swimsuit line for excellent cosmesis (Figure 1). Further study with additional cases will compare this approach with standard multiport robotics to analyze and compare operative data and outcomes.

Collateral Damage From Fetal Interventions: Increasing the Complexity of Complex Patients.

Fetal interventions are often key to fetal survival and growth; however, they can often have complications causing significant morbidity and mortality. This case highlights not only a complication of fetal surgery, but also a very unusual diagnosis. We present the case of a male fetus who was diagnosed with urethral atresia and subsequently underwent 2 vesicoamniotic shunt placements. At birth, he was diagnosed with Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome and was noted to have rectovesical and vesicocutaneous fistulae likely iatrogenically created from shunt placement. While fetal interventions are often required, a multidisciplinary team approach is often necessary as complications occur.

An Unusual Complication of Retropubic Midurethral Sling Placement: Obturator Neuralgia.

Midurethral sling placement is a common treatment for female stress urinary incontinence. We report a case of a woman with a 9-month history of significant pelvic and right lower extremity pain following synthetic retropubic sling placement at an outside facility. On evaluation, she had unilateral obturator neuropathy and underwent combined vaginal, and robotic excision of the right arm of the sling. During surgery, the sling was adherent to the obturator nerve and passed laterally through the obturator fossa. Following removal, her pain completely resolved. This case highlights strategies for preventing, diagnosing, and managing an unusual complication of retropubic sling placement, obturator neuralgia.

Improving Operating Room Efficiency Using the Six Sigma Methodology.

OBJECTIVE: To help improve operating room efficiency in a tertiary care facility, Six Sigma analysis was utilized. Six Sigma is a technique driven by data, methodology, and a philosophy of continuous improvement to help create a system in which 99.99966% of products are free from defects. This process helps to reduce variability and waste in production, while increasing quality and decreasing cost of the final product. METHODS: The steps of define, measure, analyze, improve, and control (DMAIC) methodology were used. Variables measured included close-to-cut time, patient-out to patient-in time, and room utilization. Statistical analysis was conducted, while an individual was sent to shadow various levels of operating room personnel to help recognize possible shortcomings in the system, including communication and coordination errors. RESULTS: Baseline results were recorded for each surgical specialty to help determine the specific needs of each OR team. Changes in workflow, such as staggered start anesthesia times, were recommended for each level of personnel based on statistical analysis and observation. Results were followed for several years with initial data showing success of the process. However, ongoing construction and resistance to change has prevented further review. CONCLUSION: While Six Sigma can be a valuable tool, it is essential to have a proper leadership team that includes all stake holders. The process requires horizontal and vertical leadership as well as buy-in from all individuals affected by the process. The synergy of these factors is key for success.

Single-port robotic Mitrofanoff in a pediatric patient.

INTRODUCTION: Pediatric surgery began with single-incision flank surgery and has evolved to multi-port laparoscopic and robotic approaches. Recent technological advances with the single-port (SP) robot have allowed for transition back to single-incision surgery. METHODS: A 14-year-old paraplegic male with T2 spinal injury presented with neurogenic bladder and increasing difficulty performing clean intermittent catheterization thus the decision was made to perform the first SP robotic Mitrofanoff procedure in a pediatric patient. The SP platform has one 2.5 cm, 4-channel port, a 12 × 10 mm articulating camera, and 6 mm multi-wristed instruments. DISCUSSION: The SP robotic Mitrofanoff was completed successfully without issues with space, triangulation or articulation. There is, however, loss of insufflation with use of laparoscopic instruments as the seal on the port is difficult to maintain. The single-port robot has been successfully utilized in seven patients: six underwent dismembered pyeloplasty and one underwent Mitrofanoff with a median operative time of 120 min and estimated blood loss of <25 cc. Postoperatively, no patients required opioid pain medications, and all were discharged in <24 h without complications. CONLUSIONS: Single-port robotic surgery is feasible in pediatric patients, but patient selection is key. Future development of the platform is needed to widen application to smaller patients.

Patient Attitudes Towards Surgical Management of Peyronie's Disease Prior to Men's Health Consultation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical characteristics associated with patient attitudes toward surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease (PD) prior to consultation in a high-volume male sexual health clinic. METHODS: From 2014-2018 a prospective database was created of patients presenting to the sexual health clinic at our institution. Multivariable regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with pre-visit consideration of surgery. RESULTS: Of 1359 men presenting to clinic, 342 had a chief complaint of PD. Prior to consultation, 79% of patients (n = 270) stated they were willing to consider surgery to correct their PD symptoms. Factors associated with consideration of surgery included younger patient age (mean 55.8 vs 60.0 years; P = .008), history of depression/anxiety (21% vs 8%, P = .01), greater penile curvature (43.3 vs 34.6 degrees; P = .002), penile shortening (64% vs 44%; P = .003), pain with erections (46% vs 33%; P = .05) and decreased ability to have penetrative intercourse (51.9% vs 65.3%, P = .04). On multivariable analysis, age, history of depression, penile shortening, and mean curvature remained significantly associated. Symptom duration and relationship factors were not associated with a difference in the stated preference to consider surgery prior to consultation (P >.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Nearly 4 out of 5 patients reported willingness to consider surgical intervention for their PD-related symptoms prior to urologic consultation. On multivariable analysis, younger age, history of depression/anxiety, penile shortening, and curvature were associated with a greater likelihood of considering surgery. This information provides important insight into patient attitude toward undergoing surgery and will help drive patient counseling for men with PD.

Long-acting liposomal bupivacaine and postoperative opioid use after Peyronie's disease surgery: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Novel strategies have been proposed to minimize postoperative opioid use, yet many patients experience significant pain after penile surgery. Our objective was to evaluate postoperative opioid use in patients undergoing penile ring block with long-acting liposomal bupivacaine (LB; Exparel) during surgery for Peyronie's disease (PD). METHODS: We identified patients who underwent tunica albuginea plication (TAP) and plaque excision/grafting (PEG) for PD between July 2019 and September 2020. Intraoperatively, a ring block was administered at the penile base penis with 20 cc of LB. Patients were instructed to use over the counter pain medications as first line treatment for postoperative pain, and opioids were available for severe breakthrough pain as needed [7.5 oral morphine equivalents (OME) =5 mg oxycodone]. Opioid use was assessed during the first five days postoperatively. RESULTS: In total, 28 patients met inclusion criteria including 18/28 (64%) who underwent TAP and 10/28 (36%) who underwent PEG. Median patient age was 56 years (IGR 51;61). Median postoperative 10-point visual analogue pain score was 0 (range 0-3). Duration of penile anesthesia ranged from 1.5-4 days. In total, 9/28 patients (32%) utilized opioids during the first five days postoperatively (range 7.5-75 OME). Two patients (7%) required opioids during the first two days after surgery. 27/28 (96%) were satisfied or highly satisfied with postoperative pain control. CONCLUSIONS: Intraoperative penile ring block with LB resulted in excellent pain control with local anesthetic duration of 1.5-4 days. The majority of patients did not require any opioids during the early postoperative period. Further study comparing outcomes with shorter-acting local anesthetics is necessary to balance pain control benefits with additional cost.

A modern review of penile traction monotherapy and combination therapy for the treatment of peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease (PD)-related penile deformity is managed with multiple treatment modalities including oral medications, intralesional injections, and surgery. Penile traction therapy (PTT) is one such modality with purported benefits, albeit with notable differences in the characteristics of available traction devices and published study protocols. We provide a comprehensive review of the available data supporting PTT for PD treatment. We performed a rigorous database search to identify all studies pertaining to PTT for the treatment of PD through November 2019. Seventeen trials explored use of PTT as monotherapy or in combination with surgical or nonsurgical treatment, using over five different commercially available devices. All devices were well tolerated, although compliance and daily duration of use were highly variable. PTT resulted in variable improvements in stretched penile length and penile curvature, depending on study protocol, patient population, and device. PTT appears to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment for PD as monotherapy or in combination with other nonsurgical and surgical treatments, and for men in both the acute and chronic phases. Further studies are needed to compare available devices, evaluate device characteristics associated with treatment success, differentiate outcomes in acute vs. chronic PD populations, and determine the optimal duration of use.

Fertility Preservation: A Tale of Two Testicles.

OBJECTIVE: The transgender population has long been marginalized by society. Societal stigmata, fear to seek care, and dearth of provider knowledge regarding transgender health issues has caused disparities to widen. The purpose of this case study is to call to attention the often-overlooked aspect of transgender care: the importance of fertility preservation prior to undergoing therapy. METHODS: 13 and 16-year old genetically XY patients presented to a tertiary care facility for gender affirmation. Both self-identified as female since a young age and successfully socially transitioned. Impending onset and/or progression of puberty prompted patients to seek hormonal therapy. Fortunately, physicians in transgender clinic were aware of fertility struggles after undergoing hormone therapy and referred for consultation. RESULTS: Sperm cryopreservation via open gonadal biopsy, tissue cryopreservation, and semen sample were discussed. Though invasive, biopsy relieves patients of the psychological impact of sample production and is indicated in pubertal immaturity. After further discussion with patients and parents, the 13-year-old decided to undergo testicular biopsy while the 16-year old opted for semen sample. Both patients had success and their genetic material was cryopreserved for future assisted reproduction. CONCLUSION: Gender affirming procedures and hormone therapy affect the long-term reproductive potential of transgender individuals. While cost concerns and insurance coverage regarding oncofertility is a prominent area of discussion, the transgender community is often excluded. With more individuals beginning medical and surgical therapy at a younger age, fertility preservation discussions are essential but often overlooked, depriving these individuals the joy of becoming a biological parent.

A Review of Treatment-Related Outcomes in Female Partners of Men With Peyronie's Disease-An Opportunity for Improved Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Peyronie's disease (PD) is a disorder of the penile tunica albuginea, causing penile deformity, shortening, pain, and sexual dysfunction. While studies have shown treatment efficacy for patients, research on treatment-related outcomes for sexual partners is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We sought to review the literature on clinical characteristics and treatment-related outcomes from the perspective of female sexual partners of PD patients. METHODS: We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and MEDLINE databases to identify all studies pertaining to PD and partner satisfaction through December 2019. 13 articles that discussed partner satisfaction with treatments of PD including oral, intralesional, and surgical therapy were found in the literature review. RESULTS: At baseline, female partners of men with PD report lower sexual satisfaction and dyspareunia. Results showed that intralesional injection of collagenase Clostridium histolyticum resulted in partner satisfaction in approximately 70% of patients based on differing definitions. Penile plication demonstrated variable partner satisfaction ranging from 34% to 88% whereas plaque incision or partial excision with grafting achieved rates ranging from 90% to 100%. Penile prosthesis implantation resulted in partner satisfaction rates ranging from 40% to 75%. CONCLUSION: PD has a negative impact on psychological and emotional well-being for both patients and their female partners. Surgical and non-surgical treatment for PD has the ability to improve sexual satisfaction of partners. Studies discussed focus on the various forms of treatment for men with PD; however, the available studies were notably limited by small sample sizes, inconsistent use of validated questionnaires, and lack of control groups. In addition, the topic of partner satisfaction discussed in the articles mainly examined the response of female partners and did not discuss effects of the disease on male partners. Clinicians should consider carefully screening PD partners for sexual dysfunction to optimize couple-focused therapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate effects on male sexual partners of PD patients. Parikh NN, Heslop DL, Bajic P, et al. A Review of Treatment-Related Outcomes in Female Partners of Men With Peyronie's Disease-An Opportunity for Improved Assessment. J Sex Med 2020;8:548-560.

Frailty as a prognostic indicator in the radical cystectomy population: a review.

Radical cystectomy and urinary diversion are the current gold standard of management for patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer. While it is a common urologic procedure, it is associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality. Complications associated with the operation are often frequent, although minor, and significantly impact functional outcomes as well as patient quality of life. Frailty is emerging as a new preoperative prognostic indicator to help determine which patients are at greatest risk of poor outcomes and postoperative complications after treatment. In this review, we summarize the current known literature analyzing frailty as a significant prognostic risk factor of short-term and long-term outcomes after radical cystectomy and urinary diversion in the treatment of muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Three-Dimensional Printing in Urology: History, Current Applications, and Future Directions.

To review the history, current applications, limitations, and future directions of three-dimensional (3D) printing within the field of urology. 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process in which a 3D model is created using a computer-generated image. This technology is applied by companies to create and test new drugs, design and manufacture instrument prototypes, and create patient-specific models of organs for surgical teaching and planning. A literature review was performed within the Web of Science and PubMed databases from January 2008 to May 2018 using keyword phrases "3D printing" and "urology." A total of 46 relevant publications were included.

Suprapubic catheter placement through ileal mesentery causes mechanical small bowel obstruction six years later in a female patient with turners syndrome.

Percutaneous suprapubic cystostomy (SPC) is a procedure performed to manage urinary retention when urethral catheterization is contraindicated or to improve the quality of life in cases such as neurogenic bladder. Although a simple procedure, it is associated with serious complications, increasing the morbidity and mortality. This case study demonstrates a delayed presentation of small bowel obstruction caused by a suprapubic catheter traversing through the ileal mesentery in a patient with no prior bowel surgeries. Few cases report this complication and this is possibly the first case to be reported six years after SPC placement.