Patient experiences and perceptions of kidney stone surgery: what lessons can be learned from TikTok?

Introduction: The aim of this study was to perform an evaluation of patient experiences and perceptions regarding kidney stone surgery on the social media platform TikTok. An increasing number of the public use social media (SoMe) as a platform to share their views regarding their experiences related to surgical treatment. Methods: Using the hashtag #kidneystonesurgery, the 100 most recent video posts as of 01.01.2024 on TikTok were included. As well as demographic data such as gender and location, thematic content was also collected. To achieve this, a previously published framework was used and adapted for application in the setting of kidney stone surgery. This was piloted on 20 sample videos to assess its feasibility before revision and establishment of the final framework. This included the following key areas: Pain, Complications, Anxiety, Recovery, Return to work, Finances, Treatment delays, Diet and Prevention and stent complaints. Results: The majority of posts (95%) were from North America, 80% by females and the mean number of video views was 92,826 (range: 261-2,000,000). 76% of the videos discussed ureteroscopy (URS). 49% were filmed at the hospital, which was named in 9% of the videos. Top three topics discussed were: Recovery (65%), pain (62%) and stents (55%). This was followed by anxiety (39%) and complications (24%). 12% of these videos uploaded by lay people included basic medical information that was wholly incorrect. More than half of the posts (51%) were negative in tone. Treatment delays (5%) and a lack of sufficient preoperative information (4%) were also raised, that appeared to contribute to the negative reports. However, the main cause for negative tone owed to the 80% of the patients (n = 44) who discussed stents that focused their video on the pain suffered from the post operative stent. Conclusion: There is a high level of usership and engagement on TikTok on the subject of kidney stone surgery. The proportion of negative videos is high and much of this is related to the bothersome stent symptoms and complications. This could easily lead to misperceptions among potential patients about the true burden of such adverse events.

Current status of the adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMSTM) for male stress urinary incontinence.

Male stress urinary incontinence is a debilitating condition, which can occur after prostate surgery. In persistent cases, surgery is indicated and a number of options are available. This includes one of the male slings, Adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMSTM, A.M.I, Austria). There are now an increasing number of studies published. This review provides an overview of the current status of this implant device including technical considerations, surgical outcomes and potential advantages and disadvantages compared to alternatives such as the artificial urinary sphincter.

Outcomes with the Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS) for the Treatment of Male Stress Urinary Incontinence After Prostate Surgery and the Impact of Previous Radiotherapy.

Background and objective: The adjustable transobturator male system (ATOMS) is an established treatment for patients with urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and the complication burdens associated with ATOMS with a focus on exploring the potential impact on previous radiotherapy (RT). Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis for consecutive patients who underwent ATMOS implantation procedure at a tertiary center over an 11-yr study period. Outcomes of interest were dryness at 3-mo follow up, postoperative complications (≤30 d), and late treatment failures (>30 d). Key findings and limitations: A total of 118 patients underwent ATOMS surgery performed by five different surgeons. Median follow-up was 67 mo (interquartile range 41-95). The mean 24-h pad count after surgery was 1.1 (range 0-8) and the mean reduction in pad weight was 179 g (range 0-1080). There was no significant difference in the reduction in pad use between groups with and without RT (-1.7 vs -2.4; p = 0.13). Multivariable analysis revealed that RT, degree of incontinence, and age were not risk factors for reoperation. Conclusions and clinical implications: ATOMS implantation is feasible in patients who have undergone prostate RT and patients with severe stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. We found that RT was not a risk factor for reoperation and there was no significant difference in pad weight reduction by RT status. This study offers new insight into potential incontinence surgery for male patients with stress urinary incontinence and previous RT. Patient summary: We assessed outcomes for patients who had an ATOMS (adjustable transobturator male system) device implanted to control stress urinary incontinence after prostate surgery. After implantation, 52.5% of the patients reported zero leakage and 39.9% reported only mild incontinence. Our results show that this device can improve continence after prostate surgery and is also suitable in patients who underwent radiotherapy.

Management of Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS): A Practical Guide.

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a prevalent and pervasive disease. The physical and psychological sequelae can be very burdensome for the patient, and the condition represents a real challenge for the clinician as well. With no simple pathognomonic test, finding harmony in navigating patient care can be demanding. Diagnosis and management rely upon a multidisciplinary and holistic approach. Treatment options include conservative measures and pharmacotherapies as well as bladder instillation therapies. Ultimately, surgery may be offered but only in cases of refractory disease. This article offers a pragmatic guide for clinicians managing this challenging disease.

Current Status of Intravesical Therapies for Bladder Pain Syndrome (BPS): A Narrative Review of Emerging Evidence.

Bladder pain syndrome (BPS) is a complex condition, which can have debilitating sequelae for patients. Many elements of BPS remain poorly understood including pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment. Navigating patient care can therefore be challenging for the clinician. Management mandates a multidisciplinary and symptom-based approach. Intravesical treatments such as instillation therapies remain a cornerstone of most treatment algorithms and there are a range of agents that can be selected. This review offers an up-to-date evaluation of the evidence for these intravesical treatments.