The Saudi urological association guidelines on urolithiasis.

Aims: The Saudi Urolithiasis Guidelines are a set of recommendations for diagnosing, evaluating, and treating urolithiasis in the Saudi population. These guidelines are based on the latest evidence and expert consensus to improve patient outcomes and optimize care delivery. They cover the various aspects of urolithiasis, including risk factors, diagnosis, medical and surgical treatments, and prevention strategies. By following these guidelines, health-care professionals can improve care quality for individuals with urolithiasis in Saudi Arabia. Panel: The Saudi Urolithiasis Guidelines Panel consists of urologists specialized in endourology with expertise in urolithiasis and consultation with a guideline methodologist. All panelists involved in this document have submitted statements disclosing any potential conflicts of interest. Methods: The Saudi Guidelines on Urolithiasis were developed by relying primarily on established international guidelines to adopt or adapt the most appropriate guidance for the Saudi context. When necessary, the panel modified the phrasing of recommendations from different sources to ensure consistency within the document. To address areas less well covered in existing guidelines, the panel conducted a directed literature search for high quality evidence published in English, including meta analyses, randomized controlled trials, and prospective nonrandomized comparative studies. The panel also searched for locally relevant studies containing information unique to the Saudi Arabian population. The recommendations are formulated with a direction and strength of recommendation based on GRADE terminology and interpretation while relying on existing summaries of evidence from the existing guidelines.

Retzius-sparing vs. posterior urethral suspension: similar early-phase post-robotic radical prostatectomy continence outcomes.

Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a risk of robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RP) which can be a frustrating problem for both surgeons and patients. We aim to compare short-term continence outcomes between patients undergoing Retzius Sparing RP (RS-RP) and those undergoing standard RP with the inclusion of a PUS suture technique and suprapubic tube (PUS-RP). A retrospective review of 105 consecutive patients who underwent RP was performed, comparing patients who underwent RS-RP and PUS-RP. Our main outcome was pad usage as a surrogate for SUI. Patients were evaluated 4 weeks following RP and again at approximately 3 months. Continence was defined as no pad usage or up to one safety pad per day. Risk factors associated with not being continent were identified using univariate and multivariate analyses. In our cohort, 52 patients underwent RS-RP and 53 patients underwent PUS-RP. The two groups had similar patient demographics. Although not statistically significant, there was a higher rate of a positive surgical margin in the RS-RP compared to PUS-RP (25% vs 15%, p = 0.204). At one month follow-up for PUS-RP and RS-RP, there was no significant difference in the frequency of continent men (69.2% vs. 76.9%, p = 0.302). At 3-month follow-up for the two groups of patients, again, there was no significant difference in the frequency of continence for PUS-RP and RS-RP (86.2% vs 88%, p = 0.824). Patients who underwent RS-RP had similar rates of continence to those patients undergoing PUS-RP in the short-term post-operative period.

Patient-Reported Outcomes for Robot-Assisted Laparoscopic Extravascular Renal Vein Stent Placements for Nutcracker Syndrome.

Introduction: Nutcracker phenomenon is the compression of the left renal vein between the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and the abdominal aorta. Nutcracker syndrome refers to the presence of nutcracker phenomenon with symptoms. Between 2016 and 2022, we performed 18 robot-assisted laparoscopic extravascular renal vein stent (RALERVS) placements. We sought to assess patient-reported outcomes of RALERVS placement by a single institution. Methods: We performed a single-center retrospective review of 18 patients with a minimum of 3 months follow-up. Symptoms were assessed utilizing a questionnaire conducted with a 5-point Likert scale at a minimum of 3 months postoperatively. Five on the Likert scale was severe while 1 was none. Primary study outcomes compared pre- and postoperative patient-reported symptom scores. Results: Twelve out of 18 patients responded to the survey. The average length of time from date of operation to completion of survey was 2.6 years. Average age of the cohort was 36 years with a mean BMI of 19.4 kg/m2. There was only one man. Mean operative time was 137 minutes and mean estimated blood loss was 12 mL. Mean preoperative SMA angle was 19° and mean postoperative SMA angle was 36°. Patients reported that flank pain, abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, back pain, pelvic pain, and early satiety improved (p < 0.05). Ten of 12 respondents would recommend RALERVS for nutcracker syndrome. Conclusion: RALERVS demonstrates an effective treatment for nutcracker syndrome. Patients reported improved symptoms at 3 months postoperatively across multiple domains. Further studies need to be conducted to assess long-term durability of the extravascular renal vein graft.

Creation and validation of the harmonized Arabic version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP).

Objectives: Tocreate and validate a translated Arabic version of the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite for Clinical Practice (EPIC-CP), a validated patient-reported outcome (PRO) widely used for assessing the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods: Using the established protocol as defined by the Professional Society for the Health Economics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR) for translating patient care questionnaires, a harmonised translated Arabic version of EPIC-CP was created. The questionnaire was tested in native Arabic speakers from four different Arabic countries (Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Kuwait). Cronbach's alpha and interclass coefficient correlation (ICC) analyses were used to test the internal consistency and test-retest reliability, respectively. In addition, PCa characteristics were collected for participants. Results: In total, 168 patients with PCa participated in the study (39 from Saudi Arabia, 23 from United Arab Emirates, 65 from Jordan, and 41 from Kuwait). In all, 52 (31%) participants repeated the questionnaire for test-retest reliability analysis. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) age of patients included in the study was 66 (61-71) years. The median (IQR) PSA level was 9.8 (6-19) ng/mL. Most patients had Grade Group 2 PCa at diagnosis (31%), clinical stage cT1 (42%), managed primarily by urology (79%), and the primary treatment was radical prostatectomy (71%). The total Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.84 demonstrating an acceptable internal consistency. The total ICC was also acceptable at 0.64. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the EPIC-CP is a reliable and valid tool for assessing health-related quality of life for Arabic patients with PCa.

Institutional Opioid Prescription Guidelines are Effective in Reducing Post-Operative Prescriptions Following Urologic Surgery: Results From the American Urologic Association 2018 Census.

OBJECTIVE: To assess provider and practice characteristics that drive opioid prescription behavior using the American Urological Association census data. METHODS: Stratified weighted analysis using 1,157 census samples was performed to represent 12,660 urologists who practiced in the United States in 2018. We compared urologists according to their opioid prescription patterns to evaluate factors and motivations behind opioid use in the post-operative setting. RESULTS: Overall, 11,205 (88.5%) urologists prescribe opioids in the post-operative setting. The presence of procedure-specific institutional prescribing guidelines was associated with a greater tendency to prescribe ≤10 pills, and lesser tendency to prescribe 11 to 49 and ≥50 tablets following open abdominal (P = .003), laparoscopic (P < .001), scrotal (P < .001), and endoscopic surgeries (P < .001). The presence of institutional prescribing guidelines was associated with decreasing opioid prescriptions over a three-year period whereas not having guidelines was associated with an unchanged prescription practice over time. Basing current prescriptions on what was given to prior patients was reported by 85% and was more likely to result in an unchanged amount of prescriptions over time (29.2% vs 13.3%, P = .007). Motivations to avoid patient phone calls were reported by 23.8% and were more likely to increase the opioids provided within the next 3 years (3.2% vs 0.1%, P < .001). CONCLUSION: Practitioners who endorsed using institutional guidelines prescribed fewer opioids following all types of surgery and were more likely to decrease their prescription behavior over time. This data supports continued efforts to provide urologists with more evidence-based guidance on best practice opioid prescribing in the future.

Association of Bicycle-Related Genital Numbness and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Results From a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Cycling can lead to microtrauma due to increased perineal pressure, possibly contributing to genital numbness and sexual dysfunction in female cyclists. AIM: We aim to explore the associations between cycling characteristics, female genital numbness, and female sexual dysfunction. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study on female cyclists and sexual wellness. Participants were recruited through Facebook® advertisements and online outreach at athletic clubs. Participants were asked about their cycling characteristics, genital numbness, and female sexual function using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Univariate and multivariable linear and logistic regression were used to assess risk factors for genital numbness and the association between genital numbness and the FSFI. OUTCOME MEASURES: The outcome measures were cycling characteristics, questions regarding numbness (intensity, duration, location), and the FSFI score. RESULTS: Eight-hundred and seventy-five women were included in the study. Total lifetime miles cycled, biking duration, frequency, distance, speed, and biking surface were not significantly associated with genital numbness. Higher handlebar height was associated with less numbness. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in the cohort was 52%. Genital numbness was significantly associated with sexual dysfunction (OR: 1.43, 95% CI: 1.05 - 1.95). Sub-group analysis for location of numbness demonstrated significant increase in risk for sexual dysfunction in cyclists who described numbness aro`und the perineum (OR: 2.72, 95% CI: 1.05 - 7.02) and the vulva (OR: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.13 - 2.13). There was also a significant increase in the risk of sexual dysfunction in cyclists who reported a longer duration of numbness (OR: 6.58, 95% CI: 2.27 - 19.07). CONCLUSIONS: Genital numbness is common in women who cycle and is associated with increased risk of FSD and lower average sexual response scores on FSFI. Lui H, Mmonu N, Awad MA, et al. Association of Bicycle-Related Genital Numbness and Female Sexual Dysfunction: Results From a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study. Sex Med 2021;9:100365.

Laboratory Reporting Parameters of Microhematuria: Implications for Interpreting the 2020 AUA Guideline.

OBJECTIVE: To explore how laboratories in the United States (U.S.) report red blood cell per high powered field (RBC/HPF) counts on urinalysis and to evaluate whether this methodology permits effective risk stratification in accordance with the 2020 AUA/SUFU microhematuria guidelines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Reporting methods for RBC/HPF counts (ranges, or actual counts) were collected by querying urologists in U.S. academic medical institutions or commercial laboratories. We explore whether (1) the reporting schemes were concordant with the risk strata in the new microhematuria guideline (3-10 [low risk], 11-25 [intermediate risk], and more than 25 [high risk]), and (2) evaluate the potential for risk group misclassification based on reporting methodology. RESULTS: Data were available for 141 laboratories. Seventy-two (51%) use RBC/HPF ranges, while the remainder use actual counts (or counts to a threshold). Sixty (42%) report range cutoffs which are not concordant with the microhematuria guidelines risk groups. Furthermore, fifty-six (40%) do not include the cutoff of 25 RBC/HPF which could potentially misclassify intermediate and high risk groups. Finally, sixteen (11%) do not include the cut-off of 3 RBC/HPF that defines the presence of microhematuria. CONCLUSION: A significant number of laboratories report RBC/HPF counts in ranges that differ from thresholds in the 2020 AUA/SUFU guideline. The implication is potential misclassification of microhematuria both at minimum threshold diagnosis (3 RBC/HPF), and additionally between intermediate and high risk groups. Standardization of reporting schemes to actual RBC/HPF counts may allow improved adherence to guidelines while providing data for future guideline development.

Patterns of opioid prescription post ureteroscopy among members of the Endourological Society.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative opioid prescribing has been linked with persistent opioid use. Ureteroscopy (URS) is a common urologic procedure and a potential area to focus on opioid reduction. We aim to characterize international practice patterns of opioid prescribing post URS and what measures may decrease the need for opioid prescription. METHODS: We developed a survey directed to members of the Endourological Society. The survey queried the frequency of opioid prescribing post URS, challenges when opioids are not prescribed, and measures thought to reduce the need for opioids. RESULTS: We received 159 responses with the majority reported practicing urology for >20 years (37.1%), and performing 10-20 ureteroscopies/month (45.3%). Forty-one percent were from the United States (US) and Canada. Sixty-six percent completed a fellowship, 84% in endourology. Twenty-six percent prescribe opioids more than half the time and the majority do so less than 10% of the time (61.6%). Thirty-eight percent had no challenges when opioids were omitted. Measures felt to decrease the need for opioids were preoperative counseling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use, and use of adjunct medications. After adjusting for location and type of practice, endourology fellowship completion, years of practice, and number of ureteroscopies/month, we found that respondents from the US and Canada were more likely to prescribe opioids more than half the time post URS compared to respondents from the rest of the world [odds ratio (OR): 87.5, P<0.001, 95% confidence interval (CI): 17.3-443.5]. CONCLUSIONS: Despite proven feasibility of non-opioid pathway, nearly one-quarter of participants in our survey prescribe opioids >50% of the time post URS. Most important factors felt to reduce opioid prescription post URS were preoperative counseling, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use. US and Canadian urologists were more likely to prescribe opioids >50% of the time post URS compared to the rest of the world. We believe best practice guidelines should be considered by the American and Canadian Urological Associations to address post URS opioid prescribing.

Gender and Racial Disparities in Early Urology Exposures during Medical School.

INTRODUCTION: Workforce disparities in medicine have been well documented. Early medical school exposures have been shown to highly influence career choice. We hypothesized that gender and racial disparities exist in early medical school exposures to urology. METHODS: We surveyed urology residency applicants who interviewed at our institution from 2016 to 2017. Student demographics were collected in addition to forms of urology exposures (clinical and research). Early urology exposure was defined as occurring before the 3rd year of medical school. Early exposures were compared by gender and racial/ethnic groups underrepresented in medicine. RESULTS: During the study period 72 interviewees were invited to participate and 71 completed the survey (response rate 98.6%). The majority of participants were male (54, 76%). Thirteen participants (18%) met the criteria for underrepresented in medicine. Fewer female applicants discovered urology (41% vs 75%, p=0.01), first shadowed a urologist (35% vs 68%, p=0.02), first operated with a urologist (29% vs 60%, p=0.03) and began research (0% vs 49%, p <0.001) before the 3rd year of medical school compared to male applicants. Fewer applicants underrepresented in medicine had shadowed a urologist before the 3rd year of medical school (31% vs 67%, p=0.02). We found no other statistical differences between those underrepresented in medicine and those not underrepresented in medicine in terms of other early urology exposures, medical school urology opportunities or personal exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Disparities in early urology exposures, especially research exposure, exist by gender and less so among applicants underrepresented in medicine. Identifying these disparities may uncover systemic bias within career trajectories and provide targets for earlier interventions in medical school training.

Racial distribution of urology workforce in United States in comparison to general population.

BACKGROUND: To compare the current racial/ethnic characteristics of practicing urologists to the U.S. population by American Urological Association (AUA) census geographic region. METHODS: We compared urologist demographics from the 2014 AUA census to U.S. census data. Underrepresented in medicine (URM) status was defined as African-American (AA) or Hispanic race/ethnicity. Percent differences by AUA section were calculated by subtracting weighted frequencies of race/ethnicity for urologists from the general population. A negative percent difference denotes underrepresentation of urologists relative to the general population; positive percent difference denotes overrepresentation. RESULTS: URM urologists (n=728, 6.5%) were younger and more often female than non-URM counterparts. Overall, AA and Hispanic urologists were underrepresented in most sections while Caucasian and Asian urologists were overrepresented. AA urologists were most underrepresented in the East South-Central section (-34.4%). Hispanic urologists (-38%) were most underrepresented in the Pacific section (-38%). Overall, the percentage of URM urologists, compared to non-URM urologists, were highest in the South Atlantic [37.9% (276/728) vs. 19.2% (1,984/10,319), P<0.01] and West South-Central [15.9% (116/728) vs. 11.1% (1,143/10,319), P<0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: URM urologists tend to be younger with a higher proportion of female providers, indicating a shift in race and gender. URM urologists were most underrepresented in the East South-Central and Pacific sections.

Cycling and Female Sexual and Urinary Function: Results From a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Bicycle riding has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation and exercise, especially among women, and previous studies have demonstrated a relationship between cycling and sexual dysfunction, albeit using non-validated questionnaires. AIM: We aimed to explore the relationship between cycling and sexual and urinary dysfunction. METHODS: Cyclists were recruited to complete a survey through Facebook advertisements and outreach to sporting clubs across 5 English-speaking countries. Swimmers and runners were recruited as a comparison group. OUTCOMES: Participants were queried using validated questionnaires, including the Female Sexual Function Index, the American Urological Association Symptom Index, and non-validated questions about history of urinary tract infections (UTIs), genital numbness, and genital saddle sores (all self-reported). RESULTS: 3,118 (53.3%) Women completed the survey, comprising 1,053 (34%) non-cyclists, 1,656 (53%) low-intensity cyclists, and 409 (13%) high-intensity cyclists. After adjusting for age, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, ischemic heart disease, tobacco use, race, marital status, urinary symptoms, and sexual activity, high-intensity cyclists had lower odds of self-reported sexual dysfunction compared to non-cyclists (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.7, P = .02). There were no statistically significant differences in urinary symptoms across groups. Compared to non-cyclists, both low- and high-intensity cyclists had higher odds of reporting a previous UTI (aOR 1.4, P < .001, and aOR 1.4, P = .009, respectively), genital numbness (odds ratio [OR] 6.5, P < .001, and OR 9.1, P < .001, respectively), and saddle sores (OR 6.3, P < .001, and OR 22.7, P < .001, respectively). CLINICAL TRANSLATION: Women cyclists were more likely to report other genitourinary conditions, including UTIs, genital numbness, and saddle sores. CONCLUSIONS: This is the largest study comparing cyclists to other athletes with respect to sexual and urinary function. The study is limited by its cross-sectional design and sampling methods. We found that women cyclists were no more likely to report sexual dysfunction or urinary symptoms than swimmers or runners. Gaither TW, Awad MA, Murphy GP, et al. Cycling and Female Sexual and Urinary Function: Results From a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study. J Sex Med 2018;15:510-518.

Renal Trauma Increases Risk of Future Hypertension.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if traumatic renal injuries or computed tomography (CT) findings are predictive of hypertension (HTN) development following injury. METHODS: A retrospective review of a renal trauma database was performed from 1995 to 2015. Renal injuries were graded by the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma system, with high-grade defined as IV or V. Nonrenal genitourinary trauma (ie bladder, penile, urethral, and testicular) patients were selected as controls. Patients with a diagnosis of HTN before their trauma or those lacking follow-up were excluded. Risk factors associated with HTN following trauma were identified using multivariable regression with propensity scoring. RESULTS: In total, 163 patients had a renal injury and 60 had nonrenal, genitourinary injuries. The median age was 31 years (interquartile range 23-43) with median follow-up of 4.7 years (interquartile range 1.9-8.5). Twenty-three (14%) patients with renal trauma were newly diagnosed with HTN on follow-up, compared with 2 (3%) in the control groups. (P = .02) After propensity quartile adjustment, patients with high-grade trauma had higher odds of developing HTN compared with low-grade renal trauma patients and controls (adjusted odds ratio 3.5, 95% confidence interval 1.3-9.3, P = .01). Patients with a midpole medial laceration and medial blood on CT had higher odds of developing HTN compared with patients without these characteristics (odds ratio 5.36, 95% confidence interval 1.3-22.6, P = .02). CONCLUSION: Increasing renal trauma grade is a risk factor for future development of HTN. CT findings at trauma presentation may be useful in stratifying patients who are at increased risk.

Prostate cancer radiation and urethral strictures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the prevalence and predictors of urethral stricture development post radiation therapy (RT) for prostate cancer (PCa). METHODS: Published articles in PubMed/Medline, Cochrane, and Embase databases from January 2000 to April 2016 were queried. Inclusion criteria were any study that reported the prevalence of urethral strictures following external beam radiation therapy (EBRT), brachytherapy (BT), or both as a primary treatment for PCa. Forty-six articles met our inclusion criteria. A summary estimate of the proportion of patients who developed a urethral stricture was derived via a random effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: In total, 16,129 PCa patients underwent either EBRT (5681, 35.2%), BT (5849, 36.3%), or both (4599, 28.5%). Overall, 630 strictures were diagnosed at follow-up with a pooled estimate period prevalence of 2.2% (95% confidence interval, CI 1.9-2.6%) in a median follow-up time of 4 years (interquartile range, IQR 2.7-5). Of which, the pooled estimate prevalence was 1.5% (95% CI 0.9-2%) post EBRT, 1.9% (95% CI 1.3-2.4%) post BT, and 4.9% (95% CI 3.8-6%) post both EBRT and BT. Of 20 studies reporting a median time to stricture formation, the overall median time was 2.2 years (IQR 1.8-2.5, range 1.4-9). In a meta-regression analysis, receiving both EBRT and BT increased the estimated difference in proportion of stricture diagnoses by 3% (95% CI 1-6%), p = 0.018 compared to EBRT alone. An increase in median follow-up time was found to significantly increase the risk of developing urethral strictures (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: With a short-term follow-up, urethral strictures occur in 2.2% of men with PCa receiving radiotherapy. Receiving both EBRT and BT increased the risk of stricture formation. Longer follow-up is needed to determine the long-term natural history of stricture formation after RT.

Postoperative Complications following Primary Penile Inversion Vaginoplasty among 330 Male-to-Female Transgender Patients.

PURPOSE: Studies of surgical complications of penile inversion vaginoplasty are limited due to small sample sizes. We describe postoperative complications after penile inversion vaginoplasty and evaluated age, body mass index and years on hormone replacement therapy as risk factors for complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the records of male-to-female patients who presented for primary penile inversion vaginoplasty to a high volume surgeon (MLB) from 2011 to 2015. Complications included granulation tissue, vaginal pain, wound separation, labial asymmetry, vaginal stenosis, fistula formation, urinary symptoms including spraying stream or dribbling, infection, vaginal fissure or vaginal bleeding. We classified complications by Clavien-Dindo grade. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the independent effects of age, body mass index and hormone replacement therapy on postoperative surgical complications. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients presented for primary penile inversion vaginoplasty. Median age at surgery was 35 years (range 18 to 76). Median followup in all patients was 3 months (range 3 to 73). Of the patients 95 (28.7%) presented with a postoperative complication. Median time to a complication was 4.4 months (IQR 1-11.5). Rectoneovaginal fistulas developed in 3 patients (0.9%). A total of 30 patients (9.0%) required a second operation. There were no complications greater than Clavien-Dindo grade IIIB. Age, body mass index and hormone replacement therapy were not associated with complications. CONCLUSIONS: Penile inversion vaginoplasty is a relatively safe procedure. Most complications due to this surgery develop within the first 4 months postoperatively. Age, body mass index and hormone replacement therapy are not associated with complications and, thus, they should not dictate the timing of surgery.

Estimated total costs from non-fatal and fatal bicycle crashes in the USA: 1997-2013.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency department visits and hospital admissions resulting from adult bicycle trauma have increased dramatically. Annual medical costs and work losses of these incidents last were estimated for 2005 and quality-of-life losses for 2000. METHODS: We estimated costs associated with adult bicycle injuries in the USA using 1997-2013 non-fatal incidence data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System with cost estimates from the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Injury Cost Model, and 1999-2013 fatal incidence data from the National Vital Statistics System costed by similar methods. RESULTS: Approximately 3.8 million non-fatal adult bicycle injuries were reported during the study period and 9839 deaths. In 2010 dollars, estimated adult bicycle injury costs totalled $24.4 billion in 2013. Estimated injury costs per mile bicycled fell from $2.85 in 2001 to $2.35 in 2009. From 1999 to 2013, total estimated costs were $209 billion due to non-fatal bicycle injuries and $28 billion due to fatal injuries. Inflation-free annual costs in the study period increased by 137% for non-fatal injuries and 23% for fatal injuries. The share of non-fatal costs associated with injuries to riders age 45 and older increased by 1.6% (95% CI 1.4% to 1.9%) annually. The proportion of costs due to incidents that occurred on a street or highway steadily increased by 0.8% (95% CI 0.4% to 1.3%) annually. CONCLUSIONS: Inflation-free costs per case associated with non-fatal bicycle injuries are increasing. The growth in costs is especially associated with rising ridership, riders 45 and older, and street/highway crashes.

Missed Opportunities to Decrease Radiation Exposure in Children with Renal Trauma.

PURPOSE: Efforts have been made to reduce use of computerized tomography in children with blunt abdominal injury. Computerized tomography may be overused in pediatric patients with renal trauma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all renal trauma patients younger than 18 years old treated at 2 urban trauma centers from 2002 to 2016. We collected demographic and clinical characteristics, renal trauma grades, urological interventions, and timing and use of computerized tomography and renal ultrasound. RESULTS: During the study period 145 patients presented with blunt renal trauma. During hospitalization 46 patients (32%) underwent repeat computerized tomography. About 20% of repeat computerized tomograms were performed less than 48 hours after the first scan. After controlling for center, isolated injury (yes/no), stent placement, age and surgical interventions (yes/no) patients who underwent delayed imaging on their first scan had decreased odds of undergoing a second computerized tomogram (adjusted OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.05-0.9, p = 0.04). Number needed to treat to prevent 1 repeat scan in high grade renal trauma patients was 3 (95% CI 2-4). Estimated sensitivity and specificity for ultrasound monitoring to detect an abnormality requiring urological intervention are 50% and 94%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Repeat computerized tomography in pediatric patients with renal trauma is common. Obtaining delayed imaging on the initial scan in patients with high grade renal trauma may prevent repeat scans. Renal ultrasound provides diagnostic usefulness in monitoring kidney injuries and should be considered before repeating computerized tomography.

Cycling, and Male Sexual and Urinary Function: Results from a Large, Multinational, Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: We explored the relation of cycling to urinary and sexual function in a large multinational sample of men. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cyclists were recruited to complete a survey through Facebook® advertisements and outreach to sporting clubs. Swimmers and runners were recruited as a comparison group. Cyclists were categorized into low and high intensity cyclists. Participants were queried using validated questionnaires, including SHIM (Sexual Health Inventory for Men), I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) and NIH-CPSI (National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index), in addition to questions about urinary tract infections, urethral stricture, genital numbness and saddle sores. RESULTS: Of 5,488 complete survey responses 3,932 (72%) were included in our analysis. On multivariate analysis swimmers/runners had a lower mean SHIM score than low and high intensity cyclists (19.5 vs 19.9 and 20.7, p = 0.02 and <0.001, respectively). No significant differences were found in I-PSS or NIH-CPSI scores, or urinary tract infection history. Cyclists had statistically higher odds of urethral stricture compared to swimmers/runners (OR 2.5, p = 0.042). Standing more than 20% of the time while cycling significantly reduced the odds of genital numbness (OR 0.4, p = 0.006). Adjusting the handlebar higher or even with the saddle had lower odds of genital numbness and saddle sores (OR 0.8, p = 0.005 and 0.6, p <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Cyclists had no worse sexual or urinary functions than swimmers or runners but cyclists were more prone to urethral stricture. Increased time standing while cycling and a higher handlebar height were associated with lower odds of genital sores and numbness.

Gender differences in promotions and scholarly productivity in academic urology.

INTRODUCTION: The gender demographics within urology are changing as more women are entering the workforce. Since research productivity strongly influence career advancement, we aim to characterize gender differences in scholarly productivity and promotions in a cohort of graduated academic urologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urologists who graduated between 2002 and 2008 from 34 residency programs affiliated with the top 50 urology hospitals as ranked in 2009 by U.S. News & World Report were followed longitudinally. Only urologists affiliated with an academic teaching hospital were included for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 543 residents graduated, 459 (84.5%) males and 84 (15.5%) females. Of these, 173 entered academia, 137 (79.2%) males and 36 (20.8%) females. Women had fewer publications compared to men (mean 19.3 versus 61.7, p = 0.001). Fewer women compared to men were promoted from assistant professor 11 (30.6%) versus 83 (60.6%), p = 0.005. Fewer women achieved associate professor 10 (27.8%) versus 67 (48.9%), p = 0.005 or professor ranks 1 (2.8%) versus 16 (11.7%), p = 0.005 respectively compared to men. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, after controlling for the number of total publications and number of years since graduation, gender was not predictive of achieving promotion, OR = 0.81 (95% CI 0.31-2.13), p = 0.673. CONCLUSIONS: Women are underrepresented in senior faculty roles in urology. Scholarly productivity seems to play a major role in academic promotion within urology. With increasing women in academic urology, further studies are needed to explore predictors of promotion and how women can achieve higher leadership roles in the field.

The Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction After Prostatic Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Erectile dysfunction (ED) after treatment for prostate cancer with radiotherapy (RT) is well known, and pooled estimates of ED after RT will provide more accurate patient education. AIM: To systematically evaluate the natural history of ED in men with previous erectile function after prostate RT and to determine clinical factors associated with ED. METHODS: We performed a review of the PubMed and Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases in April 2016 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) statement. Identified reports included a measurement of ED before and after prostate RT. Two hundred seventy-eight abstracts were screened and 105 publications met the criteria for inclusion. Only men with known erectile function before RT were included in the analysis. OUTCOME: ED after RT of the prostate. RESULTS: In total, 17,057 men underwent brachytherapy (65%), 8,166 men underwent external-beam RT (31%), and 1,046 men underwent both (4%). Seven common instruments were used to measure ED, including 23 different cutoffs for ED. The Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) was used in 31 studies (30%). Pooled estimates of SHIM-confirmed ED (score <10-17) suggested the prevalence of ED after RT is 34% of men (95% CI = 0.29-0.39) at 1 year and 57% (95% CI = 0.53-0.61) at 5.5 years. Compared with brachytherapy, studies of the two types of radiation increased the proportion of new-onset ED found by 12.3% of studies (95% CI = 2.3-22.4). For every 10% who were lost to follow-up, the proportion of ED reported increased by 2.3% (95% CI = 0.03-4.7). CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: ED is common regardless of RT modality and increases during each year of follow-up. Using the SHIM, ED is found in approximately 50% patients at 5 years. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: The strengths of this systematic review include strict inclusion criteria of studies that measured baseline erectile function, no evidence for large effect size bias, and a large number of studies, which allow for modeling techniques. However, all data included in this analysis were observational, which leaves the possibility that residual confounding factors increase the rates of ED. CONCLUSION: Definitions and measurements of ED after RT vary considerably in published series and could account for variability in the prevalence of reported ED. Loss to follow-up in studies could bias the results to overestimate ED. Gaither TW, Awad MA, Osterberg EC, et al. The Natural History of Erectile Dysfunction After Prostatic Radiotherapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Sex Med 2017;14:1071-1078.