News Media Analysis of the United States Preventive Services Task Force and American Urological Association Prostate Cancer Screening Guidelines.

INTRODUCTION: Rates of prostate specific antigen screening and prostate cancer diagnoses have declined following controversial changes to prostate cancer screening guidelines by the USPSTF (U.S. Preventive Services Task Force) in 2011 and 2012 advising against all prostate specific antigen screening. To understand whether uneven media coverage of the guidelines may have influenced shifts in clinical decision making, this study analyzes news reports about the USPSTF and AUA (American Urological Association) prostate cancer screening guidelines. METHODS: Two national databases were queried for news articles published within 30 days of the release of each guideline. Media analysis included consequences of screening, accuracy of guideline descriptions, discussion of primary evidence and neutrality of headlines. Thematic changes between the preliminary and final USPSTF guidelines were compared. RESULTS: Of the 45 news articles in the sample 24 were about the preliminary USPSTF guidelines, 17 about the final USPSTF guidelines and 4 about the revised AUA guidelines. More than 80% of the articles discussed adverse consequences of prostate specific antigen screening while a minority accurately summarized the recommendations or discussed limitations of the evidence. Significantly more articles about the final vs preliminary USPSTF guidelines had headlines opposing screening or suggested urologists' financial gains from prostate specific antigen tests (p <0.05). Of the articles that mentioned the initial opposition of the AUA to the USPSTF, only 29% described the current AUA guidelines in any form. CONCLUSIONS: The USPSTF guidelines were more extensively reported in the news than the AUA guidelines. Articles frequently emphasized the negative aspects of screening and did not discuss limitations of the evidence. These findings may have influenced patients' decisions underlying declines in prostate specific antigen screening since 2011.

Readability analysis of online health information about overactive bladder.

AIMS: Despite the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) and the widespread accessibility of patient education information on the Internet, the readability of this information and its potential impact on patient decision-making are not known. This study evaluates the readability of OAB material online in the context of website ownership and the Health on the Net standard for information reliability. METHODS: Three Internet search platforms were queried daily with OAB-related keywords for 30 days. Readability analysis was performed using the SMOG test, Dale-Chall readability formula, and Fry readability graph. Websites were stratified by ownership type and Health on the Net certification to compare readability metrics. RESULTS: After 270 total searches, 57 websites were analyzed. Mean SMOG reading grade was 10.7 (SD = 1.6) and 10.1 in an adjusted calculation to reduce overestimation from medical jargon. Mean Dale-Chall score was 9.2 (SD = 0.9), or grade 13-15. Mean Fry graph coordinates (177 syllables, 5.9 sentences) corresponded to grade 15. Only seven sites (12%) were predicted to be readable by the average adult with an eighth-grade reading level. Mean reading grades were not significantly different between academic versus commercial sites and Health on the Net-certified versus non-certified sites. CONCLUSIONS: A large majority of online information about OAB treatment exceeds the reading ability of most adults. Neither websites sponsored by academic institutions nor those certified by the Health on the Net standard have easier readability. The readability of health information online may be distinct from reliability in the context of urological literacy.

Trends in Urological Direct-to-Consumer Advertising during Prime-Time Television News Programs.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to characterize contemporary trends in direct-to-consumer advertising of urological pharmaceutical products on American prime-time television programs. Television is the highest expenditure segment of the consumer drug marketing industry. The extent of advertising in urology and its potential impact on patients are not well understood. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed an indexed database of prime-time news broadcasts on 5 national networks in the United States. The database was queried with the names of 77 urological pharmaceutical products to identify all commercials that aired during a 36-month period between 2010 and 2013. Noncommercial segments were excluded. Descriptive and linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS: We analyzed 4,574 broadcasts, representing 3,067.5 hours of prime-time television. A total of 2,068 commercials for 8 products and 4 urological indications were aired, including sildenafil and tadalafil for erectile dysfunction; 2 testosterone products for hypogonadism; fesoterodine, oxybutynin and solifenacin for overactive bladder; and sipuleucel-T for metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer. Commercials for male oriented indications accounted for 90% of the sample. At least 1 urological advertisement was contained in 1,744 broadcasts (38%). The introduction of television marketing for newly approved testosterone supplementation products in 2012 corresponded to strongly linear growth in overall urological advertising, reaching peak levels in 2013. CONCLUSIONS: Urological pharmaceutical products have been consistently advertised on television. Commercials have extensively targeted male oriented indications. Viewers of national news programs were exposed to urological advertising during about 40% of broadcasts with steadily increasing exposure since 2012. Providers should be aware of these trends to contextualize demand and monitor prescribing patterns.

How Readable Is BPH Treatment Information on the Internet? Assessing Barriers to Literacy in Prostate Health.

Information about benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) has become increasingly accessible on the Internet. Though the ability to find such material is encouraging, its readability and impact on informing patient decision making are not known. To evaluate the readability of Internet-based information about BPH in the context of website ownership and Health on the Net certification, three search engines were queried daily for 1 month with BPH-related keywords. Website ownership data and Health on the Net certification status were verified. Three readability analyses were performed: SMOG test, Dale-Chall readability formula, and Fry readability graph. An adjusted SMOG calculation was performed to reduce overestimation from medical jargon. After a total of 270 searches, 52 websites met inclusion criteria. Mean SMOG grade was 10.6 ( SD = 1.4) and 10.2 after adjustment. Mean Dale-Chall score was 9.1 ( SD = 0.6), or Grades 13 to 15. Mean Fry graph coordinates (173 syllables, 5.1 sentences) corresponded to Grade 15. Seven sites (13%) were at or below the average adult reading level based on SMOG; none of the sites qualified based on the other tests. Readability was significantly poorer for academic versus commercial sites and for Health on the Net-certified versus noncertified sites. In conclusion, online information about BPH treatment markedly exceeds the reading comprehension of most U.S. adults. Websites maintained by academic institutions and certified by the Health on the Net standard have more difficult readability. Efforts to improve literacy with respect to urological health should target content readability independent of reliability.

Development of an Integrated Mobile Application for Evaluating Voiding Dysfunction: A Proof of Concept Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bladder voiding diaries are an important part of evaluating and managing lower urinary tract symptoms but are subject to poor data quality and diary completion rates. Mobile health technology is increasingly prevalent and can help overcome the problems of traditional paper and electronic diaries. METHODS: We identified proof of concept design principles based on a literature review and needs assessment. An electronic application was developed to improve self-assessment and symptom management for patients with voiding dysfunction. We analyzed application distribution and use patterns for 12 consecutive months. RESULTS: We designed an electronic application with complete mobile device integration containing a voiding diary, incontinence tracker and AUA Symptom Score questionnaire. Users could enter and modify details about the volume and frequency of voiding events, including leakage and pad use. Data could be electronically shared with providers. Integrating the application on the Apple® iOS and Android™ mobile operating systems eliminated the need for patients to carry or learn to use a separate device. During the 12-month study period 1,868 unique visitors from 18 countries downloaded the mobile application and made a total of 13,145 subsequent visits. CONCLUSIONS: This application for evaluating voiding dysfunction leverages mobile technology to overcome the limits of paper and standalone electronic formats. Domestic and international users downloaded the application and consistently logged return visits. Using mobile health in urology practices may help patients and providers better manage lower urinary tract symptoms and achieve improved control.

Ambulatory pathway laser prostate surgery in severely ill patients--feasibility and short-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess readmissions, complications, and outcomes of a rapid ambulatory discharge pathway (RADP) in high anesthetic risk patients who have undergone laser prostate surgery. METHODS: Medical records of patients who underwent holmium laser ablation of the prostate between 2007 and 2012 by a single surgeon were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists category ≥3 ("severe systemic disease") were included. All patients were scheduled for a rapid ambulatory discharge pathway, which involved discharge on the day of surgery with a urethral catheter, with a voiding trial on postoperative day 3. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients met the inclusion criteria. Fifty patients (88%) were successfully discharged on rapid ambulatory discharge pathway. Six patients (11%) were later readmitted for hematuria (3), urinary retention (1), or cardiac events (2). Two patients (4%) had emergency department visits for catheter-related problems. Increasing length of surgery, increasing amount of laser energy used, and a surgical indication indicative of more advanced disease were associated with postoperative hospitalization and readmissions on univariate analysis. No patient operated on for lower urinary tract symptoms was hospitalized or needed a readmission. The mean change in International Prostate Symptom Score and quality of life at 3 months were -12.5 ± 8.2 (P <.001) and -2.6 ± 1.7 (P <.001), respectively. CONCLUSION: It is safe to use a rapid ambulatory discharge pathway for laser prostatectomy in high anesthetic risk patients with good short-term outcomes, especially in men operated on for lower urinary tract symptoms.

It is safe to teach residents laser prostate surgery in the private practice setting.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of resident involvement on laser prostate surgery outcomes within a urology group in a private practice setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with ≥ 6 months of follow-up data who had undergone holmium laser ablation of the prostate by a single surgeon (R.L.Y.) within a private urology group were included in the present study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, with resident involvement in 1 group and no resident involvement in 1 group. The preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters were reviewed. The outcomes variables included changes in the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life scores, postvoid residual urine volumes, and reoperation rates. Statistical analysis used a 2-tailed Student t test with a significance level of .05. RESULTS: Of 153 holmium laser ablations of the prostate, 79 (52%) met the inclusion criteria. Of the 79 cases, 42 (53%) involved a resident. No statistically significant differences were found among the 2 groups in preoperative patient characteristics, including age, Society of Anesthesiologists score, prostate-specific antigen level, postvoid residual urine volume, International Prostate Symptom Score, or quality of life. The operative times were significantly longer in the resident group (57 vs 46 minutes, P = .05). Postoperatively, no differences in the mean values were found in postvoid residual urine volume (56 vs 64 mL, P = .73), change in International Prostate Symptom Score (11.5 vs 9.7, P = .44), change in quality of life score (-2.1 vs -1.3, P = .13), or reoperation rate (5% vs 11%, P = .19). CONCLUSION: The operative times were longer in the resident group, reflecting the inherent time taken to teach the residents the procedure. The results from the present study suggest that it is feasible to safely teach residents new surgical technology such as holmium laser ablation of the prostate in a nonacademic private practice setting without adversely affecting surgical performance or outcomes.

Rapid ambulatory pathway laser prostatectomy is safe: results within the global period.

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and What does the study add? Laser prostatectomy is a commonly performed procedure for BOO, and has been shown to have short- and medium-term results equivalent to the gold standard procedure (i.e. TURP) in various studies. It also has an advantage over TURP in that it can be performed on patients who are taking anticoagulant medication. However, patients in most studies are admitted to the hospital overnight on continuous bladder irrigation and are discharged home the next day. The present study shows that it is safe and feasible to perform laser prostatectomy in an ambulatory fashion with discharge of patients within hours of their surgery. The discharge pathway is associated with minimal morbidity or the need for admission after surgery, and the reported short-term results are in accordance with the available literature on laser prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a rapid ambulatory discharge pathway after holmium laser ablation of the prostate (HoLAP) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study group comprised a cohort of 65 consecutive patients undergoing HoLAP scheduled as a day surgical case by a single surgeon between January 2007 and December 2009. Patients were discharged from day surgery with a catheter in place, and returned for a voiding trial on postoperative day 3. Preoperative, intra-operative and postoperative parameters were reviewed with follow-up data for the 90-day global postoperative period. Statistical analysis employed Student's t-test with P < 0.05 (two-tailed) being considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The mean (range) patient age was 64 (41-87) years; mean (range) American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2.2 (1-4); mean (sd) operation duration was 44 (17) min; and mean (sd) time after surgery until discharge was 149 (51) min. Postoperative complications included catheter occlusion (1.5%) and admission for haematuria (1.5%). There were no re-admissions after discharge from the hospital. Within the 90-day global period, 13 patients described lower urinary tract symptoms (20%), five patients had postoperative urinary retention (7.7%) and one patient had a urinary tract infection (1.5%). After surgery, mean American Urological Association Symptom Score decreased from 21.3 to 7.6 (P < 0.001); mean quality of life score decreased from 4.04 to 1.38 (P < 0.001); and mean post-void residual decreased from 190.2 to 46.4 mL (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In appropriately selected patients, HoLAP can be safely performed as an ambulatory case with a rapid discharge pathway and minimal morbidity during the 90-day global period.

Primary plasmacytoma of the testicle: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Extramedullary plasmacytoma is a rare plasma cell neoplasm. Plasmacytomas are most commonly found in the head and neck region, but can occur in many other locations. They rarely occur in the testis, and are commonly associated with concurrent multiple myeloma at the time of diagnosis. Isolated plasmacytoma of the testis is exceedingly rare, with few cases reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Caucasian man presented with a painless testicular mass treated by orchiectomy. The mass was determined to be plasmacytoma on pathological examination. At the time of diagnosis, our patient did not have multiple myeloma, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for treatment of his disease. CONCLUSION: Isolated plasmacytoma of the testicle is a rare cause of testicular mass, and is seldom reported in the literature. Patients with this disease require careful monitoring because of their high risk of progression to multiple myeloma. The diagnosis of testicular plasmacytoma can be challenging for primary care doctors and urologic specialists. This condition should be in the differential diagnosis in elderly men.

Mannitol extravasation during partial nephrectomy leading to forearm compartment syndrome.

We present the first known complication of forearm compartment syndrome after mannitol infusion during partial nephrectomy. We stress the importance of excellent intravenous catheter access and constant visual monitoring of the intravenous catheter site during and after mannitol infusion as ways to prevent this complication. Prompt recognition of compartment syndrome with appropriate intervention can prevent long-term sequelae.

Mannitol extravasation during partial nephrectomy leading to forearm compartment syndrome

We present the first known complication of forearm compartment syndrome after mannitol infusion during partial nephrectomy. We stress the importance of excellent intravenous catheter access and constant visual monitoring of the intravenous catheter site during and after mannitol infusion as ways to prevent this complication. Prompt recognition of compartment syndrome with appropriate intervention can prevent long-term sequelae.

Pathological characteristics of prostate cancer detected through prostate specific antigen based screening.

PURPOSE: Since the introduction of PSA testing for CaP, there has been an increase in CaP detection. However, it is uncertain to what extent clinically insignificant tumors are being diagnosed and treated. In a large, community based population we determined the pathological characteristics of screening detected cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1989 to 2001, 35,661 men were enrolled in a longitudinal prostate cancer screening study. Data were available on 3,492 of the 3,568 men (98%) diagnosed with CaP during this study period. Radical prostatectomy was performed in 2,254 men (63%). Clinical stage, Gleason score and pathological analysis were recorded and analyzed in the context of preoperative PSA, digital rectal examination findings, PSA velocity and the year of cancer detection. RESULTS: CaP was detected in 10% of men. Virtually all cases were clinically localized (99.8%) and approximately 70% treated with radical prostatectomy were pathologically organ confined disease. Fewer than 10% of tumors would be considered clinically insignificant based on 2 previously published pathological criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the high prevalence of CaP found in autopsy studies there is a lower detection rate using current screening protocols. Although the outcomes are unknown if these tumors had been left untreated, the majority met pathological criteria for significant cancer.

Metronomic low-dose chemotherapy boosts CD95-dependent antiangiogenic effect of the thrombospondin peptide ABT-510: a complementation antiangiogenic strategy.

Blocking angiogenesis is a promising approach in cancer therapy. Natural inhibitors of angiogenesis and derivatives induce receptor-mediated signals, which often result in the endothelial cell death. Low-dose chemotherapy, given at short regular intervals with no prolonged breaks (metronomic chemotherapy), also targets angiogenesis by obliterating proliferating endothelial cells and circulating endothelial cell precursors. ABT-510, a peptide derivative of thrombospondin, kills endothelial cell by increasing CD95L, a ligand for the CD95 death receptor. However, CD95 expression itself is unaffected by ABT-510 and limits its efficacy. We found that multiple chemotherapy agents, cyclophosphamide (cytoxan), cisplatin, and docetaxel, induced endothelial CD95 in vitro and in vivo at low doses that failed to kill endothelial cells (cytoxan > cisplatin > docetaxel). Thus, we concluded that some of these agents might complement each other and together block angiogenesis with maximal efficacy. As a proof of principle, we designed an antiangiogenic cocktail combining ABT-510 with cytoxan or cisplatin. Cyclophosphamide and cisplatin synergistically increased in vivo endothelial cell apoptosis and angiosuppression by ABT-510. This synergy required CD95, as it was reversible with the CD95 decoy receptor. In a mouse model, ABT-510 and cytoxan, applied together at low doses, acted in synergy to delay tumor take, to stabilize the growth of established tumors, and to cause a long-term progression delay of PC-3 prostate carcinoma. These antitumor effects were accompanied by major decreases in microvascular density and concomitant increases of the vascular CD95, CD95L, and apoptosis. Thus, our study shows a "complementation" design of an optimal cancer treatment with the antiangiogenic peptide and a metronomic chemotherapy.

Inflammatory pseudotumor of the testis: a novel presentation of acute retroviral syndrome.

Inflammatory pseudotumors are a rare entity, the etiology of which is not well understood. It has been postulated that these non-neoplastic lesions are the result of a reaction to trauma, surgery, infection or local irritation, though in many cases an underlying cause is never found. In this case, a 30-year-old man with previously undiagnosed human immunodeficiency virus presented with a 2-week history of painless right testicular mass measuring 1 x 1 cm. The patient underwent right radical orchiectomy with histopathological analysis revealing an inflammatory pseudotumor of the testis. Further work up pointed to acute retroviral syndrome as the likely cause.

Two functional epitopes of pigment epithelial-derived factor block angiogenesis and induce differentiation in prostate cancer.

Pigment epithelial-derived factor (PEDF), an angiogenesis inhibitor with neurotrophic properties, balances angiogenesis in the eye and blocks tumor progression. Its neurotrophic function and the ability to block vascular leakage is replicated by the PEDF 44-mer peptide (residues 58-101). We analyzed PEDFs' three-dimensional structure and identified a potential receptor-binding surface. Seeking PEDF-based antiangiogenic agents we generated and tested peptides representing the middle and lower regions of this surface. We identified previously unknown antiangiogenic epitopes consisting of the 34-mer (residues 24-57) and a shorter proximal peptide (TGA, residues 16-26) with the critical stretch L19VEEED24 and a fragment within the 44-mer (ERT, residues 78-94), which retained neurotrophic activity. The 34-mer and TGA, but not the 44-mer reproduced PEDF angioinhibitory signals hinged on c-jun-NH2-kinase-dependent nuclear factor of activated T cell deactivation and caused apoptosis. Conversely, the ERT, but not the 34-mer/TGA induced neuronal differentiation. For the 44-mer/ERT, we showed a novel ability to cause neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate cancer cells. PEDF and the peptides bound endothelial and PC-3 prostate cancer cells. Bound peptides were displaced by PEDF, but not by each other, suggesting multiple receptors. PEDF and its active fragments blocked tumor formation when conditionally expressed by PC-3 cells. The 34- and 44-mer used distinct mechanisms: the 34-mer acted on endothelial cells, blocked angiogenesis, and induced apoptosis whereas 44-mer prompted neuroendocrine differentiation in cancer cells. Our results map active regions for the two PEDF functions, signaling via distinct receptors, identify candidate peptides, and provide their mechanism of action for future development of PEDF-based tumor therapies.

Efficacy and safety of the Healthtronics LithoTron lithotripter.

PURPOSE: To evaluate our experience with the LithoTron lithotripter (Healthtronics, Atlanta, GA), a dry portable system that utilizes a spark-gap electrode as an energy source. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the first 312 treatments performed on 199 men and 99 women with an average age of 43.5 years (range 4 months-80 years), over a 25-month period between May 1999 and June 2001. Of the 468 stones treated, 136 were located in the ureter, 52 in the renal pelvis or ureteropelvic junction, and 230 in the kidney; the sites of 50 were not specified in our database. The average stone size was 8.0 mm (range 1-40 mm). Follow-up included a plain (KUB) film, CT scan, or intravenous urogram (IVU) and was available for 256 patients. "Stone free" was defined as no fragments visible on postoperative images. The mean radiographic follow-up was 74 days (range 0-866 days). Data collection was initially done manually by data sheets, but a Web-based medical database application was developed in order to enter, store, retrieve, and analyze the data more efficiently. RESULTS: The average number of shocks delivered per renal unit was 2689 at 25.8 kV. Seventy-five percent of the procedures were performed with intravenous sedation. Two thirds (169/256) of the patients were rendered stone free with one treatment. According to size, 71% (209/294) of stones <1 cm, 57% (39/68) of stones between 1.0 and 1.5 cm, and 22% (8/36) of stones >1.5 cm were eliminated. There were 23 patients who required further treatment; from the available data, 18 of them are currently stone free. Perioperative complications occurred in 6 patients (2%). No patient had worsening renal function or new-onset hypertension. The effectiveness quotient was 59.3%. CONCLUSION: The LithoTron lithotripter is satisfactory for stones <1 cm.

Retrieval of migrated ureteral stent by intussusception of ureteral balloon dilator tip.

A vexing complication of ureteral stent placement is inadvertent proximal migration. The retrieval of a migrated ureteral stent may be performed using a myriad of techniques but usually requires ureteroscopic extraction. We report a novel, time-efficient technique to capture and reposition a migrated ureteral stent without ureteroscopic manipulation.

Xanthogranulomatous orchitis.

Xanthogranulomatous inflammation is an uncommon process that is usually associated with severe renal infection. We report a case of a 64-year-old man with xanthogranulomatous inflammation in the testis who presented with contralateral epididymoorchitis and a painless testicular mass. Only two prior cases of xanthogranulomatous orchitis have been reported. This case highlights the need for a broad differential diagnosis when approaching testicular masses, particularly in the setting of coincident infection.