Grant funding among underrepresented minority and women urologists at academic institutions.

INTRODUCTION: Grant funding to Urology has decreased over the last decade. Documented lack of gender and race diversity at the faculty level raises concerns for funding disparities. This study sought to characterize disparities based upon race and gender in National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding data to Urologic faculty. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Data from 145 ACGME accredited Urology residency programs incorporating faculty gender and underrepresented in medicine (URiM) status was utilized. The NIH Research Portfolio Online Report Tool was queried between 1985 and 2023 for grants related to current Urology faculty. URiM status, gender, years of practice, academic rank, and Doximity residency program rank were factors in multivariable analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2,131 faculty were included. Three hundred one Urologists received 793 urologic grants for a total of $993,919,052 in funding. By race, grants were awarded to: White 72.9%, Asian 21.8%, Hispanic 3.0%, Black 2.1%. Men received 708 grants (89.3%) worth $917,083,475 total. Women received 85 grants (10.7%) worth $76,835,577 total. Likelihood of being awarded a grant was significantly associated with non-URiM status (p < 0.001) and men (p < 0.0001). On multivariable analysis, Doximity rank (p < 0.001) and academic rank (p < 0.001) were significant predictors of receiving a grant; male gender, URiM status, and years of practice were not. Academic rank was also a significant predictor of number of grants received (p = 0.04) and total funding (p = 0.04); years of practice, Doximity rank, URiM status, and gender were not. CONCLUSIONS: NIH grants were more likely awarded to higher ranked faculty from higher Doximity ranked institutions with no differences based on URiM status or gender.

The role of surgery for locally advanced urothelial cancers.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Extirpative surgery can play an important role in the management strategies for locally advanced urothelial carcinoma. The current review is intended to relay current information reported in the literature over the past 12 months regarding the usage of surgical resection in advanced urothelial cancers of the bladder and upper tracts, document operative outcomes, and oncologic efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS: Multimodal therapy is key to long-term overall survival for advanced urothelial carcinoma. Radical cystectomy with bilateral pelvic lymph node dissection can be performed after an observable response to chemotherapy or immunotherapy for cT4 or cN2 and higher node-positive disease of the bladder. Moreover, radical cystectomy after trimodal therapy similarly yields durable local response. For upper tract disease, nephroureterectomy with regional lymphadenectomy is the primary surgical modality used often in conjunction with perioperative cisplatin-based chemotherapy. SUMMARY: Surgical resection as a monotherapy is not curative in patients with locally advanced urothelial carcinoma. However, its use in combination with systemic agents can potentiate durable long-term survival in a subset of patients. Future studies investigating patient-reported outcomes among those receiving consolidative surgery for locally advanced disease are warranted to guide clinical recommendations.

Effect of COVID-19 on Urology Residency Training: A Nationwide Survey of Program Directors by the Society of Academic Urologists.

PURPOSE: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has profoundly impacted residency training and education. To date, there has not been any broad assessment of urological surgery residency changes and concerns during the COVID-19 pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Society of Academic Urologists distributed a questionnaire to urology residency program directors on March 30, 2020 exploring residency program changes related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics are presented. A qualitative analysis of free response questions was undertaken. A post hoc analysis of differences related to local COVID-19 incidence is described. RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 144 residency programs with 65 responses for a 45% response rate. Reserve staffing had started in 80% of programs. Patient contact time had decreased significantly from 4.7 to 2.1 days per week (p <0.001). Redeployment was reported by 26% of programs. Sixty percent of programs reported concern that residents will not meet case minimums due to COVID-19. Wellness activities centered on increased communication. All programs had begun to use videoconferencing and the majority planned to continue. Programs in states with a higher incidence of COVID-19 were more likely to report resident redeployment (48% vs 11%, p=0.002) and exposure to COVID-19 positive patients (70% vs 40%, p=0.03), and were less likely to report concerns regarding exposure (78% vs 97%, p=0.02) and personal protective equipment availability (62% vs 89%, p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: As of April 1, 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic had resulted in significant changes in urology residency programs. These findings inform a rapidly changing landscape and aid in the development of best practices.

Single-Center Prospective Evaluation of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET in Biochemical Recurrence of Prostate Cancer.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 68Ga-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen 11 (PSMA-11) PET for disease detection in patients with prostate cancer who have biochemically recurrent disease after radiation therapy or prostatectomy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. One hundred fifty patients underwent 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT or PET/MRI, and the images were interpreted by two blinded board-certified radiologists. Each reader evaluated for the presence or absence of PSMA-positive disease within the prostate bed, pelvic lymph nodes, bones, and soft tissues (extrapelvic lymph nodes and visceral structures). The presence or absence of disease was confirmed by histopathologic analysis if available. For patients who did not have pathologic analysis, a composite of imaging and clinical follow-up was used as the reference standard. RESULTS. The median prostate-specific antigen level was 2.1 ng/mL. Forty-three patients had pathologic correlation, and for 29 patients a composite of imaging and follow-up was used to determine the presence or absence of disease. With substantial to almost perfect interreader reliability by region (κ = 0.78-0.87), 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET had high sensitivity per region (up to 100%) and per patient (up to 89.8%). It also had high positive predictive value per region (up to 100%) and per patient (up to 91.5%). Sensitivity was highest for bone metastases and lowest for soft-tissue metastases. Positive predictive value was highest for bone metastases and lowest for prostate bed recurrence. CONCLUSION. Gallium-68-labeled PSMA-11 PET is sensitive for prostate cancer metastases in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer. It has high positive predictive value and substantial to almost perfect interrater reliability.

Diagnostic Accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI Compared with Multiparametric MRI in the Detection of Prostate Cancer.

Purpose To compare the diagnostic accuracy of gallium 68 (68Ga)-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-11 PET/MRI with that of multiparametric MRI in the detection of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods The authors performed a retrospective study of men with biopsy-proven prostate cancer who underwent simultaneous 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI before radical prostatectomy between December 2015 and June 2017. The reference standard was whole-mount pathologic examination. Readers were blinded to radiologic and pathologic findings. Tumor localization was based on 30 anatomic regions. Region-specific sensitivity and specificity were calculated for PET/MRI and multiparametric MRI by using raw stringent and alternative neighboring approaches. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) in the tumor and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2 grade were compared with tumor Gleason score. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate population-averaged sensitivity and specificity and to determine the association between tumor characteristics and SUVmax or PI-RADS score. Results Thirty-two men (median age, 68 years; interquartile range: 62-71 years) were imaged. The region-specific sensitivities of PET/MRI and multiparametric MRI were 74% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70%, 77%) and 50% (95% CI: 45%, 0.54%), respectively, with the alternative neighboring approach (P < .001 for both) and 73% (95% CI: 68%, 79%) and 69% (95% CI: 62%, 75%), respectively, with the population-averaged generalized estimating equation (P = .04). Region-specific specificity of PET/MRI was similar to that of multiparametric MRI with the alternative neighboring approach (88% [95% CI: 85%, 91%] vs 90% [95% CI: 87%, 92%], P = .99) and in population-averaged estimates (70% [95% CI: 64%, 76%] vs 70% [95% CI: 64%, 75%], P = .99). SUVmax was associated with a Gleason score of 7 and higher (odds ratio: 1.71 [95% CI: 1.27, 2.31], P < .001). Conclusion The sensitivity of gallium 68-labeled prostate-specific membrane antigen-11 PET/MRI in the detection of prostate cancer is better than that of multiparametric MRI. © RSNA, 2018 See also the editorial by Civelek in this issue.

A Randomized Study of Intraoperative Autologous Retropubic Urethral Sling on Urinary Control after Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We evaluated whether placement of a retropubic urethral sling fashioned from autologous vas deferens during robotic assisted radical prostatectomy would improve recovery of continence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a phase 2, single blind trial age stratified patients were randomized to undergo robotic assisted radical prostatectomy by multiple surgeons with or without sling placement. The outcomes were complete continence (0 urinary pads of any type) and near continence (0, an occasional or 1 pad per day) at 6 months, which was assessed by the Fisher exact test and logistic regression. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log rank test were used to evaluate time to continence. EPIC-UIN (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite-Urinary Inventory) and I-PSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) 1, 3 and 6 months after catheter removal were evaluated by mixed models for repeated measures. RESULTS: Of 203 patients who were recruited 95 and 100 were randomized to undergo sling and no sling placement, respectively, and completed postoperative interviews. Six months after surgery the proportions reporting complete and near continence (66% and 87%, respectively) and times to complete and near continence were similar in the groups. Younger age was associated with a higher likelihood of complete continence (OR 1.74 per decreasing 5-year interval, 95% CI 1.23-2.48, p <0.01) and near continence (OR 2.18 per decreasing 5-year interval, 95% CI 1.21-3.92, p <0.01) adjusting for clinical, urinary and surgical factors. Adjusted EPIC-UIN and I-PSS scores changed with time but did not differ between the groups. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This trial failed to demonstrate a benefit of autologous urethral sling placement at robotic assisted radical prostatectomy on early return of continence at 6 months. Continence was related to patient age in adjusted models.

Characterization and stratification of prostate lesions based on comprehensive multiparametric MRI using detailed whole-mount histopathology as a reference standard.

The purpose of this study was to characterize prostate cancer (PCa) based on multiparametric MR (mpMR) measures derived from MRI, diffusion, spectroscopy, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI, and to validate mpMRI in detecting PCa and predicting PCa aggressiveness by correlating mpMRI findings with whole-mount histopathology. Seventy-eight men with untreated PCa received 3 T mpMR scans prior to radical prostatectomy. Cancerous regions were outlined, graded, and cancer amount estimated on whole-mount histology. Regions of interest were manually drawn on T2 -weighted images based on histopathology. Logistic regression was used to identify optimal combinations of parameters for the peripheral zone and transition zone to separate: (i) benign from malignant tissues; (ii) Gleason score (GS) ≤3 + 3 disease from ≥GS3 + 4; and (iii) ≤ GS3 + 4 from ≥GS4 + 3 cancers. The performance of the models was assessed using repeated fourfold cross-validation. Additionally, the performance of the logistic regression models created under the assumption that one or more modality has not been acquired was evaluated. Logistic regression models yielded areas under the curve (AUCs) of 1.0 and 0.99 when separating benign from malignant tissues in the peripheral zone and the transition zone, respectively. Within the peripheral zone, combining choline, maximal enhancement slope, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and citrate measures for separating ≤GS3 + 3 from ≥GS3 + 4 PCa yielded AUC = 0.84. Combining creatine, choline, and washout slope yielded AUC = 0.81 for discriminating ≤GS3 + 4 from ≥GS4 + 3 disease. Within the transition zone, combining washout slope, ADC, and creatine yielded AUC = 0.93 for discriminating ≤GS3 + 3 and ≥GS3 + 4 cancers. When separating ≤GS3 + 4 from ≥GS4 + 3 PCa, combining choline and washout slope yielded AUC = 0.92. MpMRI provides excellent separation between benign tissues and PCa, and across PCa tissues of different aggressiveness. The final models prominently feature spectroscopy and DCE-derived metrics, underlining their value within a comprehensive mpMRI examination.

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.

Extended followup and risk factors for disease reclassification in a large active surveillance cohort for localized prostate cancer.

PURPOSE: Active surveillance to manage prostate cancer provides an alternative to immediate treatment in men with low risk prostate cancer. We report updated outcomes from a long-standing active surveillance cohort and factors associated with reclassification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data on all men enrolled in the active surveillance cohort at our institution with at least 6 months of followup between 1990 and 2013. Surveillance consisted of quarterly prostate specific antigen testing, repeat imaging with transrectal ultrasound at provider discretion and periodic repeat prostate biopsies. Factors associated with repeat biopsy reclassification and local treatment were determined by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression. We also analyzed the association of prostate specific antigen density and outcomes stratified by prostate size. RESULTS: A total of 810 men who consented to participate in the research cohort were followed on active surveillance for a median of 60 months. Of these men 556 (69%) met strict criteria for active surveillance. Five-year overall survival was 98%, treatment-free survival was 60% and biopsy reclassification-free survival was 40%. There were no prostate cancer related deaths. On multivariate analysis prostate specific antigen density was positively associated with the risk of biopsy reclassification and treatment while the number of biopsies and time between biopsies were inversely associated with the 2 outcomes (each p <0.01). When stratified by prostate volume, prostate specific antigen density remained significantly associated with biopsy reclassification for all strata but prostate specific antigen density was only significantly associated with treatment in men with a smaller prostate. CONCLUSIONS: Significant prostate cancer related morbidity and mortality remained rare at intermediate followup. Prostate specific antigen density was independently associated with biopsy reclassification and treatment while on active surveillance.

Patterns of Local Failure following Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer.

PURPOSE: Little is known about patterns of local failure following radiation therapy for prostate cancer. We aimed to characterize post-radiation biopsy findings, including the treatment effect and the zonal distribution of recurrent disease after radiation therapy, in men experiencing biochemical recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We identified patients who received post-radiation biopsy in the setting of biochemical recurrence following primary radiation for localized disease. Histological post-radiation biopsy results were categorized by the absence of tumor, demonstration of radiation treatment effect, failure (recurrent cancer) or a combination of treatment effect and failure. We described patterns of histological failure and compared them to the diagnostic biopsy findings. RESULTS: A total of 284 men underwent mapped post-radiation biopsy for biochemical recurrence. Mean age at initial diagnosis was 63 years and median prostate specific antigen was 8.2 ng/ml. Of the men 33%, 32% and 35% were classified at low, intermediate and high risk based on clinical CAPRA (Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment) categories. Median time to post-radiation biopsy was 61 months after treatment. Findings were negative in 4% of cases while we noted a treatment effect in 31%, failure in 45% and a combination in 20%. Failure rates were similar across sextants. Of 140 patients with mapped pretreatment and posttreatment biopsies 4% demonstrated cancer in a new location previously identified as negative. Gleason upgrading occurred in 43% of cases with 85% upgraded to 4 + 3 or higher. CONCLUSIONS: Men with rising prostate specific antigen after radiotherapy for prostate cancer most often experience recurrence in dominant tumor sites. Whether failure is due to inadequate targeting, dosing or intrinsic radiation resistance remains unknown to our knowledge. Further study is warranted.

Intravesical chemotherapy in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is characterized by a tendency for recurrence and capacity for progression. Intravesical instillation therapy has been employed in various clinical settings, which are summarized within this review. Several chemotherapeutic agents have shown clinical efficacy in reducing recurrence rates in the post-transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) setting, including mitomycin C (MMC), doxorubicin, and epirubicin. Mounting evidence also supports the use of intravesical MMC following nephroureterectomy to reduce later urothelial bladder recurrence. In the adjuvant setting, bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is an established first-line agent in the management of carcinoma in situ (CIS) and high-grade non muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma (UC). Among high and intermediate-risk patients (based on tumor grade, size, and focality) improvements in disease-free intervals have been seen with adjunctive administration of MMC prior to scheduled BCG dosing. Following failure of first-line intravesical therapy, gemcitabine and valrubicin have demonstrated modest activity, though valrubicin remains the only agent currently Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved for the treatment of BCG-refractory CIS. Techniques to optimize intravesical chemotherapy delivery have also been explored including pharmacokinetic methods such as urinary alkalization and voluntary dehydration. Chemohyperthermia and electromotive instillation have been associated with improved freedom from recurrence intervals but may be associated with increased urinary toxicity. Improvements in therapeutic selection may be heralded by novel opportunities for genomic profiling and refinements in clinical risk stratification.

Cytochrome P450 1B1 polymorphisms and risk of renal cell carcinoma in men.

The cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) enzyme activates xenobiotics to reactive forms as well as convert estradiol to 4-hydroxy-estradiol that has been shown to play a role in the carcinogenesis process of the kidney in male but not female animals. Prior reports show polymorphic variants of CYP1B1 to alter catalytic activity, and thus, we hypothesize that polymorphisms of the CYP1B1 gene are involved in the malignant transformation of the renal cell in men. The genetic distributions of five CYP1B1 polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism in 480 normal healthy subjects and 403 sporadic renal cell carcinoma cases. All subjects were Caucasian men. The sites evaluated were codons 48 (C → G, Arg → Gly, rs10012), 119 (G → T, Ala → Ser, rs1056827), 432 (C → G, Leu → Val, rs1056836), 449 (C → T, Asp, rs1056837), and 453 (A → G, Asn → Ser, rs1800440). A trend was demonstrated for the 432 Val/Val (χ2, P = 0.06) and 449 T/T (χ2, P = 0.1) genotypes to play a protective role against renal cancer. Odds ratio (95 % confidence interval) for Val/Val compared to Leu/Leu at codon 432 was 0.65 (0.44-0.95) and T/T compared to C/C at codon 449 was 0.67 (0.45-0.99). Codons 432 and 449 were observed to be linked (D = 0.24), and haplotype involving 432 Val and 449 T was significantly reduced in cancer cases (P = 0.04). No association was found, however, when analyzing polymorphic sites with clinical stage of cancer. These results demonstrate polymorphisms of CYP1B1 to be associated with renal carcinogenesis and are of importance in understanding their role in the pathogenesis of renal cell carcinoma.

Semiautomatic registration of digital histopathology images to in vivo MR images in molded and unmolded prostates.

PURPOSE: To evaluate a semiautomatic software-based method of registering in vivo prostate MR images to digital histopathology images using two approaches: (i) in which the prostates were molded to simulate distortion due to the endorectal imaging coil before fixation, and (ii) in which the prostates were not molded. MATERIALS AND METHODS: T2-weighted MR images and digitized whole-mount histopathology images were acquired for 26 patients with biopsy-confirmed prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy. Ten excised prostates were molded before fixation. A semiautomatic method was used to align MR images to histopathology. Percent overlap between MR and histopathology images, as well as distances between corresponding anatomical landmarks were calculated and used to evaluate the registration technique for molded and unmolded cases. RESULTS: The software successfully morphed histology-based prostate images into corresponding MR images. Percent overlap improved from 80.4 ± 5.8% before morphing to 99.7 ± 0.62% post morphing. Molded prostates had a smaller distance between landmarks (1.91 ± 0.75 mm) versus unmolded (2.34 ± 0.68 mm), P < 0.08. CONCLUSION: Molding a prostate before fixation provided a better alignment of internal structures within the prostate, but this did not reach statistical significance. Software-based morphing allowed for nearly complete overlap between the pathology slides and the MR images.

Comparison of In-person Versus Online Comprehensive Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation Program Following Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare continence outcomes in post-prostatectomy patients undergoing supervised in-person versus online pelvic floor muscle training and pelvic floor education (iPMFT vs oPFMT/PFE). Despite the proven benefit of in-person PFMT for urinary incontinence (UI) following prostatectomy, numerous barriers impede access. We developed a comprehensive online program to deliver oPFMT/PFE. METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of patients receiving iPFMT versus oPFMT/PFE with minimum 12-month follow-up. Outcomes were assessed at 3 weeks, 3-, 6-, and 12 months following robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy using validated ICIQ-MLUTS and IIQ-7 questionnaires and additional items (daily pad use [PPD] and satisfaction). The primary study outcome was ICIQ-MLUTS SUI domain score (SDS). Secondary outcomes were PPD, PPD cure (0 PPD at 12 months), SUI cure (12-month SDS=baseline score), and QOL score (IIQ-7 Sum). RESULTS: Analysis included 41 men. Though men enrolled in oPFMT/PFE demonstrated lower SUI domain scores than iPFMT at most time points (3wk P <.01, 3 mo P = .04, 6 mo P = .15, 12 mo P = .04), the rate of improvement from 3 weeks to other time points was similar between groups (P = NS at all time points). SDS Cure was no different for oPFMT/PFE (75%, 15/20) compared to iPFMT (60%, 12/20, P = .3). PPD and IIQ-7 were also similar at all time points and demonstrated a similar rate of decrease over time through 12 months. CONCLUSION: Significant and similar improvements in UI and QOL are seen both in men completing iPFMT or oPFMT/PFE programs. Our novel online program provides another option to improve PFMT/PFE access in men undergoing RALP.

Prostate specific antigen best practice statement: 2009 update.

PURPOSE: We provide current information on the use of PSA testing for the evaluation of men at risk for prostate cancer, and the risks and benefits of early detection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The report is a summary of the American Urological Association PSA Best Practice Policy 2009. The summary statement is based on a review of the current professional literature, clinical experience and the expert opinions of a multispecialty panel. It is intended to serve as a resource for physicians, other health care professionals, and patients. It does not establish a fixed set of guidelines, define the legal standard of care or pre-empt physician judgment in individual cases. RESULTS: There are two notable differences in the current policy. First, the age for obtaining a baseline PSA has been lowered to 40 years. Secondly, the current policy no longer recommends a single, threshold value of PSA, which should prompt prostate biopsy. Rather, the decision to proceed to prostate biopsy should be based primarily on PSA and DRE results, but should take into account multiple factors including free and total PSA, patient age, PSA velocity, PSA density, family history, ethnicity, prior biopsy history and comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Although recently published trials show different results regarding the impact of prostate cancer screening on mortality, both suggest that prostate cancer screening leads to overdetection and overtreatment of some patients. Therefore, men should be informed of the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening before biopsy and the option of active surveillance in lieu of immediate treatment for certain men diagnosed with prostate cancer.

How does robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compare with open surgery in men with high-risk prostate cancer?

UNLABELLED: What's known on the subject? and what does the study add?: Previous studies have shown that robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) can be performed in men with high-risk prostate cancer with similar outcomes to that of open surgery. However, most of the literature consists of small case series and compares RARP outcomes to open outcomes from the literature. This study compared a cohort of high-risk patients undergoing open RP and RARP at a single institution with good follow up. We found no difference in positive margin rates or likelihood of prostate cancer recurrence. This adds to the growing evidence that RARP is a safe option for men with high-risk disease. OBJECTIVE: To compare oncological outcomes in high-risk patients who underwent open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP) and robot-assisted RP (RARP) at a single institution. Despite equivalent oncological outcomes between open RRP and RARP, the use of RARP in men with high-risk tumours has been debated. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of high-risk patients treated with open RRP or RARP at UCSF from 2002 to 2011 was conducted. The relationship between surgical approach and positive margin rate was assessed by multivariate logistic regression Cox proportional hazards regression assessed the effect of surgical approach on time to tumour recurrence. RESULTS: In all, 177 open RRP and 233 RARP patients made up the final cohort for analyses. The mean (SD) age was 61.6 (6.6) years and the median (range) follow-up was 27 (2-112) months. RARP patients had less blood loss (median 200 vs 400 mL, P < 0.01) and underwent complete bilateral nerve sparing more often (54% vs 34%, P < 0.01) than those undergoing open RRP. There were no differences by approach in pathological grade, stage, or positive margin rates. However, there was a trend towards higher positive margin rates with RARP early on. Recurrence-free survival was similar at 2 years (84% and 79%) and 4 years (68% and 66%) after open RRP and RARP, respectively (log-rank P = 0.53). CONCLUSIONS: This study is novel in that it assesses outcomes of open RRP vs RARP in a cohort of high-risk men at a single institution. RARP appears to be a feasible option for men with high-risk prostate cancer and displayed equivalent oncological outcomes compared with open RRP.

The Fate of the Unmatched Urology Applicant.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcomes and eventual career paths for unmatched applicants by evaluating a historical cohort of unmatched applicants in the Urology Match. METHODS: The 2008-2014 AUA Match lists were obtained from the Society of Academic Urologists and 730 unique applicants were identified with at least one unmatched result. Additional information such as preliminary training and eventual specialty choice were obtained from publicly available sources. Comparative analysis with univariable and multivariable analysis was performed between eventual urologists and those who chose alternative career paths. RESULTS: Overall, 43.5% (318/730) of unmatched urology applicants subsequently continued their interest in Urology and 77.4% (246/317) of initially unsuccessful applicants eventually became urologists. Males (80.9%, P = .01), Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree (62.5%, P = <.001), and those undergoing a research year compared to a preliminary surgery year (85.2% vs 72.0% respectively, P = .047) had an increased likelihood of successfully becoming a urologist. The most common alternative specialty choices were Internal Medicine (13.8%), General Surgery (12.9%) and Anesthesiology (11.9%). CONCLUSION: Urology is a competitive surgical sub-specialty. Surprisingly, approximately 3 in 4 unmatched urology applicants who continue their interest in urology will eventually obtain a residency position. However, only 33.7% of initially unmatched students ultimately became urologists. Unmatched applicants have several viable pathways to obtain a urological residency position. Male gender, a DO degree, and a research year are associated with successfully obtaining a urology residency position.

Complex Foley Catheter Placement After Radical Prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a method for replacement of a dislodged critical urethral foley catheter following a robotic- assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. BACKGROUND: Following robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP), a bladder drainage via catheter is necessary to allow for proper healing of the urethrovesical anastomosis. In most cases, this is done using a transurethral foley catheter.1,2 Early traumatic loss of the urethral catheter following RALP is consider a urologic emergency and can lead to vesicourethral anastomotic urine leak, ileus, infection or abscess, and future anastomotic stenosis.3 Replacing the urethral catheter in this situation can be difficult even in experienced hands and often requires imaging assistance. METHOD: A 53-year-old male with Grade Group 4 (Gleason 4 + 4) prostate cancer underwent an uncomplicated RALP. During his post-operative course, his urethral foley catheter fell out or was traumatically removed three times resulting in disruption of the posterior anastomosis. To replace the urethral catheter and prevent it from being dislodged again, a transabdominal approach under ultrasound and cystoscopic guidance was employed to replace the catheter into the bladder and secure it trans abdominally using a single G-tube safety Pexy T fastener. CONCLUSION: This case reports describes a technique used to replace and secure a urethral foley catheter in a patient who suffered from a posterior anastomotic disruption following repeated loss and traumatic removal of his urethral foley catheter during his RALP post-operative course. While replacement of a dislodged urethral foley catheter following a RALP can be challenging, the catheter can safely be placed and secured trans abdominally in these rare but serious situations where the conventional catheter secure devices and patient education alone are not sufficient to prevent removal.

Factors Influencing Underrepresented in Medicine Urologist Recruitment to Academic Institutions.

INTRODUCTION: We characterize factors associated with recruitment of underrepresented in medicine urology trainees and faculty to academic institutions given the excessive disparity between urology and other fields of medicine. METHODS: A database of urology faculty and residents in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education programs was created. Demographic data were obtained from departmental websites, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Doximity. Program prestige was defined by U.S. News and World Report rankings. Program location and city size were determined using the U.S. Census data. Multivariable analysis was performed assessing the association of gender, AUA section, city size, and rankings on underrepresented in medicine recruitment. RESULTS: Of urologists in this study 8.7% were underrepresented in medicine status. More women urologists were underrepresented in medicine (31.4%) than non-underrepresented in medicine (21.3%; P < .001). Factors predictive of more underrepresented in medicine urologists were practice in South Central AUA section (OR 2.1, P = .04), and medium metro areas (OR 1.6, P < .01). Among residents, factors predictive of more underrepresented in medicine urologists were female gender (P < .001), living in medium metro areas (P = .03), and training in top 10 programs (P = .001). Underrepresented in medicine faculty were more likely to be women compared to non-underrepresented in medicine faculty (P = .05). Pearson correlation test found no association between the presence of underrepresented in medicine faculty and underrepresented in medicine residents (r = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Underrepresented in medicine urology residents and faculty were more likely to be women, compared to non-underrepresented in medicine residents and faculty. Underrepresented in medicine residents are more prevalent in medium metro areas and in top 10 programs. More underrepresented in medicine faculty status was not associated with more underrepresented in medicine residents.

Novel online comprehensive pelvic floor therapy program following prostatectomy.

Background: Although pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is widely shown to improve post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPI), numerous barriers impede access to formal PFMT and include the limited availability of specialized therapists and financial or scheduling barriers. To address these barriers, we developed a novel online program delivering comprehensive long-term PFMT, pelvic floor education (PFE), and dietary/behavioral modification education. This study is a prospective interim analysis of online PFMT/PFE (oPFMT/PFE), with focus on feasibility, satisfaction, and continence outcomes. Methods: Patients anticipating robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) were recruited (6/2021-9/2022) for oPFMT/PFE. oPFMT/PFE comprises a 12-month program of 3 phases, including multiple exercises with varied contraction types and duration, and comprehensive dietary and behavioral technique education. Incontinence and quality of life (QOL) outcomes are assessed at 3 weeks, 3, 6, and 12 months following RALP using validated International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (ICIQ-MLUTS) and Incontinence Impact Questionnaire (IIQ-7) questionnaires and additional items assessing satisfaction, improvement, and daily pad use. Primary study outcomes included ICIQ-MLUTS stress urinary incontinence (SUI) domain score (SDS) and SUI cure [ICIQ SUI domain score (SDS) =0]. Interim 6-month analysis was performed using mixed effects linear regression and mixed effects Poisson regression. Results: Analysis included 21 men (64±6 years). At 6-month follow-up, men undergoing oPFMT/PFE showed significant improvement in SDS compared to the 3-week time point [mean ± standard error (SE) =1.05±0.24 vs. 0.45±0.17, P=0.011], but still experienced higher scores than at baseline (P=0.017). Six-month patient-reported improvement averaged 7.42±0.74 (10-point Likert scale). All (100%) of 19 respondents (2 missing data) found the program easy to use, educational, and would recommend it to others, with 89% expressing satisfaction with the program. During patient interview at 6-month follow-up, no men reported inability to access the program online or any adverse events. Finally, IIQ-7 score improved significantly from the 3-week timepoint (4.47±1.10) at both time points (3-month 1.14±0.44, P<0.001 and 6-month 1.10±0.37, P<0.001), and neither 3- nor 6-month scores differed from baseline (P=0.808 and P=0.444, respectively). Conclusions: Our novel oPFMT/PFE yields significant improvements to validated urinary incontinence (UI) and QOL measures, providing a valuable and accessible treatment option for PPI.