The Microbiome and Urolithiasis: Current Advancements and Future Challenges.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim of this review is to explore the effect of the microbiome on urolithiasis and explore recent advances and challenges in microbiome research for urolithiasis. RECENT FINDINGS: Lack of standardization and shortcomings in study design for urinary microbiome research on urolithiasis has hampered the generalizability of results and weakened the impact of findings on clinical practice. Important study limitations include sample heterogenicity, specimen contamination, poor culture yields, and lack of shared datasets for meta-analysis. Contrary to traditional teaching, the genitourinary tract is not a sterile environment. This urinary microbiome may influence the pathogenesis of urolithiasis, although the specific mechanisms are still currently being explored. Successful investigation will depend on consistency in study design and analysis, as well as sharing data and protocols across institutions. Developing an understanding of the relationship between the urinary microbiome and urolithiasis may lead to novel approaches to mitigate stone risk.

Utility of patient-specific silicone renal models for planning and rehearsal of complex tumour resections prior to robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy.

OBJECTIVE: To describe our experience using patient-specific tissue-like kidney models created with advanced three-dimensional (3D)-printing technology for preoperative planning and surgical rehearsal prior to robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RALPN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A feasibility study of 10 patients with solid renal masses who underwent RALPN after preoperative rehearsal using 3D-print kidney models. A single surgeon performed all surgical rehearsals and procedures. Using standard preoperative imaging and 3D reconstruction, we generated pre-surgical models using a silicone-based material. All surgical rehearsals were performed using the da Vinci® robotic system (Intuitive Surgical Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, USA) before the actual procedure. To determine construct validity, we compared resection times between the model and actual tumour in a patient-specific manner. Using 3D laser scanning in the operating room, we quantified and compared the shape and tumour volume resected for each model and patient tumour. RESULTS: We generated patient-specific models for 10 patients with complex tumour anatomy. R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scores were between 7 and 11, with a mean maximal tumour diameter of 40.6 mm. The mean resection times between model and patient (6:58 vs 8:22 min, P = 0.162) and tumour volumes between the computer model, excised model, and excised tumour (38.88 vs 38.50 vs 41.79 mm3 , P = 0.98) were not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a patient-specific pre-surgical simulation protocol for RALPN. We demonstrated construct validity and provided accurate representation of enucleation time and resected tissue volume. This simulation platform can assist in surgical decision-making, provide preoperative rehearsals, and improve surgical training.

To Dust or Not To Dust: a Systematic Review of Ureteroscopic Laser Lithotripsy Techniques.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses factors affecting outcomes during ureteroscopy (URS) with laser lithotripsy (LL), explores specific clinical challenges to the efficacy of URS LL, and reviews the available literature comparing the dusting and basketing approaches to URS LL. RECENT FINDINGS: Data show high stone-free rates with URS LL in all locations of the urinary tract and with all stone types and sizes. Recent data comparing LL with dusting versus basketing suggest higher rates of residual fragments with dusting but less utilization of ureteral access sheaths and potentially shorter operative times. Differences in postoperative complications, re-intervention rates, and other outcome parameters are not yet clear. Interpretation of published data is problematic due to variability in laser settings, follow-up intervals, and definitions for what constitutes stone-free status. URS has overtaken shock wave lithotripsy in the last decade as the most commonly utilized surgical approach for treating urolithiasis. Two primary strategies have emerged as the most common techniques for performing LL: dusting and basketing. There is a relative paucity of data examining the difference in these techniques as it pertains to peri-operative outcomes and overall success. We attempt to synthesize this data into evidence-based and experience-based recommendations.

Complete Intraureteral Stents Decrease Urinary Symptoms Compared with Conventional Ureteral Stents: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Up to 80% of stent patients report urinary discomfort, negatively impacting their daily activities and quality of life. Conventional Double-J ureteral stents (DJSs) can cause adverse kidney and bladder-related symptoms. Complete intraureteral stents (CISs) may reduce bothersome bladder symptoms by reducing foreign material in the bladder. We sought to aggregate and analyze ureteral stent symptom questionnaire (USSQ) data from the available randomized controlled trials comparing CISs with conventional ureteral stents. Methods: In February 2023, a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review was performed to identify studies that evaluated the use of CISs and reported outcomes using the USSQ score. Two authors (D.E.H.-G. and G.S.) independently extracted and analyzed data using Review Manager 5.41. Heterogeneity was assessed using Higgins I2%, with values >50% considered heterogeneous and analyzed with a random effects model; otherwise, a fixed effects model was used. The results are presented as the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We set our significance level at p = 0.05. Results: Six randomized controlled clinical trials compared CISs with DJSs, but only five trials reported the USSQ score. Among these patients, 235 had CISs, whereas the remaining 259 had DJSs or loop-tail stents and served as controls for 494 patients. Urinary symptoms scores were lower in the CIS group (MD -5.19, 95% CI: [-5.89 to -4.50], p < 0.0001). Pain scores were also lower in the CIS group (MD -1.90 [-2.63 to -1.16] p < 0.00001). General health and work performance domains were similar between the groups. A 2.5% stent failure or migration rate requiring endoscopic intervention was reported in the CIS group compared with 0.3% in the DJS group (odds ratio 4.01 [0.96-16.76] p = 0.06). Conclusions: CISs significantly decrease urinary symptoms and pain associated with conventional indwelling ureteral stents. However, further trials are needed to determine the optimal patient selection for this type of stent.

Comparison of laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) and conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy at a single institution.

UNLABELLED: WHAT'S KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? AND WHAT DOES THE STUDY ADD?: Most transplant centres harvest living donor kidneys via a conventional laparoscopic surgical approach. Laparoendoscopic single-site donor nephrectomy (LESS-DN) is a relatively novel minimally invasive approach that allows the surgery to be performed via a single incision. This technique may be advantageous in decreasing surgical morbidity and improving cosmetic outcomes, thus plausibly reducing the barriers to kidney donation. The study demonstrates the safety and feasibility of LESS-DN in a large consecutive series of kidney donors. Comparative analysis between LDN and LESS-DN showed that there was a significant decrease in intra-operative blood loss and allograft warm ischaemia time in the LESS-DN group, but also a significant increase in operating time. Other peri-operative outcomes were similar between the two approaches. Evaluation of the LESS-DN cases alone revealed that, the operating times did not significantly change through the course of the series. Using this outcome as a surrogate for technical difficulty suggests a relatively shallow learning curve for LESS-DN. OBJECTIVE: To present a comparative analysis of peri-operative outcomes for >200 cases of conventional laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) and laparoendoscopic single site donor nephrectomy (LESS-DN). PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2006 to 2011, 213 donor nephrectomies were performed by two surgeons (R.E.L and W.A.M.) at a tertiary transplant centre. The approach changed from conventional LDN to LESS-DN over the course of the series. The two approaches were compared retrospectively and evaluated for differences in peri-operative outcomes. Statistical significance was assessed using Student's t-test and chi-squared analysis. RESULTS: A total of 111 patients underwent LDN and 102 patients underwent LESS-DN. Total operating time was significantly longer in the LESS-DN group (206.1 vs 181.9 min, P < 0.001), but LESS-DN resulted in less intra-operative blood loss (61.5 mL vs 85.9 mL, P < 0.001) and shorter warm ischaemia times (4.4 vs 5.0 min, P = 0.01). There were no significant differences in analgesic requirements, subjective pain scores, length of hospital stay, postoperative graft function, or donor's postoperative glomerular filtration rate between the two approaches. Complication rates were low regardless of the approach, and there were no major complications (>grade II) in the LESS-DN group. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, LESS-DN results in peri-operative outcomes similar to those of conventional LDN without compromising donor safety, while providing a desirable cosmetic result. For surgeons familiar with LDN, transitioning to the LESS approach using this technique appears to have a relatively short learning curve.

Robotic partial nephrectomy in the pediatric population: Cumulative experience at a large pediatric hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a complex minimally invasive procedure that addresses the intricate anatomy of renal masses while maximizing preservation of renal function. However, while common in adults, the evolution toward these minimally invasive procedures for children has been slow due to the anticipated technical difficulties in pediatric-sized working spaces. We present our technique and our experience with pediatric robotic partial nephrectomies that were performed with our adult urology colleagues at a large free-standing children's hospital. METHODS: The video describes our technique for a robotic right-sided partial nephrectomy in a 14-month-old male patient. The video highlights several steps of the procedure including positioning and port placement, tumor resection, and renorrhaphy. RESULTS: Six pediatric patients underwent robotic partial nephrectomy with our associated adult urologic surgeons from January 2019 to January 2021. The surgical pathology revealed both benign as well as malignant diagnoses. CONCLUSION: Robotic partial nephrectomy is a feasible minimally invasive procedure in children. The collaboration with adult minimally invasive urologic surgeons with extensive adult procedural experience is recommended to avoid potential complications with this technically challenging procedure in pediatric patients. Pediatric strategies for robotic port placement are often needed to accommodate the smaller size of pediatric patients as well as tumor size.

The impact of proximal stone burden on the management of encrusted and retained ureteral stents.

PURPOSE: Managing the encrusted and retained ureteral stent is a potentially complex challenge. To improve surgical planning, we hypothesized that proximal stone burden is the most important factor associated with complicated removal, and that computerized tomography more accurately estimates stone burden than plain film x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records were reviewed of patients undergoing surgical removal of an encrusted and retained ureteral stent or nephrostomy at Ben Taub General Hospital from 2007 to 2009. Preoperative imaging consisted of a plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder and/or computerized tomography of the abdomen/pelvis. Each encrusted tube was assessed using the FECal (forgotten, encrusted, calcified) grading system and associated stone burden was calculated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine factors associated with the need for multiple surgeries. RESULTS: A total of 55 encrusted and retained ureteral stents and 1 nephrostomy were removed from 52 patients. Mean tube duration was 24.9 months. Most tubes were removed endoscopically (94.2%). Of the patients 21.2% required multiple surgical procedures to remove each tube. Computerized tomography graded stone burden more accurately than plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder (94.9% vs 64.4%, p = 0.01). Plain x-ray of the kidneys, ureters and bladder underestimated proximal stone burden in 44.4% of patients who underwent multiple surgeries. When dividing stone burden into 3 categories (0 to 100, 101 to 400 and greater than 401 mm(2)) only proximal stone burden correlated with multiple surgeries and surgical complications (p = 0.01 for both). On multivariate analysis only proximal stone burden was associated with multiple surgeries to remove each tube (OR 12.1, 95% CI 1.5-95.9, p = 0.02 for 101 to 400 mm(2) and OR 18.1, 95% CI 1.7-192.8, p = 0.02 for greater than 401 mm(2)). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with encrusted and retained ureteral stents accurate determination of the proximal stone burden, preferably by computerized tomography, is important for surgical counseling and planning.

Skill based mentored laparoscopy course participation leads to laparoscopic practice expansion and assists in transition to robotic surgery.

PURPOSE: Prior studies suggest poor long-term incorporation of laparoscopy into urology practice after a postgraduate course. We evaluated the influence of the American Urological Association Mentored Laparoscopy Course on urologist clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 2-day Mentored Laparoscopy Course includes lectures, standardized dry laboratory training with videotape analysis and a porcine laboratory with consistent mentors. Surveys to assess the impact of the course were sent in April 2010 to the 153 urologists who had taken the course from 2004 through 2009. RESULTS: Of the 153 surveys 91 (60%) were returned a mean of 34.5 months after completing the course. Of the respondents 82% were in a group private practice, followed by solo private practice (15%) and full-time academic practice (3%). Of the respondents 92% reported that they had sutured laparoscopically, 52% had sutured a bleeding vessel and 51% had performed reconstructive laparoscopy since taking the course. Of the respondents 77% reported that their laparoscopic practice had expanded since taking the course (mean 2.9 cases monthly). Of the 41 respondents (45%) who now performed robotic surgery (mean 3.8 cases monthly) 39 (95%) thought that the course experience had helped with the transition into robotic surgery. Overall survey respondents were pleased with the experience during the course with 89 of 91 (98%) stating that they would recommend the course to a colleague. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term results reveal that the American Urological Association Mentored Laparoscopy Course attendees reported expansion in their laparoscopic practice since taking the course. They described the course as benefiting the transition to robotic surgery.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic excision of a pelvic extragastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report and literature review.

A 61-year-old male presented with long standing urinary frequency and the sensation of incomplete emptying. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a 9.5 cm x 7.9 cm x 6.9 cm pelvic mass behind the bladder and abutting the rectum. The mass was excised using a robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Pathologic examination of the mass demonstrated an extragastrointestinal stromal tumor (EGIST), an extremely rare entity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first EGIST to be found in the rectovesicular pouch of a male and the first to be resected robotically. Our case adds to the understanding of EGISTs and their possible origin and demonstrates that robotic-assisted resection of large pelvic masses can be safe and potentially curative.

The female factor: predicting compliance with a post-prostatectomy erectile preservation program.

INTRODUCTION: Early post-radical prostatectomy (RP) erectile preservation (EP) therapy may be critical to preserve erections after surgery. AIM: To assess if pre-RP female sexual function predicts of partner compliance with an EP protocol. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Compliance, defined as use of localized penile EP therapy (intracavernosal injections [ICIs], vacuum erection device [VED], or alprostadil) at 3 and 6 months after RP. METHODS: Records of patients enrolled in our EP program from April 2007 to June 2008 were reviewed. Before surgery, patients completed the Sexual Health Inventory for Men (SHIM) and their female partners completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. Prior to surgery, patients were advised to take sildenafil 25 mg every nightly and use a 250-µg alprostadil suppository three times/week. At 1 month, additional daily use of a VED was encouraged. All patients unable to achieve erections sufficient for penetration were encouraged to initiate ICI of Trimix (phentolamine, papaverine, and PGE1) twice weekly after 3 months following surgery. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis holding all input variables constant. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients had preoperative SHIM>7 and pre-RP partner FSFI data available. After a 4-week follow-up, compliance with alprostadil suppository declined and both ICI and VED usage increased. At 6 months, six (25.0%) patients had return of natural erectile function and 22 (91.7%) were achieving assisted erections. Higher preoperative partner FSFI scores were associated with greater compliance to the localized penile therapy component of our EP protocol (risk ratio 3.8, P=0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative female sexual function correlated with greater partner compliance with the localized component of our EP protocol. Consideration of a female partner's preoperative sexual function in predicting patient erectile function recovery after RP is warranted. Future studies are necessary to determine the clinical significance of this factor.

Para-aortic haemangioma mimics paraganglioma on MRI.

Here, we report a case of a 70-year-old man referred for an incidentally discovered left renal lesion with peri-aortic lymphadenopathy following a CT scan for back pain. A follow-up MRI scan demonstrated a Bosniak IIF left renal cyst and a T2-hyperintense para-aortic lesion concerning for extra-adrenal paraganglioma (EAP). [131I] Metaiodobenzylguanidine scintigraphy of the para-aortic lesion and urine catecholamines were equivocal. The mass was resected via a robotic approach. Histological examination revealed a haemangioma. Haemangiomas are benign vascular tumours frequently identified on imaging of the liver. Intra-abdominal haemangiomas outside of the liver, however, are rare and may have imaging characteristics that mimic EAP.

Association of surgeon subjective characterization of nerve sparing quality with potency following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We assessed whether a surgeon self-graded assessment of neurovascular bundle preservation quality predicted potency following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From April 2001 to January 2007 a total of 767 laparoscopic radical prostatectomies were performed by 2 surgeons who graded left and right neurovascular bundle sparing qualities on a scale of 0 to 5. The total number of nerves spared was also recorded. We defined a composite variable, the bilateral sum neurovascular bundle sparing score, to encode 1 independent variable (scale of 0 to 10) for analysis. Multivariate linear regression models were evaluated to assess the significance of the bilateral sum neurovascular bundle sparing score for predicting validated potency outcomes, controlling for significant clinical variables in preoperatively potent men (Sexual Health Inventory for Men 21 or greater). The bilateral sum neurovascular bundle sparing score based model was compared to a model based on the separate number of nerves spared. RESULTS: A total of 313 patients were preoperatively potent, of whom 226 (72%), 77 (25%) and 10 (3%) underwent bilateral, unilateral and no neurovascular bundle sparing, respectively. Of the men who underwent bilateral neurovascular bundle sparing 64.3% were engaging in intercourse by 1 year. Regression models indicated that the bilateral sum neurovascular bundle sparing score and the number of nerves spared were highly significant independent positive predictors of postoperative sexual function (p <0.001). The bilateral sum neurovascular bundle sparing score model provided differential prognostic information in the majority group that underwent bilateral nerve preservation. Other independently predictive variables were patient age at surgery, months since surgery and preoperative Sexual Health Inventory for Men 21 to 25 (each p <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Cavernous nerve preservation during laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is not an all or none phenomenon. A surgeon subjective sense of neurovascular bundle sparing quality may aid in accurately characterizing the return of sexual function following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. Partial nerve preservation may lead to an incremental improvement in the return of sexual function.

The impact of prostate size on urinary quality of life indexes following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.

PURPOSE: We assessed the effects of prostate size on long-term health related quality of life and functional outcomes after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 729 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic radical prostatectomy for localized prostate cancer were stratified by pathological prostate gland weight, including group 1--less than 35 gm, group 2--35 to 70 gm and group 3--greater than 70 gm. Urinary health related quality of life was assessed preoperatively and at regular intervals following laparoscopic radical prostatectomy using the validated Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 613 evaluable patients were studied with a mean age of 57.7 years, a preoperative prostate specific antigen of 6.0 ng/ml, a median preoperative and postoperative Gleason score of 6, and a mean pathological gland weight of 51.3 gm (range 13.4 to 145.7). Patients with the largest glands had significantly worse baseline urinary function, as demonstrated by Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary domain summary (p <0.001) and subscale scores, including scores for urinary bother (p <0.001), urinary irritative/obstructive (p = 0.001) and urinary incontinence (p = 0.03). Patients in group 3 also had significantly older age, a higher body mass index, longer operative time and more blood loss (each p <0.05). Despite preoperative differences and possible confounders all groups approached similar urinary health related quality of life outcomes at all time points postoperatively. At 12 months patients with the largest glands had improved Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite urinary irritative/obstructive and urinary bother subscale scores compared to their baseline scores (p <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In laparoscopic radical prostatectomy despite preoperative differences increasing prostatic size is not associated with delayed or worse postoperative urinary health related quality of life. Furthermore, in patients with large glands an improvement in urinary irritative/obstructive and bother symptoms from baseline may be seen 12 months postoperatively.

Does Solid Organ Transplantation Affect Male Reproduction?

Patients undergoing solid organ transplantation have experienced increased graft survival rates over the past several decades. With increased longevity making fatherhood a viable option, many patients desire to pursue this path. However, many patients and practitioners are likely unaware of the feasibility and safety for a man on a transplant immunosuppression regimen to safely pursue fatherhood. In this review, we discuss effects of organ transplantation and post-transplantation treatment on male hormones, fertility, and the risk to potential offspring. Briefly, providers should be aware that organ transplant recipients may be at an increased risk for hypogonadism and erectile dysfunction, but fathering a child is a realistic and safe aspiration. PATIENT SUMMARY: In this mini-review, we discuss the effects of solid organ transplantation (such as lung, heart, kidney, and liver) on a man's sexual health, and his ability to have children. We focus on the most common problems encountered by patients after their transplant, and the effects of medications.

Patient-specific Virtual Simulation-A State of the Art Approach to Teach Renal Tumor Localization.

OBJECTIVE: To test whether a novel visuospatial testing platform improves trainee ability to convert two-dimensional to three-dimensional (3D) space. METHODS: Medical students were recruited from Baylor College of Medicine and McGovern Medical School (Houston, TX). We 3D reconstructed 3 partial nephrectomy cases using a novel, rapid, and highly accurate edge-detection algorithm. Patient-specific reconstructions were imported into the dV-Trainer (Mimics Technologies, Seattle, WA) as well as used to generate custom 3D printed physical models. Tumor location was altered digitally to generate 9 physical models for each case, 1 with the correct tumor location and 8 with sham locations. Subjects were randomized 1:1 into the dV-Trainer (intervention) and No-dV-Trainer (control) groups. Each subject completed the following steps: (1) visualization of computed-tomographic images, (2) visualization of the reconstructed kidney and tumor in the dV-Trainer (intervention group only), and (3) selection of the correct tumor location on the 3D printed models (primary outcome). Normalized distances from the correct tumor location were quantified and compared between groups. RESULTS: A total of 100 subjects were randomized for this study. dV-Trainer use significantly improved subjects ability to localize tumor position (tumor localization score: 0.24 vs 0.38, P < .001). However, subjects in the No-dV-Trainer group more accurately assigned R.E.N.A.L. scores. CONCLUSION: Even brief exposure to interactive patient-specific renal tumor models improves a novice's ability to localize tumor location. Virtual reality simulation prior to surgery could benefit trainees learning to localize renal masses for minimally invasive partial nephrectomy.

Differences in ablation size in porcine kidney, liver, and lung after cryoablation using the same ablation protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the variation in size of acute necrosis and the variation in thermal map measured during cryoablation in multiple organs using the same ablation protocol for each organ. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eight female pigs underwent one cryoablation per organ of kidney, lung, and liver performed with open surgery with a 2.4-mm cryoprobe. A 12- and 8-minute double-freeze cycle was used. Intratissue temperatures were monitored using 16-gauge thermometers spaced at 5.0-mm increments from the cryoprobe. The comparison of results among tissues was performed using the multiple analysis of variance. The -20 degrees C thermal diameter was correlated with tissue damage. The kidneys, lungs, and liver were removed and examined histologically for a pathologic complete coagulative necrosis zone. RESULT: A single 2.4-mm cryoprobe had a mean ice ball diameter in kidney, lung, and liver of 38.5 +/- 4.7, 35.5 +/- 3.6, and 32.5 +/- 2.7 mm, respectively. A mean -20 degrees C thermal diameter was achieved at 24.07 +/- 1.38 mm in kidney, 12.76 +/- 3.0 mm in lung, and 8.8 +/- 3.7 mm in liver by means of regression analysis. The acute pathologic complete coagulative necrosis zone size was 21.0 +/- 1.56 mm (kidney), 11.6 +/- 1.48 mm (lung), and 8.0 +/- 1.20 mm (liver). CONCLUSION: The inherent characteristics of different organs manifest different ablation zone sizes during cryoablation despite the same ablation protocol being used. This information should be factored into planning for ablation procedures.

Percent of Tracer Clearance at 40 Minutes in MAG3 Renal Scans Is More Sensitive Than T1/2 for Symptomatic Ureteropelvic Junction Obstruction.

OBJECTIVE: To increase the diagnostic sensitivity of standard MAG3 diuretic renal scans for ureteropelvic junction obstruction (UPJO) by exploring the utility of an alternative measurement P40, the percentage of maximal tracer counts present at 40 minutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with strong clinical and anatomic evidence for UPJO may have a normal T1/2, making definitive diagnosis difficult. We reviewed the charts of 142 consecutive patients who underwent successful laparoscopic or robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyeloplasty for UPJO between 2005 and 2015. Both pre- and postoperative renal scan images were available for 37 symptomatic patients with primary unilateral UPJO and 2 kidneys. We defined P40 as the percentage of maximal tracer counts present at 40 minutes. We identified the upper limit of normal (97.5th percentile, +2SD) for P40 using the preoperative renal scans from the unaffected kidney. We compared the sensitivity of P40 to T1/2 to identify symptomatic UPJO. RESULTS: In our cohort, 51% of symptomatic patients (n = 19) had a normal T1/2 (median 8.9 minutes; interquartile range: 7.5 minutes) and 49% (n = 18) had an abnormal T1/2 (median: 40 minutes; interquartile range: 0 minute). None of the patients had an abnormal P40 on their unaffected kidney. All patients with an abnormal T1/2 also had an abnormal P40. P40 increased the sensitivity of the renal scan from 49% (n = 18 of 37) to 73% (n = 27 of 37) when compared to T1/2. The majority of patients (95%) demonstrated an improvement in P40 after pyeloplasty. CONCLUSION: P40 markedly increases the sensitivity of a renal scan for diagnosing symptomatic UPJO and may be another valuable marker in addition to T1/2 to document functional improvement in drainage after pyeloplasty.

Impaired Sleep Quality is Associated With More Significant Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in Male Shift Workers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the association between sleep quality and severity of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in men working nonstandard shifts, a population at risk of poor sleep quality. METHODS: Men who presented to a single andrology clinic between July and October 2014 and worked nonstandard shifts completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and responded to questions regarding their work habits, sleep quality, and physical or cognitive function. We assessed the relationship between age, sleep quality, physical or cognitive function, and severity of LUTS. RESULTS: A total of 228 men with a mean ± standard deviation age of 41.8 ± 5.7 (range 21-76) years reported working nonstandard shifts, with the majority working these shifts for more than 1 year (81%). Men with difficulties falling asleep reported more severe LUTS than men who did not have difficulty falling asleep (IPSS score 9 vs 6, P <.001). Men who reported difficulty staying asleep or falling back asleep after awakening also reported more severe LUTS (IPSS scores 6 vs 13, P = .004; 5 vs 13, P <.001, respectively). Men with a decreased sense of well-being or decreased physical or cognitive function also reported more severe LUTS (IPSS score 6 vs 9, P <.0010; 6 vs 10, P = .016, respectively). All findings were independent of subject age. CONCLUSION: Men working nonstandard shifts who have difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, and falling back asleep report more severe LUTS than men without similar sleep difficulties. Men with a decreased sense of well-being or decreased physical or cognitive function also report worse LUTS. These findings implicate sleep quality as a possible risk factor for LUTS symptom severity.

Poor Sleep Quality Predicts Hypogonadal Symptoms and Sexual Dysfunction in Male Nonstandard Shift Workers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of sleep quality in hypogonadal symptoms and sexual function in men working nonstandard shifts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Men treated at a single andrology clinic between July and October 2014 completed questionnaires assessing sleep quality, hypogonadal symptoms (Androgen Deficiency in the Aging Male [ADAM/qADAM]), and sexual function (International Index of Erectile Function [IIEF]). Serum hormone levels were assessed at the time of survey completion. RESULTS: One hundred eighty-two men were identified as working nonstandard shifts (work that starts before 7 a.m. or after 2 p.m., rotates, or regularly includes hours outside of the standard 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. workday) with a mean ± SD age of 41.1 ± 10.8 years. Of men working nonstandard shifts, those with better sleep quality had fewer hypogonadal symptoms and better sexual function. Multivariate regression analysis revealed significant linear associations between sleep quality and qADAM score (P = .008), positive ADAM responses (P = .003), and IIEF score (P = .0004). When comparing individual groups, men who were "very satisfied" (n = 60) with sleep quality had higher qADAM scores than men who were "somewhat dissatisfied" (P = .02), and men who were "very dissatisfied" had significantly lower IIEF scores than men who were "very satisfied" (P = .001) and "somewhat satisfied" (P = .005). No associations between sleep quality and mean serum testosterone, free testosterone, estrogen, dehydroepiandrosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone levels were observed. CONCLUSION: Men who work nonstandard shifts and have poor sleep quality are at increased risk for hypogonadal symptoms and sexual dysfunction.