Current Urology Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: This paper aims to survey current literature on urologic graduate medical education focusing on surgical autonomy.

Recent findings: Affording appropriate levels of surgical autonomy has a key role in the education of urologic trainees and perceived preparedness for independent practice. Recent studies in surgical resident autonomy have demonstrated a reduction in autonomy for trainees in recent years. Efforts to advance the state of modern surgical training include creation of targeted curricula, enhanced with use of surgical simulation, and structured feedback. Decline in surgical autonomy for urology residents may influence confidence after completion of their residency. Further study is needed into the declining levels of urology resident autonomy, how it affects urologists entering independent practice, and what interventions can advance autonomy in modern urologic training.

Purpose of review: With the exponential increase in interest and great strides toward clinical application, many experts believe we are ready for kidney xenotransplant human trials. In this review, we will examine the obstacles overcome and those yet to be conquered, discussing the human trials performed and the questions they raised. Additionally, we will revisit overlooked aspects that may be crucial for improvements and suggest future approaches for xenotransplant research.

Recent findings: Improving survival in pig-to-non-human-primate models with the identification of an ideal immunosuppression regimen led to 3 cases of kidney xenotransplant in brain-dead humans with limited follow-up and a single clinical case of pig-to-human heart xenotransplant with 2-month survival. With limited human results and unlimited potential, xenotransplantation shines a beacon of hope for a brighter future. However, we must navigate through the complexities of balancing scientific progress and patient welfare, avoiding being blinded by xenotransplantation's unquestionable potential.

Purpose of review: Ureteroscopy is a well-established treatment modality for kidney and ureteric calculi in addition to playing a key role in upper tract cancer diagnostics. Traditional reusable flexible ureteroscopes are technologically advanced and expensive pieces of equipment that require repeat sterilisation and periodical repair. These issues have led to the development of single-use flexible ureteroscopes that are disposed of after each case. Whilst this may be advantageous in many respects, the environmental impact of such technology is yet to be fully determined. The aim of this review is to therefore identify and summarise the available literature concerning the environmental footprint of single-use ureteroscopy.

Recent findings: To identify the latest research on this topic, a systematic search of world literature was conducted using the Medline, Embase, and PsycINFO databases. PRISMA guidelines were followed and articles were assessed by all authors and relevant study results were included in a narrative format. Only one relevant article was identified and included. This study found that a single-use flexible ureteroscope (LithoVue^TM by Boston Scientific) generated an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide per case to a contemporary reusable flexible ureteroscope. Literature concerning the environmental footprint of single-use ureteroscopy is worryingly lacking. No conclusions can be definitively drawn from a single study and further research is imperative given the global climate crisis and the significant contribution that healthcare services have to the environmental problem.

Purpose of review: To evaluate recent literature regarding the pathways and options for unmatched urology applicants.

Recent findings: Urology remains a competitive surgical sub-specialty with a match process independent of the National Resident Matching Program. Each year a cohort of competitive applicants go unmatched and are faced with the decision to reapply the following cycle while doing a research fellowship or a preliminary internship in the interim or choose a different specialty altogether. In this review, we sought to evaluate the current match process and literature regarding outcomes and options for unmatched applicants as well as to provide future directions for research and improvements to support unmatched urology applicants. Presently, data regarding outcomes for unmatched applicants is relatively limited. Going forward it is imperative for national urology organizations to create centralized resources for applicants to provide the best possible information for applicants and mentors alike.

Purpose of review: This study reviews contemporary literature on RASP and HoLEP to evaluate perioperative outcomes, common complications, cost analytics, and future directions of both procedures.

Recent findings: RASP is indicated for prostates > 80 mL, while HoLEP is size-independent. No notable differences were found in operative time, PSA nadir (surrogate for enucleation volume), re-catheterization rates, or long-term durability. Prolonged incontinence and bladder neck contracture rates are low for both surgeries. Patients experience similar satisfaction outcomes and improvements in uroflowmetry and post-void residual volumes. HoLEP demonstrates shorter hospitalizations, lower transfusion rates, lower costs, and higher rates of same-day discharge. RASP offers a shorter learning curve and lower rates of early postoperative urinary incontinence. HoLEP is a size-independent surgery that offers advantages for patients seeking a minimally invasive procedure with the potential for catheter-free same-day discharge. Future directions with single-port simple prostatectomy may offer parity in same-day discharge, but further research is needed to determine broader feasibility.

Purpose of review: Pathologies of the prostate in men are one of the most prevalent clinical conditions today [1]. Specifically, pelvic inflammatory disease such as prostatitis can cause symptoms and syndromes different from urological ones, such as bowel or nervous system manifestations. This has a largely negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Therefore, it is convenient to know and update the information about the therapeutic approach to prostatitis, which is a challenge that involves different medical specialties. The aim of this article is to provide summarized and focused evidence to help in the therapeutic approach of patients with prostatitis. A computer-based search of the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases was used to perform a comprehensive literature review on prostatitis, with special interest in recent findings and latest therapeutic guideline recommendations.

Recent findings: Recent discoveries about the epidemiology and clinical classifications of prostatitis seem to incur in an increasingly individualized and directed management, with the aim of covering all the confluent factors in prostatic inflammatory pathology. In addition, the role of new drugs and combination with phytotherapy open up a range of new treatment possibilities, although future randomized studies will be necessary to better understand how to use all treatment modalities. Despite all the knowledge acquired about the pathophysiology of prostate diseases, and due to their interrelation with other pelvic systems and organs, there are still gaps that make it difficult for us to provide an optimal and standardized treatment in many of our patients. Being aware of the influence of all the factors potentially involved in prostate symptoms is crucial for a correct diagnosis and establishing an effective treatment plan.

Purpose of review: This review aims to explore the current state of research on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the management of prostate cancer. We examine the various applications of AI in prostate cancer, including image analysis, prediction of treatment outcomes, and patient stratification. Additionally, the review will evaluate the current limitations and challenges faced in the implementation of AI in prostate cancer management.

Recent findings: Recent literature has focused particularly on the use of AI in radiomics, pathomics, the evaluation of surgical skills, and patient outcomes. AI has the potential to revolutionize the future of prostate cancer management by improving diagnostic accuracy, treatment planning, and patient outcomes. Studies have shown improved accuracy and efficiency of AI models in the detection and treatment of prostate cancer, but further research is needed to understand its full potential as well as limitations.

Purpose of review: Quality mentorship is difficult to attain amidst the conflicting demands of academic medicine. In this review, we sought to characterize mentor-mentee relationships and discuss their optimization towards productivity in the research team setting.

Recent findings: A high-value mentor, defined by exceptional commitment to both research productivity and mentoring, naturally attracts prospective mentees, who can demonstrate their interest by shadowing and completing delegated tasks. Once fully initiated, the mentee establishes expectations with the mentor, identifies their roles within the research team, and, over time, takes ownership of the mentor-mentee relationship and collaborates with near-peers. Mentorship is a dynamic, reciprocal relationship that enhances career development of both participants. In the research team setting, episodic virtual research meetings and prudent delegation orient the entire team, while the mentor-mentee relationship is upheld by embracing a culture of responsiveness, feedback, and collaboration.

Purpose of review: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy success rates depend on several stone and patient-related factors, one of which is stone density which is calculated on computed tomography scan in Hounsfield Units. Studies have shown inverse correlation between SWL success and HU; however, there remains considerable variation between studies. We performed a systematic review regarding the use of HU in SWL for renal calculi to consolidate the current evidence and address current knowledge gaps.

Recent findings: Database including MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched from inception through August 2022. Studies in English language analysing stone density/attenuation in adult patients undergoing SWL for renal calculi were included for assessment of Shockwave lithotripsy outcomes, use of stone attenuation to predict success, use of mean and peak stone density and Hounsfield unit density, determination of optimum cut-off values, nomograms/scoring systems, and assessment of stone heterogeneity. 28 studies with a total of 4,206 patients were included in this systematic review with sample size ranging from 30 to 385 patients. Male to female ratio was 1.8, with an average age of 46.3 years. Mean overall ESWL success was 66.5%. Stone size ranged from 4 to 30 mm in diameter. Mean stone density was used by two-third of the studies to predict the appropriate cut-off for SWL success, ranging from 750 to 1000 HU. Additional factors such as peak HU and stone heterogeneity index were also evaluated with variable results. Stone heterogeneity index was considered a better indicator for success in larger stones (cut-off value of 213) and predicting SWL stone clearance in one session. Prediction scores had been attempted, with researchers looking into combining stone density with other factors such as skin to stone distance, stone volume, and differing heterogeneity indices with variable results. Numerous studies demonstrate a link between shockwave lithotripsy outcomes and stone density. Hounsfield unit < 750 has been found to be associated with shockwave lithotripsy success, with likelihood of failure strongly associated with values over 1000. Prospective standardisation of Hounsfield unit measurement and predictive algorithm for shockwave lithotripsy outcome should be considered to strengthen future evidence and help clinicians in the decision making.

Trial registration: International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) database: CRD42020224647.

Purpose of review: Currently, the increasing diversity of our society is poorly reflected in the urology workforce. In this review, we sought to address this disparity by highlighting key components involved in forming an academic urology department and training program that is focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) as well as recruitment and retention of underrepresented in medicine (URiM) trainees and faculty.

Recent findings: We identified obstacles and provided approaches to enhance the ability of a department in creating a DEI-based curriculum and recruitment strategy with a key focus on understanding and addressing unconscious biases and microaggressions in the workplace. Substantive changes in the level of diversity within the urologic community can be made through the organization of a structured approach to increasing DEI. It starts with a commitment from each department to form achievable goals surrounding early mentorship of URiM students and trainees, an inclusive curriculum that is rooted in DEI, and targeted benchmarks for recruitment and retention of diverse staff.