Articles tagged with Urology
The American Journal of Roentgenology has published best practices for managing an iodinated contrast media (ICM) shortage in radiology practices. To mitigate the shortage, practice leaders should prioritize examination findings and reduce overall ICM usage.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that mailing opioid disposal kits doubled the rate of safe disposal among patients who received them. The kits were provided to 235 patients after orthopedic or urologic procedures and resulted in the safe disposal of 480 unused tablets.
A recent study found that an artificial intelligence-based system improved providers' assessments of bladder cancer patients' response to chemotherapy. The AI tool helped doctors from different specialties and experience levels make more accurate diagnoses, with those in academia showing the greatest gains.
Researchers identified clofarabine as a promising compound with inhibitory effects on bladder cancer cells, including urothelial carcinoma and sarcomatoid carcinoma. The study suggests potential for clinical trials to treat metastatic bladder cancer patients who cannot receive traditional cisplatin-based therapy.
Patients with mild to moderate kidney disease and kidney transplant recipients had a higher risk of cancer. They also faced a higher risk of dying from cancer, particularly from cancers such as bladder, kidney, and multiple myeloma, compared to those with normal kidney function.
Researchers recommend expanding diagnostic workup to include cardiac arrhythmias for unexplained enuresis in adults and children. An electrocardiogram is a cost-effective and non-invasive test that can detect potentially fatal diseases.
A study analyzes the marketing and practice trends of shockwave therapy for erectile dysfunction in major US cities, finding inconsistent credentials among providers. The average price per treatment is around $490, with varying costs and protocols across clinics.
Researchers have successfully used a new sound wave technique called burst wave lithotripsy (BWL) to break up kidney stones in humans, achieving a median of 90% stone volume fragmentation within 10 minutes. The procedure shows potential for an office-based treatment approach with minimal tissue injury and no anesthesia required.
Researchers at UBC have successfully 3D printed human testicular cells and observed early signs of sperm-producing capabilities. This breakthrough may lead to new fertility treatments for couples with untreatable forms of male infertility.
A study of over 2,700 men with localized prostate cancer found that initial treatment choice didn't affect depression or emotional well-being. However, factors such as age, overall health, and initial depressive symptoms were linked to declines in mental health outcomes.
A supervised exercise program can reduce anxiety and fear of cancer progression in men undergoing active surveillance for prostate cancer. The study found significant improvements in mental and physical health benefits, including a reduction in prostate cancer-related anxiety and fear of progression.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia recommends pretreating urological patients with antibiotics tailored to their local infection patterns. This approach may reduce postoperative infections in transurethral procedures, which affect up to 10% of patients annually.
A large-scale study found that simulation-based surgical training increased surgeons' skills for complex surgeries, with fewer total complications and ureteric injuries. Simulation training led to higher overall proficiency scores and fewer procedures required to achieve proficiency in complex surgeries.
A recent study reveals that Black and Latinx men are severely underrepresented in online prostate cancer resources. The study found that only 9% of people depicted in online content were Black or Latinx, highlighting the need for greater representation and diversity in health education.
Researchers in Japan evaluated the cost-effectiveness of adding dipstick hematuria screening to a mass health check-up program. The study found that including routine testing for hematuria would promote early detection and treatment, leading to cost savings and improved patient outcomes. This cost-effective approach has the potential t...
A novel blood test, Stockholm3, in combination with MRI reduces overdiagnosis of low-risk cancers by 60% and unnecessary biopsies by 9%. This cost-effective approach is recommended for Sweden's organized prostate cancer testing (OPT) pilot projects.
A study published in Urology Practice found that urologists in group practices or alternative payment models scored higher in most MIPS categories and potentially earned higher reimbursements. In contrast, individual urologists scored lower across all domains except for cost.
A new study finds that climate change will lead to an increase in kidney stone cases, even with mitigation efforts. Researchers predict a cost of $57-99 million to the US healthcare system over seven decades, with a steeper impact if no action is taken.
Surgeons at Henry Ford Health performed the world's first precision prostatectomy through the bladder using a single port robotic surgical system. The procedure preserves a portion of the prostate capsule, improving functional outcomes such as erectile function and urinary control.
A study found that men with Li-Fraumeni syndrome have a 25-fold increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, and those with inherited TP53 variants are diagnosed at a young age. Routine screening for prostate cancer is recommended for these individuals.
Researchers found that urinary incontinence can distract from balance and stability, increasing the risk of falling in older adults. The study showed that the feeling of having to pee acts as a distracting factor, leading to changes in gait patterns similar to those caused by other distracting tasks.
After the 2012 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) statement discouraging routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, rates of prostate cancer screening and biopsy decreased across racial groups. However, Black men had higher rates of local and metastatic prostate cancer despite similar screening rates.
A new study by the Regenstrief Institute found that lack of protocols or standard operating procedures in the recovery room is a significant barrier to administering post-operative chemotherapy to reduce bladder cancer recurrence. The researchers identified 58 Michigan urologists who reported this as a major obstacle, emphasizing the n...
Researchers found diet-associated molecules in the gut are associated with aggressive prostate cancer, linking them to higher levels of metabolites like phenylacetylglutamine and nutrients choline and betaine. The study's findings may have clinical implications for diagnosing and preventing lethal prostate cancer.
A study published in Urology Practice found that online patient decision aids for common urologic conditions are often of poor readability and quality, failing to meet recommended standards. The researchers recommend simplifying language and ensuring thoroughness to improve the effectiveness of these tools.
A new study found women with recurrent urinary tract infections are unhappy with limited management options and fear the potential adverse effects of antibiotics. Researchers recommend modifying management strategies to address their concerns and devoting more research to improving non-antibiotic options for prevention and treatment.
A novel combination of abiraterone acetate and prednisolone has been shown to prolong survival in patients with hormone/castration-sensitive prostate cancer. Studies PEACE-1 and STAMPEDE found that the addition of these drugs to standard therapy lengthened survival compared to standard therapy alone.
A multidisciplinary organization has reached consensus on guidelines for performing, interpreting, and reporting MR defecography. The consensus templates aim to standardize care for patients with evacuation disorders of the pelvic floor.
A study analyzing 6,775 patients with low-risk prostate cancer found that cancer-related factors such as tumor grade and size are key risk factors for conversion to active treatment. The study also found that higher Gleason grade, PSA level, tumor stage, and number of positive biopsy cores are related to shorter conversion times.
A team of scientists has reported a technique that provides the most detailed picture of kidney stone components yet. The researchers used a novel method to analyze kidney stones, revealing the distribution of three different proteins and their role in crystal growth.
A population-based study found that nearly half of men with low-risk prostate cancer transitioned from active surveillance to definitive treatment within five years after diagnosis. The study, published in The Journal of Urology, analyzed data from 8,541 men and identified factors associated with the likelihood of transition, including...
Researchers found that removing race-based adjustments from equations estimating kidney function could make Black patients ineligible for cancer treatments and lower their doses. The analysis showed that Black patients in the US are more frequently diagnosed with cancer and are more likely to die from it than white Americans.
A study highlights the need for better diagnostic tools, alternative treatments, and prevention strategies for women with recurrent UTIs. Women report feeling frustrated with their doctors' overuse of antibiotics and lack of education on preventing UTIs.
The American Board of Urology has outlined processes to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in its leadership structures. The report highlights the need for continuous efforts to improve representation, particularly in terms of gender and racial/ethnic diversity.
Women with recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) experience fear and frustration due to the risks associated with repeated antibiotic use. The study highlights the need for patient-centered research to address gaps in current UTI treatment algorithms, focusing on non-antibiotic options for prevention.
Research reveals that women with urinary incontinence are more likely to experience depression, lower self-worth, and poorer mental health outcomes. The study emphasizes the importance of discussing mental health with patients undergoing treatment.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patient-provider discussions about bariatric surgery result in patients with obesity losing more weight; however, such discussions occur in less than 10% of eligible cases. Patients who had these conversations were 10 times more likely to undergo weight loss surgery.
A new type of penile traction therapy (PTT) device has been shown to increase penile length and preserve erectile function in men who have undergone prostate cancer surgery. The device, marketed under the brand name RestoreX, works by applying gentle, dynamic pressure to stretch and shape the penis.
A study found patient satisfaction scores differed significantly among patients with different types of insurance coverage, with Medicare scoring the highest and Medicaid the lowest. The researchers call for further studies to explore the underlying reasons for this payor-specific bias.
A new AI-based scoring model for testis images has been developed to assess patients with severe male infertility, simplifying the diagnosis process. The model achieved high accuracy in classifying histological images of the testis, with an average precision of 82.6% and recall of 60.96%, without requiring programming expertise.
A new study found a substantial decrease in minimally invasive surgery use for cervical cancer after the publication of a major study in 2018. The study assessed 2,437 patients and showed that surgeons changed their methods, but still saw room for improvement at non-academic medical centers.
Dr. Lindsay Hampson, a UCSF researcher, has received the AGS' Jeffrey H. Silverstein Memorial Award for her work on improving patient-centered decision-making for older adults with urologic conditions. Her study found that multimorbidity, frailty, and mortality risk are common among older men with stress urinary incontinence.
A diet high in pro-inflammatory foods may be associated with increased odds of developing testosterone deficiency among men. Men who consume refined carbohydrates and sugar, as well as polyunsaturated fats, are more likely to experience low libido, decreased energy, and depression.
Dr. Jaeger's designation recognizes her high degree of experience with GreenLight Laser Therapy, providing effective relief from BPH symptoms like frequent urination and weak urine flow. The procedure is a minimally invasive outpatient solution with no incisions or impact on sexual function.
A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that more than 60% of opioid tablets prescribed for patients undergoing orthopaedic or urologic procedures went unused. The study used an automated text messaging system to track patient pain and opioid use, revealing that most opioids are taken withi...
A study suggests that a change in vasectomy guidelines has resulted in fewer repeat semen analyses, potentially reducing unnecessary tests and costs. The updated guideline recommended less stringent criteria for confirming the success of vasectomy.
A new study from Keck Medicine of USC shows that men over 50 who undergo a vasectomy reversal achieve the same rate of pregnancy as those under 50. The study analyzed data from 3,000 men and found that age was not a factor in success rates.
A study of 514 men undergoing active surveillance for early-stage prostate cancer found that those with negative biopsies had more favorable clinical characteristics and excellent long-term outcomes. Negative biopsies indicated low-volume disease with lower rates of disease progression, supporting continued active surveillance.
A recent study found that men undergoing active surveillance for low-risk and intermediate-risk prostate cancer have very low rates of cancer spread and death from prostate cancer. The study analyzed 1,450 patients and identified three factors that affect the risk of metastases: Gleason grade, PSA velocity, and multiparametric MRI.
A phase 3 clinical trial found that ipilimumab improved progression-free survival by two to three times in patients with metastasized, castration-resistant prostate cancer. The treatment also showed overall survival benefits compared to the placebo arm.
Cryoablation, a less-invasive treatment technique, offers a promising alternative to surgery for prostate cancer control. According to the study, cryoablation provided a high rate of effective prostate cancer control in 82% of patients at 18-month follow-up.
A European survey found that a majority of men and women aged 20-70 do not know what erectile dysfunction (ED) is, with one in four having never heard of ED treatments. The study emphasizes the need for open communication about ED to break the taboo and improve treatment outcomes.
During the pandemic, an online urology lecture series has provided invaluable training opportunities for resident physicians, with thousands of views and overwhelmingly positive reviews. The multi-institutional collaboration, Urology COViD, has been a smashing success, offering a sense of community connectedness during social isolation.
A new US study finds that HIFU provides adequate control of prostate cancer while avoiding significant side effects, with nearly 90% of men able to avoid or delay radical treatment. The non-invasive therapy also preserves sexual function and urinary symptoms, with no serious complications reported.
A new study suggests that focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation is an effective alternative to surgery or radiation for treating prostate cancer. The procedure carries a low risk of complication and helps preserve quality of life, with no significant decrease in sexual function or urinary incontinence.
Researchers found that men are now more likely to visit clinics for Peyronie's disease and low sexual desire, while erectile dysfunction cases have declined. The study suggests a growing awareness of these conditions, possibly driven by increased openness and access to treatments.
A global methodology has been developed to help decide when to treat prostate cancer, providing a single standard for estimating tumour aggressiveness. The GAP3 consortium's analysis of 14,380 patients reveals that certain factors can predict cancer development, enabling more informed treatment decisions.
A major study conducted by patients themselves reports significant numbers struggling with continence and sexual problems after prostate cancer treatment. The Europa Uomo Patient Reported Outcomes Study found that any treatment apart from active surveillance negatively affects quality of life.
A study of 3267 men found that watching porn is associated with greater erectile dysfunction and lower satisfaction with sex. The research suggests that the type of porn watched may contribute to impaired erectile function, with 23% of men under-35 experiencing some level of erectile dysfunction.
A new toolkit has been developed to help medical organizations rapidly adopt telemedicine as an alternative option. The guide uses a common electronic medical record system and widely available video portals to overcome social distancing edicts, allowing for successful adoption in three days.