Articles tagged with Urology
Researchers found that higher-earning clinicians earn more by providing more services per patient, rather than seeing more patients. This challenges the current fee-for-service payment model, which may not incentivize clinicians to prioritize quality of care.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified over 3,000 new gene mutations involved in certain kidney cancers. The study reveals how these mutations transform a normal kidney cell into a cancer cell through the interaction of two genes, VHL and BAP1.
A study evaluated the rate of physician adherence to American Urological Association's BPH/LUTS guidelines over a five-year period. Provider adherence rates varied from 53% to 92.8%, with low rates for challenging measures like subjective symptom description and physical examination.
A joint FDA advisory panel recommended changes to testosterone product labels and required drug makers to conduct tests on cardiovascular risk related to testosterone therapy. The panel's focus was on male age-related hypogonadism, which affects approximately 20-30% of men ages 40-79 years old.
A global team of scientists has found 23 new genetic variants associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. The study, which analyzed data from over 87,000 men, suggests that these variants may be important in regulating genes rather than making proteins.
A study published by Henry Ford Hospital researchers found that deaths from complications following urologic surgeries increased as procedures shifted from inpatient to outpatient settings. High-risk patients, including older and sicker individuals with public insurance, were more likely to die after potentially preventable complications.
A recent study published in BJU International found a significant increase in preventable deaths following common urologic procedures in the US. The study analyzed discharge records of patients undergoing urologic surgery between 1998 and 2010, revealing that mortality rates remained stable while failure to rescue rates increased.
A large study published in European Urology has found that needle-guided tumor destruction procedures, such as partial nephrectomy and radiofrequency ablation, offer near equivalent lengths of local cancer control compared to surgery for patients with small kidney cancer tumors.
A study published in Journal of Pediatric Urology found that for most children with antenatal hydronephrosis, continuous antibiotics are not needed. The research suggests that prophylactic antibiotics are only necessary for those with severe conditions, reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
Two studies suggest that primary androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for low-risk prostate cancer is not associated with improved survival rates. Alternative treatments may be more effective for patients, but must consider the potential adverse effects and costs of ADT.
A new study found that physicians play a crucial role in determining whether older men with low-risk prostate cancer receive treatment or undergo active surveillance. Researchers identified significant variations in treatment and observation rates among urologists, with urologist characteristics accounting for more than double the rate...
A UCLA study found that depressed men with localized prostate cancer were more likely to be diagnosed with aggressive cancer, received less effective treatments, and had shorter survival times. The study identified demographic factors that contributed to the disparity in treatment and outcomes.
Surgical residents who received anonymous peer feedback through a social networking site improved their robotic surgery skills more than those without feedback. The study found that residents in the intervention arm completed procedures faster and earned better scores.
A survey of urologists and radiation oncologists found that most specialists view active surveillance as an effective treatment option but often fail to recommend it for their own patients. Instead, they tend to recommend treatments provided by their own specialty.
A new Vanderbilt University study found that women with blood in their urine were less likely to be referred to a urologist for further tests than men with the same issue. The disparity may contribute to delayed diagnoses and worse mortality rates among women with bladder cancer.
Richard Sylvester, a renowned expert in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), received the 2014 Platinum Award from European Urology for his excellence in bladder cancer research. He continues to work on prognostic factors and predictive effects of age on NMIBC outcomes.
A new UCLA study reveals that conventional biopsies may fail to detect aggressive cancers in men with low-risk prostate cancer, highlighting the need for a targeted biopsy approach. The findings suggest that the criteria for active surveillance should be re-evaluated to account for the risk inflation seen with targeted prostate biopsy.
A study by UCLA researchers found that treating older men with early-stage prostate cancer who also have other serious underlying health problems with aggressive therapies does not help them live longer. In fact, it can be detrimental and result in additional health issues such as impotence, urinary incontinence, and bowel problems.
A novel electronic nose technique has been successfully used to discriminate between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia in a proof-of-principle study. The eNose system demonstrated sensitivity and specificity comparable to traditional testing methods, such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA), with rapid and non-invasive re...
The new journal Urology Practice will focus on clinical trends, challenges and practice applications in the four areas of Business, Health Policy, Specialty and Patient Care. It aims to provide information that can be used in everyday practice through peer-reviewed articles and other content.
Duke University engineers developed a modified lens for shock wave machines, improving lithotripsy efficiency by 89% while reducing tissue damage. The new design uses a groove near the lens's perimeter to optimize pressure distribution and cavitation bubble formation.
The number of PSA screenings performed by doctors declined significantly after the 2012 USPSTF recommendations, with a greater impact seen among urologists.
The FINNO Study found that women are more likely to suffer from incontinence, while men experience problems with slow or incomplete urination. The study also identified post-micturition dribble as the most common cause of bother among men.
Patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease who underwent robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for kidney cancer experienced minimal loss of kidney function compared to those with normal kidney function. The procedure also showed no cases of end-stage kidney disease requiring long-term dialysis.
A new device developed at the University of Washington is testing the use of low-power ultrasound to move small kidney stones, potentially reducing pain and treatment times. The technology has been tested on artificial kidneys and pigs before moving to human trials, with promising results.
Researchers at Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) have identified a new technique that reduces postoperative pain in children following high-risk urology surgeries, resulting in less need for pain medicine. The study evaluates continuous infusion of local anesthesia using the ON-Q pain relief system and shows promising results.
Elsevier's new open access journal Urology Case Reports provides a platform for urologists to publish short, well-illustrated case reports. The first case report, describing a rare neoplasm of the urinary bladder, is now available online.
A new study conducted by Portuguese urologists found enterocystoplasty to be a safe and effective surgical option for children with developmental abnormalities of the genitourinary system. The procedure showed low rates of severe complications, including successful bladder function improvement in 24 patients.
A comprehensive review of Medicare claims found that nearly all the increase in IMRT for prostate cancer was due to self-referral, leading to unnecessary radiation therapy. Self-referring urologists increased IMRT use by 146%, while non-self-referrers remained unchanged.
The Latin American Urology Association names its highest accolade after UCLA's Dr. Shlomo Raz in recognition of his efforts to educate and train urologists in the region. The inaugural Shlomo Raz Medal will be awarded annually to a deserving urologist who furthered Raz's mission.
The ASTRO/AUA joint guideline offers clinical principles and recommendations for radiation therapy use in patients with and without evidence of prostate cancer recurrence. The guideline is based on a comprehensive review of 324 research articles and provides detailed efficacy data for patients with detectable and undetectable PSA levels.
A new study by Dr. Peter Kronenberg and Prof. Olivier Traxer found significant discrepancies between advertised and measured laser fiber diameters, with some fibers being up to double the thickness promoted. The study's findings highlight the importance of accurate technical specifications in urology surgery.
The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine has published a new issue focusing on the latest research and treatment developments in spinal cord injury. The issue includes articles on various topics such as botulinum toxin use, urology, neuroscience, rehabilitation psychology, and more.
Researchers at Henry Ford Hospital developed a new technique using ice slush and robotic surgery to remove large kidney stones. The ICE procedure provides kidney protection during blood flow stoppage, allowing for complex surgeries. Three patients were successfully treated without complications.
A Swedish data-sharing campaign led to a significant decrease in unnecessary medical tests for low-risk prostate cancer patients. The study suggests that curtailing unneeded medical tests is achievable and offers insights into the importance of implementing guidelines and providing feedback to practitioners.
A three-year study published in The Journal of Urology finds that tibial nerve stimulation significantly improves symptoms of overactive bladder. Participants experienced a nearly 30% decrease in daytime trips to the bathroom and almost 40% fewer nighttime trips.
A new genomic test helps identify low-risk men suitable for active surveillance, sparing them from unnecessary treatment. The test provides statistically significant and clinically meaningful prognostic information, aiding in determining which men are best suited for active surveillance.
The new guideline provides detailed direction on treatment options for prostate cancer patients, including adjuvant and salvage radiotherapy recommendations. It emphasizes the importance of informed consent and patient education on potential side effects and benefits of radiation therapy.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that a marker panel can predict which patients are more likely to experience cancer recurrence after bladder removal. The study identifies patients who could benefit from follow-up chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.
A study by Henry Ford Health found that ER visits for urinary tract infections result in nearly $4 billion in unnecessary costs each year. The research analyzed data from 10.8 million patients with a primary diagnosis of UTI who visited emergency rooms from 2006 to 2009.
A new study reveals that surgical volume significantly affects the outcome of procedures, especially for robotic-assisted surgeries. High-volume hospitals demonstrated superior results in terms of complication rates and blood transfusions, while low-volume centers struggled with inferior outcomes.
The data presented at the AUA Annual Meeting shows that degarelix lowers the risk of cardiovascular events or death when compared to luteinising hormone-releasing agonists. Analysis of disease control-related outcomes from six comparative randomised clinical trials also supports this finding.
Researchers at UCLA have classified kidney cancer into several unique subtypes, which will aid in tailoring treatment to individual patients. The study, conducted over 10 years, identified deletions of chromosomes 3p and 14q in clear cell renal carcinoma tumors, associated with improved survival rates for some patients.
A retrospective multicenter study of 677 patients found that intraoperative, early postoperative, and mesh-related complications are common in pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Mesh-related complications were the most common, with erosion being the most frequent complication.
A new study analyzed 6.2 million patients and found that 74.6% of men with erectile dysfunction remained untreated, highlighting the need for improved treatment access and awareness. The study also showed that treatment frequency varied by co-morbidities, with hypogonadism being a key factor in treatment usage.
A study published in the Journal of Urology analyzed 25 years of data after radiation therapy for prostate cancer patients and found that follow-up evaluations are necessary for 15 years after treatment. The study also confirmed using radiation therapy results in comparable disease-free survival rates to radical prostatectomy.
The EAU has made its patient information available in Spanish and Greek to cater to patients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. This move aims to provide trustworthy information on urological diseases to all European patients, with translations coordinated by national societies.
The European Association of Urology (EAU) is releasing a policy statement on live surgery ethics, prioritizing patient safety. The statement aims to establish uniform standards and monitor outcomes for EAU-approved live surgery events.
A study of 17 clinical trials found that 70% of men taking Cialis for 12 weeks could ejaculate most of the time and reach orgasm, compared to 30% in the placebo group. The benefits were seen across all levels of ED severity.
A Loyola University Medical Center study found that physician review websites are based on scores from an average of only 2.4 patients, highlighting the need for more reviews to make them reliable.
The American Urological Association has released four new clinical practice guidelines aimed at improving the quality of patient care. The guidelines cover diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder, adult urodynamics, asymptomatic microhematuria, and vasectomy.
A new study by The Journal of Urology reports that outpatient urological surgical procedures performed in ambulatory surgery centers and physician offices are significantly less costly than hospitals. On average, payments for these procedures were up to a third lower when done outside hospital settings.
A recent study by Henry Ford Health found that women are more than twice as likely to suffer infections related to kidney stones and other urinary blockages. The study also showed significantly higher rates of complications following urgent treatments for the condition.
A recent study from Rhode Island Hospital found that nearly seven percent of urologic multi-detector CT scans for hematuria resulted in clinically important incidental findings. The most common findings were lung nodules, aneurysms, and ovarian cysts, with only a small percentage requiring immediate medical attention.
A study found that urology-owned radiation oncology practices in Texas increase patients' travel distances by up to three times due to separate treatment centers. This practice model raises concerns about its impact on healthcare costs and patient care.
A multi-center study found that patients who undergo complete kidney removal are 3.5 times more likely to develop erectile dysfunction compared to those with kidney reconstruction. Researchers suggest that total kidney removal may also increase the risk of metabolic diseases and decrease quality of life.
Mayo Clinic researchers present studies on adjuvant hormonal therapy for prostate cancer patients, finding no negative impact on overall survival. They also release results of a study on safe intervals for PSA screening in young men.
The study found that kidney stone prevalence nearly doubled from 8.8% in 2007-2010 to 17.6% in 1994, with obesity and diabetes being key risk factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and body weight can reduce the risk of kidney stones.
A study presented at the American Urological Association Annual Meeting found that early stage prostate cancer treatment can alleviate lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a subgroup of men. Radical prostatectomy surgery was shown to improve urinary function, while radiation therapy and brachytherapy had less favorable effects.
The Urologic Diseases in America report documents the significant impact of urologic conditions, such as urinary tract infections and prostate cancer, on the American public. The study reveals that these conditions result in substantial healthcare costs, with estimates suggesting $40 billion annually.