Best practice in the management of benign prostatic hyperplasia in the patients requiring anticoagulation

In today's aging population, urologists are often treating older patients with multiple comorbidities. Lower urinary tract symptoms from benign prostate hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH) is a common condition that affects men, with increasing prevalence as men age. In a subset of patients, the symptoms are too severe or refractory to medical therapy and, therefore, surgical therapy is required to improve their LUTS. The use of medical therapy often delays the need to intervene surgically in men with LUTS/BPH and with advances in the management of cardiovascular disease, urologists are increasingly encountering more men requiring BPH surgery on chronic anticoagulation therapy. The decision of when to offer surgical intervention and how to manage anticoagulation medication in the perioperative setting is a dilemma with which surgeons are dealing with increasing frequency. The purpose of this review is to clarify the optimal approach to the surgical patient with LUTS/ BPH requiring anticoagulation therapy

Current opinions regarding care of the mature pediatric urology patient

Introduction With continued improvements in pediatric urology care of patients with complex congenital genitourinary conditions, many survive into adulthood. This fact has created a challenging situation of transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Establishing long-term follow-up with appropriate specialists is a critical part of a successful transition to adulthood for this population. Objective This study sought to elucidate current practices and opinions regarding the management of adult complex genitourinary patients by pediatric urologists, in order to determine if a consensus for adult care exists. Study design An anonymous, 15-question online survey was created to address practice patterns and opinions regarding the transition of care of complex genitourinary patients. An invitation to participate was distributed via email to 200 pediatric urologists who were members of the American Urological Association. Complex genitourinary patients were defined broadly as those with a history of: spina bifida, bladder exstrophy, cloacal exstrophy, cloacal anomalies, posterior urethral valves or disorders of sex development. Fisher's exact test was used for analysis. Results The response rate was 31.0% (62/200). Two-thirds (67.7%) cared for adults with complex genitourinary conditions. Overall, 51.6% of pediatric urologists felt that general urologists best follow adult patients, but only 6.5% recommended this for patients with prior complex genitourinary reconstruction (P < 0.001). Instead, the majority (80.6%) felt that a pediatric or adult urologist with an interest and training in adolescent/transitional urology who routinely performs such procedures would provide optimal care. Follow-up by a primary care physician alone was not recommended. Recommendations did not change if patients had developmental delay or lived independently (P = 0.47 and P = 0.72, respectively). Overall, 69.4% would refer mature complex genitourinary patients to a urologist with interest and training in adolescent/transitional urology, if one was available. However, only 45.2% had such an individual available in their practice (P < 0.001). Discussion In the present study, the opinions of pediatric urologists regarding optimal providers of long-term follow-up for mature complex genitourinary patients were presented. While the results may not represent the views of the entire pediatric urology community, responses from motivated individuals with a particular interest in transition care may be especially valuable. Although the present study did not outline a mechanism for improving transitional care, it offered valuable information on prevailing opinions in this area. Finally, the opinions of mostly North American Pediatric Urologists were presented, which may not apply to other healthcare settings. Conclusions Pediatric urologists appeared to be virtually unanimous in recommending that urologists provide the most appropriate long-term follow-up of patients with congenital genitourinary conditions. Specifically, 80% recommended that patients with prior complex surgical reconstruction be followed by a urologist with specific interest, training and experience in the area of transitional urology. The data suggest that this may be an unmet need of these specialists and may signify the need for specific training in the care of such patients

Comparison of newly optimized Moses technology vs standard holmium: YAG for endoscopic laser enucleation of the prostate

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe our initial experience of using a newly optimized Moses technology that is part of the second-generation Moses platform specifically designed for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (M2-HoLEP) and compare it with patients undergoing HoLEP using standard holmium:YAG technology (S-HoLEP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent M2-HoLEP and compared it with the last 50 patients in whom we performed S-HoLEP. Specifically, we compared preoperative symptom scores for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), preoperative objective voiding metrics, as well as intraoperative characteristics, perioperative characteristics, postoperative complications, postoperative symptom scores for LUTS and ED, and postoperative objective voiding metrics. Additionally, we evaluated the ability for same-day discharge following surgery in the M2-HoLEP group. Results: We included 104 total patients for analysis. We compared the first 54 patients undergoing M2-HoLEP with 50 patients undergoing S-HoLEP. Both groups had similar age, body mass index, use of anticoagulation medication, LUTS and ED scores, and objective voiding metrics. Operations performed with M2-HoLEP had faster mean hemostasis time (8.7 vs 10.6 ± 6 minutes, p = 0.03) as well as hemostasis rate (0.13 vs 0.30 min/g, p = 0.01). Same-day discharge was achieved in 69.4% of patients in the M2-HoLEP group. Postoperatively, both groups also had similar and low rates of urinary retention and complications. At follow-up, both groups had similar symptom scores for LUTS and ED, as well as similar objective voiding metrics. Conclusions: The newly optimized Moses pulse modulation technology is safe and efficient for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Such technologic improvements in the laser have greatly enhanced the feasibility of same-day discharge of patients undergoing HoLEP

Using Low-calorie Orange Juice as a Dietary Alternative to Alkali Therapy

Purpose: The pursuit of a dietary source to increase urine pH and citrate in stone formers has been ongoing for more than 30 years. Early evidence showed that orange juice (OJ) contains alkali and citrate but high sugar and ascorbic acid content limited the use of OJ as a viable daily source of alkali. Recently, novel low calorie OJs have emerged and could potentially be a better option. Methods: Beverages with high concentrations of alkali citrate and malate were identified using ion chromatography. Two low calorie OJ beverages, in addition to Crystal Light Lemonade (CLLB) were chosen. Healthy volunteers (5 men, 5 women) drank 1L of OJ or CLLB with 1L water daily for 7 days and then completed a 24-hour urinalysis. A washout week was instituted between trial weeks. The study design is a prospective randomized cross over control trial. A paired analysis using comparison of means was used to evaluate low calorie OJ and CLLB. Volunteers had no prior history of kidney stones and maintained a journal with beverage compliance, side effect, and dietary consumption data. Results: Tropicana 50 (TRP50), Kroger low calorie OJ (KLCO) and CLLB were found to have a total alkali content of 56.60, 47.9, and 17.3 mEq/L, respectively, based on ion chromatography. Consumption of all three beverages raised urinary citrate (116.6 [-118 to 373, 177.9 [-3 to 359], 155.6 [-4 to 237] mg/d 95% CI) and urinary pH (0.25 [0.08-0.53], 0.74 [0.41-1.07 p<0.05], 0.25 [0.25-0.64]) respectively, compared to water phase. Based on volunteer journal entries , TRP50 had the most side effects (90% participants) felt to be a result of the artificial sweetener (Stevia ®). Conclusion: Low-calorie orange juice, and to a lesser extent CLLB, have alkali and citrate based on ion chromatography. Daily consumption, by healthy volunteers of KLCO can raise urinary pH

Comparative Study of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate With MOSES Enabled Pulsed Laser Modulation

Objective To compare outcomes for patients undergoing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) for lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia using 3 different laser fibers and 2 different laser energy modes. Materials and Methods This is a review of a clinic registry of men with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostate hyperplasia who underwent HoLEP between August 2018 and January 2019. Patients were assigned to group 1 (50 patients), group 2 (50 patients), and group 3 (50 patients) based on the HoLEP being completed with either a Slimline 550µm, Slimline 1000µm, or MOSES 550 µm laser, respectively. The groups were compared using SSPS for ANOVA comparison of means and multivariate logistic regression. Results Ten patients who underwent concomitant stone surgery (2 PCNL, 8 ureteroscopy , 3 bilateral cases) and 11 patients had bladder stones removed; ancillary procedures did not significantly differ between groups(P = .2). Prostate enucleation times differed significantly (22.5 + 7.3, 16.4 + 6.9, 18.1 + 8.6 minutes P ≤.001) between groups. However, statistical significance was lost once enucleation time was indexed against enucleated tissue weight. Time to achieve hemostasis (minutes) was statistically different between groups (10.6 + 6.1, 7.7 + 5.2, 6.3 + 4.8 P <.001). This difference in hemostatic time was maintained on multilogistic regression demonstrating that MOSES laser enucleation was associated with a 3.9-minute decrease time to achieve hemostasis after enucleation compared to Slimline 550 HoLEP (P <.001). Conclusion Our findings suggest that modulated pulsed laser energy can improve hemostasis during the enucleation phase of a HoLEP resulting in shorter Operating Room times

Initial Experience with Novel Single-Use Disposable Ureteroscopy: A Prospective, Single Arm 90-Day Trial of the Axis Ureteroscope

Introduction: Novel digital disposable ureteroscopes are becoming more commonplace in endourological practices. We trialed the Axis™ single-use ureteroscope, which is distributed within the United States by Dornier MedTech. Our goal was to demonstrate clinical equivalence to our reusable platform and to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of a single-use digital ureteroscope. Methods: We conducted a prospective 90-day trial where all flexible ureteroscopic procedures were completed using the single-use ureteroscope. The cases were monitored for scope failure, scope deficiencies and surgeon satisfaction scores via an immediate postoperative REDCap® survey. We also performed a cost analysis between reusable scopes and the single-use ureteroscope. The cost of the reusable platform included the amortized initial purchase, maintenance and clean processing. Results: Over a 90-day period, we performed 93 flexible ureteroscopy procedures with a single-use ureteroscope, of which 74 were completed using Axis. After controlling for operating room time and disposable items used, the utilization of Axis was associated with an average reduction of $140.31 per case. Extrapolating the per-case savings over an annual case volume, we estimate a total savings of$56,127.15. There were no disposable scope malfunctions. There were 4 (4.3%) cases converted to reusable scopes due to image quality (1), inadequate secondary deflection (2) and a tight ureter (1). Mean±SD score for image quality, mobility and ergonomics was 9.1±1.1, 8.9±1.1, 9.3±1.1, respectively. The 90-day complication rates were equal to our controls. Conclusions: We demonstrated that the Axis single-use digital ureteroscope is equivalent in function to our digital reusable scope and reduced the cost of flexible ureteroscopy

Clinical and Metabolic Correlates of Pure Stone Subtypes

Background: There are multiple stone types, each forming under different urinary conditions. We compared clinical and metabolic findings in pure stone formers to understand if there are consistent factors that differentiate these groups in terms of underlying etiology and potential for empiric treatment. Materials and Methods: Pure SFs based on infrared spectroscopic analysis of stones obtained at our institution between 01/2002 and 07/2018 with a corresponding 24-hour urinalysis were retrospectively evaluated. Results: 121 apatite, 54 brushite, 50 calcium oxalate dihydrate, 104 calcium oxalate monohydrate, and 82 uric acid patients were analyzed. Apatite, brushite, and calcium oxalate dihydrate patients were younger than calcium oxalate monohydrate and uric acid patients. Uric acid patients had the highest male predominance (76.8%), while apatite patients were predominantly female (80.2%). Uric acid was most associated with diabetes mellitus (45.3%), and calcium oxalate monohydrate with cardiovascular disease (27.2%) and malabsorptive gastrointestinal conditions (19.2%). Brushite patients had the highest prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism (17%). Apatite, brushite, and calcium oxalate dihydrate patients demonstrated high rates of hypercalciuria (66.1%, 79.6%, 82%). Apatite and brushite patients had the highest urinary pH. Apatite patients exhibited the highest rate of hypocitraturia while calcium oxalate dihydrate patients exhibited the lowest (55.4%, 30%). Calcium oxalate monohydrate patients had the highest rate of hyperoxaluria (51.9%). Uric acid patients had the lowest urinary pH. There were no observable differences in the rates of hyperuricosuria or hypernatriuria. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that pure stone composition correlates with certain urinary and clinical characteristics. This data can help guide empiric clinical decision-making

Comparison of cost-effectiveness and postoperative outcomes following integration of a stiff shaft glidewire into percutaneous nephrolithotripsy

Aims: To analyze the cost effectiveness of integrating a stiff shaft glidewire (SSGW) in percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL) relative to standard technique (ST). This is prudent because healthcare providers are experiencing increased pressure to improve procedure-related cost containment. Methods: ST for PCNL at our institution involves a hydrophilic glidewire during initial percutaneous access and then two new stiff shaft wires. The SSGW is a hydrophilic wire used for initial access and the remainder of the procedure. We collected operating room (OR) costs for all primary, unilateral PCNL cases over a 5-month period during which ST for PCNL was used at a single institution with a single surgeon and compared with a 6-month period during which a SSGW was used. Mean costs for each period were then compared along with stone-free rates and complications. Results: We included 17 total cases in the ST group and 22 in the SSGW group. The average operating room supply cost for the ST group was $1937.32 and$1559.39 in the SSGW group. The net difference of $377.93 represents a nearly 20% decrease in cost. This difference was statistically significant (p = 0.031). There was no difference in postoperative stone-free rates (82.4% versus 86.4%, p = 1.0, respectively) or complications (23.5% versus 13.6%, p = 0.677, respectively) between ST and SSGW groups. Conclusion: Transitioning to a SSGW has reduced OR supply cost by reducing the number of supplies required. The change in wire did not affect stone-free rates or complications

Comparison of Newly Optimized Moses Technology vs Standard Holmium: YAG for Endoscopic Laser Enucleation of the Prostate

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to describe our initial experience of using a newly optimized Moses technology that is part of the second-generation Moses platform specifically designed for holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (M2-HoLEP) and compare it with patients undergoing HoLEP using standard holmium:YAG technology (S-HoLEP). Materials and Methods: We retrospectively collected data on patients who underwent M2-HoLEP and compared it with the last 50 patients in whom we performed S-HoLEP. Specifically, we compared preoperative symptom scores for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED), preoperative objective voiding metrics, as well as intraoperative characteristics, perioperative characteristics, postoperative complications, postoperative symptom scores for LUTS and ED, and postoperative objective voiding metrics. Additionally, we evaluated the ability for same-day discharge following surgery in the M2-HoLEP group. Results: We included 104 total patients for analysis. We compared the first 54 patients undergoing M2-HoLEP with 50 patients undergoing S-HoLEP. Both groups had similar age, body mass index, use of anticoagulation medication, LUTS and ED scores, and objective voiding metrics. Operations performed with M2-HoLEP had faster mean hemostasis time (8.7 vs 10.6 ± 6 minutes, p = 0.03) as well as hemostasis rate (0.13 vs 0.30 min/g, p = 0.01). Same-day discharge was achieved in 69.4% of patients in the M2-HoLEP group. Postoperatively, both groups also had similar and low rates of urinary retention and complications. At follow-up, both groups had similar symptom scores for LUTS and ED, as well as similar objective voiding metrics. Conclusions: The newly optimized Moses pulse modulation technology is safe and efficient for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia. Such technologic improvements in the laser have greatly enhanced the feasibility of same-day discharge of patients undergoing HoLEP

Catheter Removal on the Same Day of Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate: Outcomes of a Pilot Study

This article is made available for unrestricted research re-use and secondary analysis in any form or be any means with acknowledgement of the original source. These permissions are granted for the duration of the World Health Organization (WHO) declaration of COVID-19 as a global pandemic.Objectives: To determine if same day catheter removal is feasible in select population after holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Methods: We performed an analysis of patients undergoing HoLEP at our institution who underwent same-day catheter removal after HoLEP. All HoLEPs were performed with Moses Optimized for BPH. Patients were dismissed from postoperative recovery unit (POCU) to the clinic for catheter removal and voiding trial. Results: To date, 30 patients have undergone same day catheter removal. Median age is 68.6 years (IQR 61.8-73.3) and preoperative prostate volume 81 ml (IQR 53-114.8). Median enucleation time was 39.5 min (IQR 30.5-53), morcellation time was 5 min (IQR 4-12 min) and enucleated specimen weight was 52.5 g (IQR 33-81). 27 (90%) patients successfully voided on the same day without requiring catheter replacement. All patients were catheter free by POD1. For patients who successfully passed their voiding trial, the median time from the end of the procedure to hospital discharge was 2.6 hours (IQR (2.1-2.9) and from the end of the HoLEP to catheter removal was 4.9 hours (IQR 3.5-6.0). Conclusions: We present for the first time that same day catheter removal is a feasible option in a select population of patients undergoing HoLEP. With more study, this has the potential for transforming the management of BPH, especially larger glands