Justin Vale

Effectiveness of Procedural Simulation in Urology: A Systematic Review

PURPOSE We analyzed studies validating the effectiveness and deficiencies of simulation for training and assessment in urology. We documented simulation types (synthetic, virtual reality and animal models), participant experience level and tasks performed. The feasibility, validity, cost-effectiveness, reliability and educational impact of the simulators were also evaluated. MATERIALS AND METHODS The MEDLINE®, EMBASE™ and PsycINFO® databases were systematically searched until September 2010. References from retrieved articles were reviewed to broaden the search. RESULTS The study included case reports, case series and empirical studies of training and assessment in urology using procedural simulation. The model name, training tasks, participant level, training duration and evaluation scoring were extracted from each study. We also extracted data on face, content and construct validity. Most studies suitably addressed content, construct and face validation as well as the feasibility, educational impact and cost-effectiveness of simulation models. Synthetic, animal and virtual reality models were demonstrated to be effective training and assessment tools for junior trainees. Few investigators looked at the transferability of skills from simulation to real patients. CONCLUSIONS Current simulation models are valid and reliable for the initial phase of training and assessment. For advanced and specialist level skill acquisition animal models can be used but availability is limited due to supply shortages and ethical restrictions. More research is needed to validate simulated environments for senior trainees and specialists.

Erectile dysfunction following radical therapy for prostate cancer.

With the earlier detection of prostate cancer and the increasing demand for treatment of organ-confined dizease, quality of life issues are becoming more important. Development of erectile dysfunction (ED) following radical therapy is a particular concern, and occurs in perhaps a third of patients treated by radiotherapy and 30-70% of patients treated by radical prostatectomy. Although it is assumed that the ED relates to damage to the nerves subserving erection, this view has been questioned recently and in at least a proportion of patients the cause appears to be vascular. Despite the likely cause of their ED, all patients presenting with ED after treatment for prostate cancer should undergo assessment by history and examination to ensure that there are no other correctable risk factors. Patients can then be considered for a number of treatment options, and currently sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer) is usually used as first-line therapy assuming there are no contraindications, such as severe ischaemic heart disease or nitrate therapy. Sildenafil improves erectile function in 70% of patients with ED post-radiotherapy, but appears less effective in men after radical prostate surgery with a response rate of 40-50%. Other treatment options include self-injection or intra-urethral administration of alprostadil, and some patients are happy to use a vacuum erection device. Finally, if all else fails, patients may be suitable for penile implant surgery.

Augmented Reality Partial Nephrectomy: Examining the Current Status and Future Perspectives

A minimal access approach to partial nephrectomy has historically been under-utilized, but is now becoming more popular with the growth of robot-assisted laparoscopy. One of the criticisms of minimal access partial nephrectomy is the loss of haptic feedback. Augmented reality operating environments are forecast to play a major enabling role in the future of minimal access partial nephrectomy by integrating enhanced visual information to supplement this loss of haptic sensation. In this article, we systematically examine the current status of augmented reality in partial nephrectomy by identifying existing research challenges and exploring future agendas for this technology to achieve wider clinical translation.

MR-guided laser thermoablation of inoperable renal tumors in an open-configuration interventional MR scanner: Preliminary clinical experience in three cases

A minimally invasive technique for performing magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided laser interstitial thermoablation (LITT) for inoperable renal tumors is described. Three patients were treated using a percutaneous technique with real‐time MR guidance in an open access interventional MR scanner. Laser therapy was delivered using a neodymium‐YAG source via a water‐cooled applicator system. Thermal lesions were monitored in real time using a color thermometry sequence. All patients were discharged the following day with no complications. Follow‐up with gadolinium‐enhanced MRI in a conventional high‐field system confirmed necrosis in targeted tissue, and further treatment is planned for one patient. We concluded that LITT can be useful in treating inoperable renal malignancy and merits further evaluation. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 1999;10:545–549.

Robot-assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy: preliminary UK results

Authors from London describe the early results from the UK in the use of robot‐assisted laparoscopic adrenalectomy. In a small group of patients they found that patients could be treated early, with early discharge from hospital.

Magnetic resonance imaging-guided laser thermal ablation of renal tumours

Objective To test the hypothesis that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐guided laser thermal ablation (LTA) of inoperable renal tumours is a safe, tolerable and potentially effective treatment.

An effective visualisation and registration system for image-guided robotic partial nephrectomy

Robotic partial nephrectomy is presently the fastest-growing robotic surgical procedure, and in comparison to traditional techniques it offers reduced tissue trauma and likelihood of post-operative infection, while hastening recovery time and improving cosmesis. It is also an ideal candidate for image guidance technology since soft tissue deformation, while still present, is localised and less problematic compared to other surgical procedures. This work describes the implementation and ongoing development of an effective image guidance system that aims to address some of the remaining challenges in this area. Specific innovations include the introduction of an intuitive, partially automated registration interface, and the use of a hardware platform that makes sophisticated augmented reality overlays practical in real time. Results and examples of image augmentation are presented from both retrospective and live cases. Quantitative analysis of registration error verifies that the proposed registration technique is appropriate for the chosen image guidance targets.

The volume-mortality relation for radical cystectomy in England: retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics

Objectives To investigate the relation between volume and mortality after adjustment for case mix for radical cystectomy in the English healthcare setting using improved statistical methodology, taking into account the institutional and surgeon volume effects and institutional structural and process of care factors. Design Retrospective analysis of hospital episode statistics using multilevel modelling. Setting English hospitals carrying out radical cystectomy in the seven financial years 2000/1 to 2006/7. Participants Patients with a primary diagnosis of cancer undergoing an inpatient elective cystectomy. Main outcome measure Mortality within 30 days of cystectomy. Results Compared with low volume institutions, medium volume ones had a significantly higher odds of in-hospital and total mortality: odds ratio 1.72 (95% confidence interval 1.00 to 2.98, P=0.05) and 1.82 (1.08 to 3.06, P=0.02). This was only seen in the final model, which included adjustment for structural and processes of care factors. The surgeon volume-mortality relation showed weak evidence of reduced odds of in-hospital mortality (by 35%) for the high volume surgeons, although this did not reach statistical significance at the 5% level. Conclusions The relation between case volume and mortality after radical cystectomy for bladder cancer became evident only after adjustment for structural and process of care factors, including staffing levels of nurses and junior doctors, in addition to case mix. At least for this relatively uncommon procedure, adjusting for these confounders when examining the volume-outcome relation is critical before considering centralisation of care to a few specialist institutions. Outcomes other than mortality, such as functional morbidity and disease recurrence may ultimately influence towards centralising care.

Assessing the quality of the volume-outcome relationship in uro-oncology

To assess systematically the quality of evidence for the volume‐outcome relationship in uro‐oncology, and thus facilitate the formulating of health policy within this speciality, as ‘Implementation of Improving Outcome Guidance’ has led to centralization of uro‐oncology based on published studies that have supported a ‘higher volume‐better outcome’ relationship, but improved awareness of methodological drawbacks in health service research has questioned the strength of this proposed volume‐outcome relationship.

Long-term urodynamic effects of finasteride in benign prostatic hyperplasia: a pilot study.

A group of 69 men with bladder outflow obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) were treated in a double-blind placebo-controlled study with finasteride (Proscar), a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, 5 mg or 10 mg/day, or an identical placebo for 3 months; subsequently, 20 patients received finasteride 5 mg/day in an open extension study. Ten of these patients have now completed 3 years of therapy and have been reevaluated with pressure/flow urodynamics. In finasteride-treated patients dihydrotestosterone (DHT) declined by over 60%, remaining unchanged with placebo. Symptom scores fell in both groups of patients, maximum flow rate values decreased on placebo but improved by a mean of 1.5 ml/s in the 10-mg group and 3.3 ml/s in the 5-mg group. After 1 year of therapy, the reduction in symptom score was well maintained and the flow rate had increased by a mean of 2.7 ml/s; the mean prostate volume was reduced by 14% and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) had declined by 28%. In the 10 patients treated for 3 years who consented to further urodynamic study, the maximum urinary flow rate had improved from a mean baseline value of 8.7 ml/s to a mean of 13.8 ml/s, while maximum subtracted voiding pressure had decreased from a mean baseline value of 72 cm H2O to an unobstructed mean value of 44 cm H2O. Side effects were minimal and reversible on stopping the medication.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)