Mohamed A. Elkoushy

GreenLight™ Laser (XPS) Photoselective Vapo-Enucleation versus Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate for the Treatment of Symptomatic Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Randomized Controlled Study

PURPOSEnAfter the advent of the GreenLight XPS™ (180 W) 532 nm laser, photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate could compete with holmium laser enucleation of the prostate as a size independent procedure. We assessed whether photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS is not less effective than holmium laser enucleation of prostate for improvement of lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic hyperplasia.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnA randomized controlled noninferiority trial comparing holmium laser enucleation of the prostate to photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate-XPS 180 W was conducted. I-PSS, flow rate, residual urine, prostate specific antigen and prostate volume changes as well as perioperative and late adverse events were compared. Noninferiority of I-PSS at 1 year was evaluated using a 1-sided test at 5% level of significance. The statistical significance of other comparators was assessed at the (2-sided) 5% level.nnnRESULTSnOverall 50 and 53 patients were included in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively. Operative time, hospital stay and time to catheter removal were comparable between the groups. There was significant, comparable improvement in I-PSS and post-void residual urine volume at 1, 4 and 12 months. After 4 months prostate size reduction was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (74.3% vs 43.1%, p=0.001). At 12 months maximum urine flow rate was significantly higher in the holmium laser enucleation of prostate group (26.4 ±11.5 vs 18.4 ±7.5 ml per second, p=0.03). Re-intervention was needed in 2 and 3 cases in the holmium laser enucleation and photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate groups, respectively (p=1.0). Mean estimated cost per holmium laser enucleation of prostate procedure was significantly lower than per photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate procedure.nnnCONCLUSIONSnCompared to holmium laser enucleation of prostate, GreenLight XPS laser photoselective vapo-enucleation of the prostate is safe, noninferior and effective in treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Male Sexual Function Outcome After Three Laser Prostate Surgical Techniques: A Single Center Perspective

OBJECTIVEnTo assess the change and predictors of sexual-related outcomes after laser prostate surgery.nnnMETHODSnThis is a longitudinal study of 216 sexually active men who underwent laser prostatectomy between 2005 and 2010. The International Index of Erectile Function-15 questionnaire was used both preoperatively and during the first year of follow-up. Cases with unreliable answers or patients without interested partners were excluded. All relevant data of both groups were depicted and statistically analyzed.nnnRESULTSnWe identified 191 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 99 holmium laser enucleation of the prostate, 34 holmium laser ablation, and 58 photoselective vaporization of the prostate (GreenLight-532-mm laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate). There were significant differences among the 3 groups regarding the International Index of Erectile Function-15 direction of change at 1 year, being unchanged in (22.2%, 24.4%, and 29.3%), improved in (60.6%, 29.4%, and 41.4), and declined in (17.2%, 41.2%, and 29.3%) in the 3 groups, respectively (P < .05). After adjusting for clinical and perioperative variables, the independent risk factors for decline in the International Index of Erectile Function score were basal International Index of Erectile Function ≥ 55 and energy to prostate ratio. In holmium laser enucleation of the prostate group, there was significant improvement of the mean overall score, erectile function, desire, and intercourse satisfaction domains (P < .05). In holmium laser ablation and photoselective vaporization of the prostate groups, there were no significant changes between mean preopeative and postoperative scores (P > .05). The incidence of new onset retrograde ejaculation in the holmium laser enucleation of the prostate group was (77.3%) significantly different compared to (31.1%) in the holmium laser ablation group and (33.2%) in photoselective vaporization of the prostate group (P < .05).nnnCONCLUSIONnLaser prostate surgery using more size-related laser energy might have possible negative influence on sexual function. Patients with normal preoperative sexuality are more at risk.

Holmium:YAG Transurethral Incision Versus Laser Photoselective Vaporization for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in a Small Prostate

PURPOSEnWe assess the perioperative, short-term and long-term functional outcomes of treating bladder outlet obstruction secondary to a small prostate by 1 of 2 laser techniques.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnA retrospective review using a prospectively maintained database was performed of patients treated for bladder outlet obstruction secondary to a prostate smaller than 40 ml. Patients who were treated with GreenLight™ photoselective vaporization of the prostate or holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate were included in the study.nnnRESULTSnFrom January 2002 through December 2010, 191 cases of 1,682 laser prostate surgeries were described. GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate was performed in 144 (75.4%) cases and holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate was performed in 47 (24.6%) cases. A significantly shorter mean operating time, hospital stay and catheter duration were observed in the holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate group (30.3 ± 16 minutes, 0.8 ± 0.8 days and 1.3 ± 1.9 days, respectively) than in the photoselective vaporization of the prostate group (45.8 ± 22 minutes, 0.3 ± 0.4 days and 0.4 ± 0.6 days, respectively, p <0.05). At 1 and 5 years after photoselective vaporization of the prostate there were reductions in mean International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and residual urine with improvement in mean maximal flow rate of 57.7% and 62.8%, 58.3% and 57.2%, 65.4% and 73%, and 127.6% and 167.1%, respectively. At 1 and 5 years after holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate there were reductions in mean International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score and residual urine with improvement of mean maximal flow rate of 55.3% and 52.8%, 49.2% and 49%, 45% and 78.1%, and 67.4% and 35.4%, respectively. Subjective and objective urine flow parameters were comparable at different followup points. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of early and late complications (p >0.05). Reoperation rates were 10.4% and 6.4% in the photoselective vaporization of the prostate and holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate groups, respectively (p >0.05). The mean estimated cost per holmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate procedure was significantly lower than per photoselective vaporization of the prostate procedure (509.34CAD vs 1,765.92CAD, p = 0.002).nnnCONCLUSIONSnHolmium laser transurethral incision of the prostate and GreenLight photoselective vaporization of the prostate seem to be equally effective, safe and durable surgical treatment options for small prostates even in high risk patients.

Determinants of Urolithiasis Before and After Parathyroidectomy in Patients With Primary Hyperparathyroidism

OBJECTIVEnTo assess the determinants of urolithiasis in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) before and after parathyroidectomy (PTX).nnnMETHODSnInstitutional Research Ethics approval was obtained. A retrospective review was performed for patients presenting with PHPT to the stone, surgical oncology, and otolaryngology clinics at 2 tertiary-care centers from January 2006 to November 2011. Demographic, clinical, and surgical data were collected together with 24-hour urine collections before and after PTX.nnnRESULTSnOf 332 patients undergoing PTX, 255 (68.2% female patients) had PHPT. Mean age was 60.3 years (range, 18-91). Before PTX, renal calcification was detected in 51 (20%) patients, nephrolithiasis in 48 (18.8%), and nephrocalcinosis in 3 (1.2%) patients. Compared with PHPT patients without stones, PHPT patients with stones were significantly younger (56.4 vs 61.3 years, P=.02), less likely to be female (54.9% vs 71.9%, P=.03), and had significantly lower levels of vitamin D (19.7 vs 23.5 ng/mL, P=.03). Nine patients (3.5%) developed stones after PTX and were found to have significantly higher post-PTX total serum calcium levels when compared with those without stones. Although hypercalciuria was detected in 62% of pre-PTX stone formers, none of those who tested had post-PTX hypercalciuria (P<.001). On multivariate regression analysis, post-PTX stone formation was associated with male gender (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 6.8 [5.3-7.2], P=.01) and post-PTX hypercalcemia (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.48 [1.33-2.12], P=.02).nnnCONCLUSIONnPre-PTX urolithiasis was associated with younger age, male gender, and lower levels of vitamin D, whereas post-PTX urolithiasis was independently predicted by male gender and hypercalcemia.

Incidental Prostate Cancer Diagnosis During Holmium Laser Enucleation: Assessment of Predictors, Survival, and Disease Progression

OBJECTIVEnTo determine the prevalence and predictors of incidental prostate cancer (IPCa) after Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) and to assess its functional and oncological outcomes.nnnMETHODSnA prospectively maintained database was reviewed for cases with IPCa at the time of HoLEP. Patients with preoperative PCa were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups based on the presence (group I [GI]) or absence of cancer (group II [GII]) in histopathology. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed.nnnRESULTSnOf 1242 patients, 70 (5.64%) were identified to have IPCa. Prostate size was comparable between both groups. GI patients had significantly higher preoperative prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and total PSA density (tPSAD) compared to cancer-free patients. T1a and T1b adenocarcinomas were detected in 54 (77.1%) and 16 (22.9%) patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 48 (1-171) months, both groups were comparable in all functional outcomes but the quality of life was significantly better in GII. Patients age and preoperative tPSAD independently predicted IPCa after HoLEP. A tPSAD cutoff value of 0.092 has a sensitivity and specificity of 0.83 and 0.67, respectively. Seven patients (11.7%) needed adjuvant therapy while other GI patients opted for active surveillance. The Kaplan-Meier analysis demonstrated an overall survival of 72.8% at 5 years and 63.5% at 10 years for patients with PCa.nnnCONCLUSIONnPCa is not uncommonly identified after HoLEP, even in those with negative preoperative biopsies. In older patients, total PSAD could be a predictor using a cutoff <0.1. After HoLEP, active surveillance for low-grade PCa carries good functional and oncological outcomes.

How we made professionalism relevant to twenty-first century residents

Abstract The complexity of the current medical trainee work environment, including the impact of social media participation, is underappreciated. Despite rapid adoption of social media by residents and the introduction of social media guidelines targeted at medical professionals, there is a paucity of data evaluating practical methods to incorporate social media into professionalism teaching curricula. We developed a flipped classroom program, focusing on the application of professionalism principles to challenging real-life scenarios including social media-related issues. The pre-workshop evaluation showed that the participants had a good understanding of basic professionalism concepts. A post-workshop survey assessed residents’ comfort level with professionalism concepts. The post-workshop survey revealed that the postgraduate trainees perceived significant improvement in their understanding of professionalism (pu2009<u20090.05). Resident responses also exposed some challenges of real-life clinical settings. There was an apparent contradiction between placing a high value on personal health and believing that physicians ought to be available to patients at any time. Participants’ satisfaction with the course bodes well for continual modification of such courses. Innovative flipped classroom format in combination with simulation-based sessions allows easy incorporation of contemporary professionalism issues surrounding social media.

Changing patients’ profile presenting for surgical management of benign prostatic hyperplasia over the past 16 years: A single-centre perspective

INTRODUCTIONnWe assessed the change of patients profile presenting for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over 16 years and its impact on surgical outcomes over this time.nnnMETHODSnWe reviewed a prospectively maintained database of patients treated with laser for symptomatic BPH since March 1998. Patients were divided into 3 consecutive time-based groups: Group 1 for patients who underwent surgery before April 2004; Group 2, between April 2004 and March 2009; and for Group 3 from April 2009 to August 2014. We reviewed demographic and preoperative data, including prostate volume; international prostate symptoms score (IPSS), quality of life (QoL), and peak flow rate (Qmax). We also recorded any perioperative and long-term complications.nnnRESULTSnA total of 1835 patients were included in our study, including 542 (29.5%) in Group 1, 614 (33.5%) in Group 2, and 679 (37%) in Group 3. Preoperative prostate volume was positively correlated with age at surgery (r = 0.62, p < 0.001), total energy used (r = 0.47, p < 0.001), and total operative time (r = 0.47, p < 0.001). Patients in Group 3 were significantly older (75.28 ± 8.47 in Group 3 vs. 71.11 ± 8.9 in Group 2 vs. 65.3 ± 9.04 years in Group 1, p <0.001), were more coagulopathic (18.7% Group 3 vs. 12.3% Group 2 vs. 5.9% Group 1, p < 0.001), and had significantly larger prostates (87.96 ± 49.80 in Group 3 vs. 78.44 ± 50.84 in Group 2 vs. 74.50 ± 46.53 Group 1, p < 0.001). Preoperative prostatic medications significantly increased over time (72.6% in Group 1 vs. 85.5% in Group 2, vs. 87.4% Group 3, p < 0.001). IPSS, QoL and Qmax were significantly abnormal in patients in Group 3 (p < 0.001). After a mean follow-up of 3 years, the number of patients who did not require reoperation progressively increased (94.1% Group 1 vs. 96.1% Group 2 vs. 98.3% Group 3). Age (>72 years), prostate volume (>80 cc), operative time (>95 minutes), and preoperative PSA (>6 ng/dL) were significantly associated with postoperative urinary incontinence.nnnCONCLUSIONSnPatients presenting for surgery due to symptomatic BPH over the last 16 years were significantly older, more morbid, and had larger prostates and more abnormal voiding parameters. Over time, patients used prostatic medications more frequently. Despite the changes in patient profiles, perioperative safety and complication rates between groups were comparable, likely due to advancements in laser technology and techniques. Age (>72 years), prostate volume (>80 cc), operative time (>95 minutes), and preoperative PSA (>6 ng/dL) were significantly associated with reversible postoperative urinary incontinence.

Combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation in vitamin D inadequate patients with urolithiasis: Impact on hypercalciuria and de novo stone formation

INTRODUCTIONnWe examined the effect of combined vitamin D and calcium supplementation (VDCS) on urinary calcium excretion and de novo stone formation in vitamin D inadequate (VDI) urolithiasis patients.nnnMETHODSnWe retrospectively reviewed the data of VDI patients (serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D <75 nmol/L) followed at a tertiary stone centre between September 2009 and December 2014. VDI patients with history of urolithiasis, who were placed on VDCS for abnormal bone mineral density or hyperoxaluria, were included. Hypercalciuric patients and patients on thiazide diuretics were excluded. Metabolic stone workup and two 24-hour urine collections were performed before and after VDCS.nnnRESULTSnIn total, we included 34 patients, with a mean age of 54.8 years and a mean body mass index of 25.7 kg/m(2). After VDCS, there was a significant increase in the mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (52.0 vs. 66.4 nmol/L, p < 0.001) and the mean urinary calcium excretion (3.80 vs. 5.64 mmol/d, p < 0.001). Eight (23.5%) patients developed de novo hypercalciuria. After a median follow-up of 39 (range: 7-60) months, 50% of hypercalciuric patients developed stones compared with 11.5% of non-hypercalciuric patients (p = 0.038).nnnCONCLUSIONnThis study showed a significant effect of combined VDCS on mean urinary calcium excretion, de novo hypercalciuria, and stone development in VDI patients with history of urolithiasis. Therefore, VDI urolithiasis patients receiving VDCS are advised to have monitoring with 24-hour urine collections and imaging studies. Although small, our sample size was good enough to validate the statistical outcomes. Prospective studies are needed to confirm these results.

Ureteroscopy in patients with coagulopathies is associated with lower stone-free rate and increased risk of clinically significant hematuria.

PURPOSEnPatients with coagulopathy are at increased risk of peri-operative hemorrhage. The aim of the present study was to compare ureteroscopy (URS) in these high risk patients to those with normal bleeding profile.nnnMATERIALS AND METHODSnTwelve patients with coagulopathies (Group I) undergoing 17 URS were included in the study [3 for biopsy of ureteral lesions and 9 for Holmium Laser Lithotripsy (HLL)]. A patient had Child B (MELD 11) cirrhosis, 6 patients were on warfarin, 3 patients on ASA, 1 patient on ASA and clopidogrel, and the last patient was on heparin. URS in Group I was performed without correction of coagulopathy. Group II consisted of 32 patients with normal bleeding profile who underwent 34 URS concurrently.nnnRESULTSnGroup I included 4 ureteral biopsies in 3 patients with suspicious ureteral lesions and 13 URS for HLL in 9 patients with nephrolithiasis. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of patient age, sex, percent of renal stones, median operative and fluoroscopy times. When compared with Group II, Group I had significantly larger median stone size (9.2 vs. 14.0 mm, p = 0.01) and significantly lower stone-free rate after fi rst URS (94.1% vs. 69.2%, p=0.04). However, after second URS, stone-free rates were comparable in both groups (92.3% vs. 100 %, p = 0.9). Two (16.7%) patients with coagulopathy were readmitted due to gross hematuria. There were no post-operative complications in Group II.nnnCONCLUSIONSnAlthough URS in selected patients with coagulopathies is safe, it is associated with significantly lower stone-free rates and higher readmissions due to gross hematuria.

Bone mineral density status in urolithiasis patients with vitamin D inadequacy followed at a tertiary stone centre

INTRODUCTIONnWe assessed abnormalities in bone mineral density (BMD) and the risk of hip and major osteoporotic fractures in urolithiasis patients with vitamin D inadequacy (VDI) followed at a tertiary stone centre.nnnMETHODSnStone-free patients with VDI were invited to undergo dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans to assess for BMD abnormalities at the femoral neck and lumbar spine. The World Health Organizations validated Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was used to calculate the risk of hip and major osteoporotic fractures within 10 years. Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism or hypercalcemia were excluded.nnnRESULTSnIn total, 50 consecutive patients were included between June 2011 and August 2012, including 26 (52%) males. The median age was 51 years and the median 25-hydroxyl vitamin D (25[OH] D) was 18.8 ng/mL. Thirty patients (60%) had abnormal T-scores on DXA studies. This decreased to 22 (44%) when age-matched Z-scores were used; 36% had osteopenia and 8% had osteoporosis. Femoral neck and lumbar spines were affected in 24% and 32% of patients, respectively. Recurrent stone-formers had significantly lower BMD when compared with first-time stone formers. Median serum 25(OH)D was comparable between patients with normal and abnormal DXA scans (18.6 vs. 18.8 ng/mL; p = 0.91). Five patients (10%) were at high risk (≥3%) of hip fractures within 10 years.nnnCONCLUSIONnA high prevalence of abnormal DXA scans was found in urolithiasis patients with VDI, including 5 patients (10%) at high risk of hip fractures. Future studies need to assess the economic impact of obtaining DXA scans on urolithiasis patients with VDI, especially in recurrent stone-formers.