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Directory of Authors from the Journal and their last article.

Dimitri PapagiannopoulosView Articles

Volume 19, Number 1Case Review

Perineal Urethrostomy: Still Essential in the Armamentarium for Transurethral Surgery

Dimitri PapagiannopoulosLeslie A Deane

A 69-year-old morbidly obese man presented with hematuria caused by a large anterior wall bladder tumor. The mass was inaccessible for resection by standard means due to the patient’s obesity and phallic length. A perineal urethrostomy was required to enable complete resection. This age-old technique is revisited for the benefit of this generation’s urologists. [Rev Urol. 2017;19(1):72-75 doi: 10.3909/riu0742] © 2017 MedReviews®, LLC

Bladder tumorsTransurethral resectionPerineal urethrostomy

Dimitrios TelonisView Articles

Volume 17, Number 4Review Articles

Sipuleucel-T for the Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer: Considerations for Clinical Practice

Treatment Update

Christopher M PieczonkaVladimir MouravievDavid AlbalaDimitrios Telonis

Sipuleucel-T treatment is associated with a significant and consistent survival benefit in patients with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. Most adverse events are infusion related, manageable, and of short duration. Early screening and diagnosis of metastatic disease is important, as the greatest survival benefit may occur in patients with a lower disease burden. The short duration of sipuleucel-T treatment facilitates the use of subsequent therapies. Sipuleucel-T is now being used in the clinic for patients with a lower disease burden. We present our own experience with the use of sipuleucel-T in the setting of a large urology practice. [Rev Urol. 2015;17(4):203-210 doi: 10.3909/riu0671] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

ImmunotherapyMetastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancerSipuleucel-TClinical

Dipen J ParekhView Articles

Volume 17, Number 4Original Research

The 4Kscore® Test Reduces Prostate Biopsy Rates in Community and Academic Urology Practices

Jason HafronStephen M ZappalaDipen J ParekhDanielle OsterhoutJeffrey SchockRandy M ChudlerGregory M OldfordKenneth M KernenBadrinath R Konety

There is significant concern regarding prostate cancer screening because of the potential for overdiagnosis and overtreatment of men who are discovered to have abnormal prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels and/or digital rectal examination (DRE) results. The 4Kscore® Test (OPKO Diagnostics, LLC) is a blood test that utilizes four kallikrein levels plus clinical information in an algorithm to calculate an individual’s percentage risk (< 1% to > 95%) for aggressive prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 7) on prostate biopsy. The 4Kscore Test, as a follow-up test after abnormal PSA and/or DRE test results, has been shown to improve the specificity for predicting the risk of aggressive prostate cancer and reduce unnecessary prostate biopsies. A clinical utility study was conducted to assess the influence of the 4Kscore Test on the decision to perform prostate biopsies in men referred to urologists for abnormal PSA and/or DRE results. The study population included 611 patients seen by 35 academic and community urologists in the United States. Urologists ordered the 4Kscore Test as part of their assessment of men referred for abnormal PSA and/or DRE test results. Results for the patients were stratified into low risk (< 7.5%), intermediate risk (7.5%-19.9%), and high risk (≥ 20%) for aggressive prostate cancer. The 4Kscore Test results influenced biopsy decisions in 88.7% of the men. Performing the 4Kscore Test resulted in a 64.6% reduction in prostate biopsies in patients; the actual percentage of cases not proceeding to biopsy were 94.0%, 52.9%, and 19.0% for men who had low-, intermediate-, and high-risk 4Kscore Test results, respectively. A higher 4Kscore Test was associated with greater likelihood of having a prostate biopsy (P < 0.001). Among the 171 patients who had a biopsy, the 4Kscore risk category is strongly associated with biopsy pathology. The 4Kscore Test, as a follow-up test for an abnormal PSA and/or DRE results, significantly influenced the physician and patient shared decision in clinical practice, which led to a reduction in prostate biopsies while increasing the probability of detecting aggressive cancer. [Rev Urol. 2015;17(4):231-240 doi: 10.3909/riu0699] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

Prostate cancerProstate-specific antigen4KscoreGleason scoreDigital rectal examinationBiopsy rateProstate cancer prognosis

Dmitriy NikolavskyView Articles
Dmitry VolkinView Articles
Dominic PilonView Articles

Volume 23, Number 2Prostate Cancer

Real-World Comparison of Deep Prostate-Specific Antigen Response in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Sensitive Prostate Cancer Treated With Apalutamide or Enzalutamide

Benjamin H. LowentrittIbrahim KhilfehDominic PilonShawn DuCarmine RossiFrederic KinkeadLilian DiazJill KorsiakPatrick LefebvreGordon A Brown

Deep prostate-specific antigen reduction of at least 90% (PSA90 response) after androgen receptor pathway inhibitor initiation to treat metastatic castration-sensitive prostate cancer (mCSPC) is associated with longer survival. This real-world study evaluated the proportion of androgen receptor pathway inhibitor–naive patients with mCSPC who achieved PSA90 response 6 months after initiating apalutamide or enzalutamide.

Prostatic neoplasmsProstate-specific antigen (PSA)Prostate-specific antigenProstate-specific antigensCastrationAndrogen receptorAndrogen receptor antagoniststreatment effectiveness

Dominique Malacarne PapeView Articles
Don LawsonView Articles

Volume 22, Number 2Review Articles

Implementation of a Centralized, Cost-effective Call Center in a Large Urology Community Practice

Original Research

Gary M KirshStephen F KappaChris McClainKrista WallacePaul CinquinaDon LawsonMary M SmithEarl WalzBrooke Edwards

Call centers provide front-line care and service to patients. This study compared call-answering efficiency and costs between the implementation of an internal, centralized call center (January to July 2019) and previously outsourced call-center services (January to July 2018) for a large urology community practice. Retrospective review of call metrics and cost data was performed. Internal call-center leadership, training, and culture was examined through survey of staff and management. A total of 299,028 calls with an average of 5751 calls per week were answered during the study periods. The Average Speed of Answer (ASA) was 1:42 (min:s) for the outsourced call center and 0:14 for the internal call center (P < 0.001), with 70% of outsourced calls answered under 2 minutes compared with 99% of calls for the internal call center (P < 0.001). The Average Handle Time (AHT) for each outsourced call was 5:32 versus 3:41 for the internal call center (P < 0.001). The total operating expenses were 7.7% lower for the internal call center. Surveys revealed the importance of engaged leadership and staff training with feedback, simplified work algorithms, and expanded clinical roles. We found that internal, centralized call centers may provide a call-answering solution with greater efficiency and lower total operating expense versus an outsourced call center for large surgical practices. A culture that emphasizes continuous improvement and empowers call-center staff with expanded clinical roles may ultimately enhance patient communication and service. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(2):67–74] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLC

Cost effectivenessCall centerTelehealthOrganizational efficiency

Donald HannounView Articles

Volume 23, Number 2Case of the Quarter

Case of the Quarter: Kaposi Sarcoma in a Patient With Testicular Germ Cell Tumor and HIV: A Case Report and Literature Review

Daniela V. CastroDonald HannounTanya B. DorffAlexander Chehrazi-RaffleWesley YipAbhishek TripathiBenjamin MercierRegina Barragan-CarrilloHedyeh EbrahimiSalvador Jaime-Casas

Testicular germ cell tumors are the leading cause of cancer in male patients 15 to 39 years old. Extensive treatments are available, and the regimen of choice depends on clinical, laboratory, and histopathologic characteristics. Patients with HIV are at increased risk of developing solid malignancies, including testicular germ cell tumors. All patients with HIV should start on highly active antiretroviral therapy, but the drug interactions between chemotherapy for testicular germ cell tumor and highly active antiretroviral therapy have not been extensively evaluated. This case review highlights the importance of optimal therapeutic agent selection in patients with HIV and solid malignancies.

Testicular neoplasmGerm cellHIVTesticular neoplasmsSarcoma

Donald S CoffeyView Articles
Donald S CrainView Articles

Volume 9, Number 4Case Review

Bilateral Testicular Infarction and Orchiectomy as a Complication of Polyarteritis Nodosa

Case Review

Donald S CrainShannon R HerreraSean P Stroup

We report an unusual case of a 28-year-old male with constitutional symptoms and bilateral testicular pain. After diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) hepatitis, his constitutional symptoms and testicular pain worsened despite treatment for epididymoorchitis. Ultrasound was concerning for infarction. Exploration in the operating room revealed bilateral testicular infarction requiring bilateral orchiectomy with subsequent androgen hormone replacement. Pathologic diagnosis was polyarteritis nodosa (PAN). PAN is a rare systemic vasculitis that affects multiple organs. There are no previous reports of PAN-induced vasculitis leading to bilateral testicular infarction and bilateral orchiectomy. [Rev Urol. 2007;9(4):235-238]

Testicular infarctionPolyarteritis nodosaAndrogen replacement therapy

Dong Duek KwonView Articles
Donna HanselView Articles

Volume 17, Number 2Case Review

Long-term Survival From Muscle-invasive Bladder Cancer With Initial Presentation of Symptomatic Cerebellar Lesion: The Role of Selective Surgical Extirpation of the Primary and Metastatic Lesion

Ganesh K KarthaJoseph SanfrancescoEsther UdojiHemant Chaparala (4)Donna HanselJ Stephen Jones

A 59-year-old man was diagnosed with urothelial carcinoma involving an isolated cerebellar metastasis after presenting to the emergency department for headache complaints. After selective surgical excision of the symptomatic brain lesion and delayed cystectomy due to intractable hematuria, he survived 11 years without evidence of recurrence or subsequent systemic chemotherapy. He eventually expired after delayed recurrence in the lung, supraclavicular lymph node, and brain. To our knowledge, this is the only case of prolonged survival from urothelial carcinoma after selective surgical extirpation of the primary and metastatic lesion without subsequent systemic chemotherapy. [Rev Urol. 2015;17(2):106-109 doi: 10.3909/riu0643] © 2015 MedReviews®, LLC

Urothelial carcinomaBladder cancerMetastasisCystectomy

Dorota J HawksworthView Articles

Volume 20, Number 2Review Articles

Infertility in Patients With Klinefelter Syndrome: Optimal Timing for Sperm and Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation

Management Update

Dorota J HawksworthApril A SzafranPhilip W JordanAdrian S DobsAmin S Herati

Male factor infertility is a complex issue presenting many diagnostic and management challenges. It is responsible for about 50% of all causes of infertility and thus carries significant medical, financial, and psychological implications for the couples struggling with conception. Klinefelter syndrome is the most common chromosomal male anomaly associated with male infertility. This review focuses specifically on non-obstructive azoospermia secondary to Klinefelter syndrome and discusses controversies surrounding fertility management in patients with this genetic disorder. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(2):56–62 doi: 10.3909/riu0790] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLC

Klinefelter syndromeNon-obstructive azoospermiaSperm retrieval

Doug F MilamView Articles

Volume 20, Number 1Review Articles

Nocturia: Evaluation and Current Management Strategies

Management Update

Roger R DmochowskiW Stuart ReynoldsAlan J WeinCasey G KowalikJoshua A CohnSophia DelpeMelissa R KaufmanDoug F Milam

Nocturia is a complex condition that not only significantly affects quality of life, but may be an indicator of systemic disease. Initial assessment includes a detailed history and physical examination and completion of a frequency volume chart to help identify underlying causes, such as sleep disorders, bladder storage disorders, and polyuria. Treatment with alpha-blockers or antimuscarinic medications may help if the underlying cause is determined to be benign prostatic hyperplasia or overactive bladder, respectively. Treatment options for nocturnal polyuria have been limited to behavioral therapy and off-label use of timed diuretics and desmopressin. Desmopressin acetate nasal spray (Noctiva™, Avadel Pharmaceuticals, Chesterfield, MO) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2017 for the treatment of nocturia due to nocturnal polyuria in adults who awaken at least twice nightly and has shown efficacy in reducing nocturnal voids by $50% in up to 49% of patients in clinical trials. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(1):1–6 doi: 10.3909/riu0797] © 2018 MedReviews®, LLC

Benign prostatic hyperplasiaNocturiaDesmopressinNocturnal polyuriaOveractive bladder

Douglas ChinnView Articles
Dov KadmonView Articles
Driss TouitiView Articles

Volume 15, Number 1Case Review

Inguinal Bladder Hernia: Four Case Analyses

Kamal MoufidDriss TouitiLezrek Mohamed

A study of four cases presenting as inguinal bladder hernia was performed based on a review of the clinical presentation, circumstances of diagnostics, and surgical management. The mean age of patients was 66.5 years. Presenting symptoms included lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS; three cases) and decrease in scrotal size after voiding (one case). The diagnostic circumstances were incidental finding during investigation for urethral stricture (one case), preoperative discovery on the basis of decrease in scrotal size after voiding (one case), perioperative discovery during standard herniorrhaphy (one case), and peritoneal effusion secondary to bladder injury in the early postoperative period. All patients were managed successfully by replacement of the bladder in its original position and inguinal herniorrhaphy, the Lichtenstein technique (two cases), Shouldice repair (one case), or modified Bassini repair (one case) through the same inguinal incision. For one patient, bladder injury was diagnosed at the time of inguinal herniorrhaphy and repair was promptly made. For another, bladder injury was discovered only at surgical abdominal exploration. Surgical repair led to the resolution of signs and urologic symptoms in all but one patient who needed medical therapy for residual LUTS. An awareness of this possibility on the part of general surgeons should guide preoperative evaluation and therapy appropriately. Even if the preoperative diagnosis is missed, a perioperative diagnosis is crucial to avoid bladder injury during surgery. [Rev Urol. 2013;15(1):32-36 doi: 10.3909/riu0560] © 2013 MedReviews®, LLC

ComplicationsBladderInguinal herniaCystographyHerniorrhaphy

Drogo K MontagueView Articles
Duane R HicklingView Articles

Volume 15, Number 2Review Articles

Management of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Healthy Adult Women

Management Update

Victor W NittiDuane R Hickling

Recurrence after urinary tract infection (rUTI) is common in adult women. The majority of recurrences are believed to be reinfection from extraurinary sources such as the rectum or vagina. However, uropathogenic Escherichia coli are now known to invade urothelial cells and form quiescent intracellular bacterial reservoirs. Management of women with frequent symptomatic rUTI can be particularly vexing for both patients and their treating physicians. This review addresses available and promising management strategies for rUTI in healthy adult women. [Rev Urol. 2013;15(2):41-48 doi: 10.3909/riu0566] © 2013 MedReviews®, LLC

Recurrent urinary tract infectionUropathogenic Escherichia coliProphylaxis