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Directory of Authors from the Journal and their last article.

Patrick W MufarrijView Articles

Volume 8, Number 4Reviews in Urology

Robotic Ureterolysis, Retroperitoneal Biopsy, and Omental Wrap for the Treatment of Ureteral Obstruction Due to Idiopathic Retroperitoneal Fibrosis

Case Review

Patrick W MufarrijMichael D Stifelman

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disorder of unclear etiology characterized by chronic inflammation of the retroperitoneum, which can involve any of the retroperitoneal structures, most notably the ureters, aorta, and vena cava. Historically, open biopsy, ureterolysis, and transpositioning or omental wrapping of the involved ureter(s) have been the preferred surgical treatments of RPF, with success rates greater than 90%. More recently, successful laparoscopic biopsy, ureterolysis, and ureteral omental wrapping and intraperitonealization have been described. We report the first case in the literature of idiopathic RPF managed with robotic ureterolysis and laparoscopic omental ureteral wrapping. [Rev Urol. 2006;8(4):226-230]

Retroperitoneal fibrosisRobotic ureterolysisOmental wrap

Paul AbramsView Articles
Paul AranguaView Articles

Volume 20, Number 1Original Research

Transrectal Ultrasound–guided Versus Transperineal Mapping Prostate Biopsy: Complication Comparison

Transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy • Transperieneal mapping prostate biopsy • Complications

Vladimir MouravievE David CrawfordVassilios M SkouterisPaul AranguaMarios Panagiotis MetsinisMichael SkouterisGeorge ZacharopoulosNelson N Stone

Herein, the authors compare morbidity in men who underwent both transrectal ultrasound–guided (TRUS) prostate biopsy and transperineal mapping biopsy (TPMB) at two institutions with extensive experience in both procedures. We also identified strategies and predictive factors to reduce morbidity for both procedures. In our study, 379 men from two institutions, of which 265 (69.9%) had a prior TRUS-guided biopsy, also had TPMB performed via a template with biopsies taken at 5-mm intervals. Men in the TRUS group had a median of 12 cores sampled whereas the TPMB group had 51.5 (range, 16-151). The median biopsy density was 1.1 core/cc prostate volume. Median age and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level were 65 years (range, 34-86) and 5.5 ng/mL (range, 0.02-118). Of these men, 11 of 265 (4.2%) who had TRUS biopsy developed urinary tract infection compared with 3 of 379 (0.79%) of those with mapping biopsy. Infection was 14.8% in TRUS biopsy group with 13 or more cores versus 2.9% in those with 12 or less (OR, 5.8; 95% CI, 1.6-21.2; P = 0.003). No men developed retention after TRUS biopsy whereas 30 of 379 (7.9%) did following TPMB. Older age, larger prostate volume (PV), and higher core number were associated with retention. On linear regression only age (P = 0.010) and PV (P = 0.016) remained as significant associations. Men older than 65 years had 12.8% versus 3.9% (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.6-8.4, P = 0.001) and PV greater than 42 cc had 13.4% versus 2.7% (OR, 5.7; 95% CI, 2.1-15.1) retention incidence. In the present study TPMB is rarely associated with infection (0.78%) but more commonly with urinary retention (7.9%). Men older than 65 years and with PV greater than 42 cc were at four to five times greater retention risk. Consideration should be given to discharging these men with a urinary catheter following TPMB. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(1):19–25 doi: 10.3909/riu0785] © 2018 MedReviews, LLC®

ComplicationsTransrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsyTransperieneal mapping prostate biopsy

Paul BrowerView Articles

Volume 8, Number 2Review Articles

The Business of Urology - Your First Job

Special Feature

Paul Brower

Young doctors nearing the end of their residency must begin to consider how to chart the course of their careers. Most residents will go into private practice. This requires a huge leap, from academia into the business world of medicine. Young doctors, long preoccupied with the clinical and academic aspects of medicine, are frequently ill-prepared for this process, having no insight as to what they can do to match themselves to the right practice or multi-specialty group. This article discusses the stages of this process, from initial geographic decisions to securing interviews, to assessing the health of a given practice, to the details of contract negotiation. [Rev Urol. 2006;8(2):71-75]

CompensationResidentsEmploymentPrivate practiceMedicarePPOHMOContract negotiation

Paul CinquinaView 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

Paul D McClainView Articles

Volume 15, Number 2Review Articles

Optimizing Shock Wave Lithotripsy: A Comprehensive Review

Treatment Update

Dean G AssimosPaul D McClainJessica N Lange

Shock wave lithotripsy is a commonly used procedure for eradicating upper urinary tract stones in patients who require treatment. A number of methods have been proposed to improve the results of this procedure, including proper patient selection, modifications in technique, adjunctive therapy to facilitate elimination of fragments, and changes in lithotripter design. This article assesses the utility of these measures through an analysis of contemporary literature. [Rev Urol. 2013;15(2):49-60 doi: 10.3909/riu0568] © 2013 MedReviews®, LLC

Upper urinary tract stonesShock wave lithotripsyComminution

Paul D MillerView Articles
Paul DatoView Articles

Volume 23, Number 3Prostate Cancer

Darolutamide for the Management of Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer: A Urologist-Oncologist Perspective

Paul DatoRana R. McKay

Metastatic prostate cancer accounts for 8% of all prostate cancer cases in the United States and has an estimated 5-year survival rate of 34%. Androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of treatment for men with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC), but there has been a recent focus on early treatment intensification through dual- or triple-therapy approaches, which have shown substantial survival benefit compared with ADT alone. Darolutamide, a distinct androgen receptor inhibitor, is the latest treatment for men with metastatic HSPC. In the Darolutamide in Addition to Standard Androgen Deprivation Therapy and Docetaxel in Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer (ARASENS) trial (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02799602), darolutamide in combination with ADT and docetaxel reduced the risk of death by 32.5% (P < .001) compared with ADT plus docetaxel in men with metastatic HSPC. The most recent National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines (2023) support the use of triple-therapy regimens for men with high-volume metastatic HSPC, but concerns about the side effects of the short-term chemotherapy component of this regimen necessitate a comprehensive approach to providing supportive care to ensure that patients are willing to begin and remain on treatment. Effective management should involve a well-informed multidisciplinary team with patient education and support to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. Here, we review the results of the ARASENS trial and consider the implications for the management of metastatic HSPC. By showing a statistically significant reduction in risk of death, triple therapy combining darolutamide with ADT and docetaxel has emerged as a new treatment modality that may help men with metastatic HSPC achieve prolonged survival while maintaining an acceptable quality of life.

Prostatic neoplasmsDrug therapyNeoplasm metastasisAndrogen receptor antagonists

Paul E AndrewsView Articles

Volume 16, Number 2Review Articles

Proton Beam Therapy for Localized Prostate Cancer 101: Basics, Controversies, and Facts

Treatment Update

Eric S WisenbaughPaul E AndrewsRobert G FerrigniSteven E SchildSameer R KeoleWilliam W WongSujay A Vora

Proton beam therapy for prostate cancer has become a source of controversy in the urologic community, and the rapid dissemination and marketing of this technology has led to many patients inquiring about this therapy. Yet the complexity of the technology, the cost, and the conflicting messages in the literature have left many urologists ill equipped to counsel their patients regarding this option. This article reviews the basic science of the proton beam, examines the reasons for both the hype and the controversy surrounding this therapy, and, most importantly, examines the literature so that every urologist is able to comfortably discuss this option with inquiring patients. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(2):67-75 doi: 10.3909/riu0601] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLC

Prostate cancerProton beam therapyExternal beam radiation therapyIntensity

Paul H LangeView Articles

Volume 9, Number 4Review Articles

Newer Potential Biomarkers in Prostate Cancer

Diagnostic Update

Paul H LangeJonathan L Wright

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening has led to a significant rise in the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer and an associated increase in biopsies performed. Despite its limitations, including a positive predictive value of only 25%-40%, PSA remains the only generally accepted biomarker for prostate cancer. There is a need for better tools to not only identify men with prostate cancer, but also to recognize those with potentially lethal disease who will benefit from intervention. A great deal of work has been done worldwide to improve our knowledge of the genetics behind prostate cancer and the specificity of PSA by developing assays for different PSA isoforms. Common genetic alterations in prostate cancer patients have been identified, including CpG hypermethylation of GSPT1 and TMPRSS2:ERG gene fusion. Serum and urine detection of RNA biomarkers (eg, PCA3) and prostate cancer tissue protein antibodies (eg, EPCA) are being evaluated for detection and prognostic tools. This article reviews some of the promising developments in biomarkers. [Rev Urol. 2007;9(4):207-213]

Prostate-specific antigenPCA3Alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemaseAutoantibody arraysEpigenetic markersGene fusion proteinsHuman kallikreinsPSA isoformsRNA biomarkers

Paul HoffmanView Articles
Paul KozlowskiView Articles

Volume 19, Number 3Case Review

Surgical Solution to an Intracorporeal Nickel Allergy

Andrew StammPaul KozlowskiJared Brandenberger

A previously healthy 30-year-old man with a symptomatic varicocele underwent gonadal vein embolization using nickel vascular plugs. He developed a painful hypersensitivity to his nickel plugs and elected to pursue laparoscopic excision and proximal gonadal vein ligation. In the operating room, the gonadal vein was isolated from the ureter, and ligated proximal to the cephalad plug and distal to the caudal coil. His pain is completely resolved 5 months after surgery. Metal allergies are well documented in orthopedics and cardiology implants, but there are a limited number of case reports of metal allergies after varicocele embolization. Interestingly, nickel is the most common type of metal hypersensitivity. [Rev Urol. 2017;19(3):195–197 doi: 10.3909/riu0769] © 2017 MedReviews®, LLC

VaricoceleMetal allergyNickelCoil embolizationGonadal vein

Paul NathanView Articles

Volume 18, Number 3Review Articles

Perioperative Considerations in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

Management Update

Kate FlavinJim AsheadTim LaneDamian HanburyPaul NathanShanmugasundaram Gowrie-Mohan

Patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma are complex, with the potential for significant complications, and require extensive pre-, peri-, and postoperative management. This article discusses, in depth, the necessary considerations in the treatment of these patients. [Rev Urol. 2016;18(3):133-142 doi: 10.3909/riu0697] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

Renal cell carcinomaRadical nephrectomyCytoreductive nephrectomyMetastasis

Paul R SieberView Articles

Volume 16, Number 1Review Articles

Emerging Therapeutic for the Treatment of Skeletal-related Events Associated With Metastatic Castrate-resistant Prostate Cancer

CME-certified Article

Paul R Sieber

Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in US and European men and the second leading cause of cancer death in those populations. It is somewhat unique in that nearly all patients who succumb to the disease will ultimately develop bone metastasis. Morbidity from bone metastasis&mdash;referred to as skeletal-related events, which include fractures, cord compression, radiation to bone, and surgery to bone&mdash;leads to significant costs and impaired quality of life. This article reviews three agents and the roles they play in the ever-changing armamentarium of treatments for metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). The potential benefits of these agents are discussed, as well as the continuing use of these agents and their earlier introduction in the patient with progressive mCRPC with bone metastasis. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(1):10-20 doi: 10.3909/riu0609] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLC

Metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancerSkeletal-related eventsBone metastasisZoledronic acidDenosumabRadium Ra 223 dichloride

Pavel SvintozelskiyView Articles

Volume 23, Number 1Literature Reviews

Comparison of Methods for Ureteral Patency Visualization

Michelle BoytimMatthew J. JonesAlex S. BartPavel Svintozelskiy

The most common cause of ureteral trauma occurs during open, laparoscopic, or endoscopic procedures across multiple specialties. Ureteral injuries are often unrecognized or mismanaged. Early recognition of ureteral injuries by cystoscopy allows for prompt intervention. Visualization can be enhanced using agents that color or improve the contrast of ureteral flow.

Cystoscopydiagnostic imagingindigo carminemethylene bluefluorescein

Payal KapurView Articles

Volume 22, Number 2Case Review

First Do No Harm: A Cautious, Risk-adapted Approach to Testicular Cancer Patients

Nirmish SinglaAditya BagrodiaHersh M TrivediJohn LafinDavid FetzerPayal Kapur

Current guidelines regarding treatment for germ-cell tumors (GCTs) emphasizes cautious progression focusing on stage-specific treatments. Presented herein is the case of a 30-year-old man who, through monitoring of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels and surveillance imaging, avoided excessive treatment. This case demonstrates how an experienced clinician, familiar with natural history of GCTs, can appropriately classify level of risk and allow a patient to preserve natural fertility. Furthermore, we highlight the potential for miRNA analysis in staging and management of GCTs. This case serves to underscore the importance of acting with caution in the pursuit of the best outcome for our patients. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(2):85–89] © 2020 MedReviews®, LLC

Perinchery NarayanView Articles
Peter GrimmView Articles
Peter H GannView Articles
Peter K SandView Articles

Volume 9, Number 1Review Articles

Diagnosis of Interstitial Cystitis/ Painful Bladder Syndrome in Patients With Overactive Bladder Symptoms

Diagnosis Update

Scott MacDiarmidPeter K Sand

Overactive bladder (OAB) and interstitial cystitis (IC) have similar symptoms, including urinary urgency/frequency and nocturia, making them difficult to differentiate on the basis of clinical presentation alone. Both conditions may represent a clinical manifestation of a hypersensitive bladder and should be included in the differential diagnosis for patients who present with urgency/ frequency. It is especially important that IC be considered in patients with OAB that is refractory to treatment. The proposed diagnostic framework may be useful for differentiating IC from OAB and for facilitating appropriate treatment. [Rev Urol. 2007;9(1):9-16]

Overactive bladderInterstitial cystitisPainful bladder syndrome