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Directory of Authors from the Journal and their last article.

Bob DjavanView Articles
Bobby B NajariView Articles
Bobby NajariView Articles
Bogdan IlieView Articles

Volume 17, Number 1Original Research

Hemostasis During Urologic Surgery: Fibrin Sealant Compared With Absorbable Hemostat

David M. AlbalaJerome B RiebmanRichard KocharianBogdan IlieJohn AlbaneseJessica ShenLiza OvingtonJonathan Batiller

In the United States, fibrin sealants have been used to achieve hemostasis for nearly two decades. Although their clinical utility was first demonstrated in cardiac surgery, their effectiveness and safety have since been demonstrated to extend to a wide array of procedures. Fibrin sealants typically contain two components—fibrinogen and thrombin—that are combined and delivered simultaneously to a target bleeding site in order to achieve hemostasis. However, many commercial formulations contain other additional components, such as antifibrinolytic agents, that have been associated with adverse outcomes. This subanalysis compares the safety and effectiveness of a fibrin sealant versus an absorbable hemostat for achieving hemostasis during urologic procedures with mild to moderate bleeding. [Rev Urol. 2015;17(1):25-30 doi: 10.3909/ricm0647] © 2015 MedReviews®, LLC

BleedingHemostasisHemostaticsFibrin tissue adhesiveUrologic surgical proceduresSurgical technique

Brad J HoganView Articles

Volume 22, Number 4Review Articles

Application of Artificial Intelligence/Machine Vision & Learning for the Development of a Live Single-cell Phenotypic Biomarker Test to Predict Prostate Cancer Tumor Aggressiveness

Original Research

David M. AlbalaGrannum R SantJonathan S VarsanikMichael S ManakMatthew J WhitfieldBrad J HoganWendell R SuCJ JiangAshok C Chander

To assess the usefulness and applications of machine vision (MV) and machine learning (ML) techniques that have been used to develop a single cell–based phenotypic (live and fixed biomarkers) platform that correlates with tumor biological aggressiveness and risk stratification, 100 fresh prostate samples were acquired, and areas of prostate cancer were determined by post-surgery pathology reports logged by an independent pathologist. The prostate samples were dissociated into single-cell suspensions in the presence of an extracellular matrix formulation. These samples were analyzed via live-cell microscopy. Dynamic and fixed phenotypic biomarkers per cell were quantified using objective MV software and ML algorithms. The predictive nature of the ML algorithms was developed in two stages. First, random forest (RF) algorithms were developed using 70% of the samples. The developed algorithms were then tested for their predictive performance using the blinded test dataset that contained 30% of the samples in the second stage. Based on the ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis, thresholds were set to maximize both sensitivity and specificity. We determined the sensitivity and specificity of the assay by comparing the algorithm-generated predictions with adverse pathologic features in the radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens. Using MV and ML algorithms, the biomarkers predictive of adverse pathology at RP were ranked and a prostate cancer patient risk stratification test was developed that distinguishes patients based on surgical adverse pathology features. The ability to identify and track large numbers of individual cells over the length of the microscopy experimental monitoring cycles, in an automated way, created a large biomarker dataset of primary biomarkers. This biomarker dataset was then interrogated with ML algorithms used to correlate with post-surgical adverse pathology findings. Algorithms were generated that predicted adverse pathology with >0.85 sensitivity and specificity and an AUC (area under the curve) of >0.85. Phenotypic biomarkers provide cellular and molecular details that are informative for predicting post-surgical adverse pathologies when considering tumor biopsy samples. Artificial intelligence ML-based approaches for cancer risk stratification are emerging as important and powerful tools to compliment current measures of risk stratification. These techniques have capabilities to address tumor heterogeneity and the molecular complexity of prostate cancer. Specifically, the phenotypic test is a novel example of leveraging biomarkers and advances in MV and ML for developing a powerful prognostic and risk-stratification tool for prostate cancer patients. [Rev Urol. 2020;22(4):159–167] © 2021 MedReviews®, LLC

Prostate cancerArtificial intelligencePhenotypic biomarkersMachine visionMachine learning

Bradley D FiglerView Articles

Volume 18, Number 4Review Articles

Barriers to Accessing Urethroplasty

Treatment Update

David O SussmanGordon A BrownMichael J ConsoloKirin K SyedChristopher RobisonJacob McFaddenDavid I ShalowitzBradley D Figler

Urethroplasty is an effective treatment for men with anterior urethral strictures, but is utilized less frequently than ineffective treatments such as internal urethrotomy. We sought to identify provider-level barriers to urethroplasty. An anonymous online survey was emailed to all Mid-Atlantic American Urological Association members. Six scenarios in which urethroplasty was the most appropriate treatment were presented. Primary outcome was recommendation for urethroplasty in ≥ three clinical scenarios. Other factors measured include practice zip code, urethroplasty training, and proximity to a urethroplasty surgeon. Multivariate logistic regression identified factors associated with increased likelihood of urethroplasty recommendation. Of 670 members emailed, 109 (16%) completed the survey. Final analysis included 88 respondents. Mean years in practice was 17.2. Most respondents received formal training in urethroplasty: 43 (49%) in residency, 5 (6%) in fellowship, and 10 (11%) in both; 48 respondents (55%) had a urethroplasty surgeon in their practice, whereas 18 (20%) had a urethroplasty surgeon within 45 minutes of his or her primary practice location. The only covariate that was associated with an increased likelihood of recommending urethroplasty in ≥ three scenarios was formal urethroplasty training. Most members (68%) reported no barriers to referring patients for urethroplasty; the most common barriers cited were long distance to urethroplasty surgeon (n = 13, 15%) and concern about complications (n = 8, 9%). Urethroplasty continues to be underutilized in men with anterior urethral strictures, potentially due to lack of knowledge dissemination and access to a urethroplasty surgeon. Appropriate urethroplasty utilization may increase with greater exposure to urethroplasty in training. [Rev Urol. 2016;18(4):188-193 doi: 10.3909/riu0731] © 2016 MedReviews®, LLC

UrethroplastyUrethral stricturesBarriersPhysician practice patterns

Brahim EddafaliView Articles

Volume 13, Number 3Case Review

An Unusual Presentation of Primary Male Genital Tuberculosis

Imane KamaouiMohamed AmineBrahim EddafaliA Ibn SellamZakaria DahamiSaid Mohamed MoudouniIsmail Sarf

Urogenital tuberculosis is a rare disease; however, it is the second most common location for tuberculosis after the lung. Currently, incidence of urogenital tuberculosis is increasing due to factors such as a higher prevalence of immunosuppression (especially that caused by human immunodeficiency virus infection) and drug abuse. Herein a new case of male genital primary tuberculosis is reported presenting as a scrotal tumor; the originality of this observation lies in its unusual pseudotumor form. [Rev Urol. 2011;13(3):176-178 doi: 10.3909/riu0525] © 2011 MedReviews®, LLC

Urogenital tuberculosisEpididymal tuberculosisMale genital tuberculosis

Brandon L CravenView Articles

Volume 10, Number 3Review Articles

Hypercalcemic States Associated With Nephrolithiasis

Management Update

Dean G AssimosCorey PassmanBrandon L Craven

Although kidney stone formation due to hypercalcemic states is rare, it is important for urologists to understand the pathophysiology of these conditions, methods of diagnosis, and treatments. This should foster a quicker diagnosis and institution of appropriate therapy. The latter typically leads to the attenuation of kidney stone activity. Moreover, these patients have a systemic disease, and therapy has other health benefits. [Rev Urol. 2008;10(3):218-226]

NephrolithiasisVitamin DSarcoidosisHypercalcemiaCalcium homeostasisCalcitriolParathyroid hormoneHyperparathyroidism

Brent SnowView Articles
Brian J FlynnView Articles
Brian M BenwayView Articles

Volume 15, Number 2Case Review

Endoscopic Management of Genitourinary Foreign Bodies

Joseph B SongYoussef S TanaghoMohammed HaseebuddinBrian M BenwayAlana C DesaiSam B BhayaniRobert S Figenshau

Retrieval of foreign bodies from the genitourinary system, most commonly inserted for sexual satisfaction or as a result of a psychiatric illness, can pose a significant surgical challenge. Due to their breadth of size, shape, and location within the genitourinary system, endoscopic management can be difficult. Here, we review the management of four cases of foreign object insertion into the genitourinary system and their outcomes and management. [Rev Urol. 2013;15(2):84-91 doi: 10.3909/riu0571] © 2013 MedReviews®, LLC

Foreign body insertionSoundingGenitourinary foreign objectEndoscopic extraction

Brian MilesView Articles
Brian P DeFadeView Articles

Volume 13, Number 1Review Articles

Postprostatectomy Erectile Dysfunction: The Role of Penile Rehabilitation

Management Update

Brian P DeFadeCulley C CarsonMichael J Kennelly

"Radical prostatectomy has become the gold standard for the treatment of prostate cancer in patients who have a longer than 10-year life expectancy. Surgical treatment has led to severe quality-of-life issues in these patients, especially urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction (ED). This article reviews the etiology and pathophysiology of postprostatectomy ED, and current management strategies for these patients. [Rev Urol. 2011;13(1):6-13 doi: 10.3909/riu0501]"

Erectile dysfunctionPenile rehabilitationProstatectomy

Brian R MatlagaView Articles
Brian WeissView Articles
Brooke EdwardsView 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

Bruce R KavaView Articles
Bruno Moraes VasconcelosView Articles

Volume 16, Number 1Case Review

Metastatic Urethral Melanoma: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Luiz Ronaldo AlbertiBruno Moraes VasconcelosRafaela Saint-Clair Pimentel Mafra De Oliveira

Melanoma is a cancer that originates from melanocytes, is predominant in adults with white skin, represents 4% of skin cancers, and has high possibility of forming metastasis. This review reports on the case of a young man, age 36 years, previously diagnosed with melanoma. The patient complained of obstructive urinary symptoms and, while he was undergoing a cystoscopy, it was discovered that he had a lesion corresponding with metastatic melanoma of the prostatic urethra, which occluded almost the entire urethra and resulted in blocked urinary flow. He underwent a transurethral resection of the prostate, followed by resection of the lesion. After the procedure, he had good urinary flow and is currently on follow-up. [Rev Urol. 2014;16(1):47-49 doi: 10.3909/riu0584] © 2014 MedReviews®, LLC

UrethraMetastasisMelanomaUrinary obstructionUrethral melanoma

Bryan J DonnellyView Articles
Bryant Van LeeuwenView Articles

Volume 20, Number 1Case Review

A Potential Link: Cross-fused Renal Ectopia With Concomitant Absent Left Testicle

Bryant Van LeeuwenDavid W DrevnaJoseph Dankoff

Cross-fused renal ectopia (CFRE) is a rare congenital anomaly in which both kidneys are located on a unilateral side of the retroperitoneal space. The ureter of the ectopic kidney is seen to pass over the midline to insert in its normal anatomic position. Frequently this anomaly goes undetected until there is radiologic screening for other purposes or when other genitourinary issues are investigated. Although frequently isolated, this condition has been reported to be associated with other congenital anomalies, genetic disorders, and various urogenital anomalies more than 50% of the time. However, we found no cases linking CFRE with a solitary testicle. This is a case of a 30-year-old man with left-to-right CFRE with concomitant absent left testicle and obstructing distal calculus. [Rev Urol. 2018;20(1):49–51 doi: 10.3909/riu0770] © 2018 MedReviews, LLC®

Cross-fused renal ectopiaCFRE