Citations

Abstract Introduction Transurethral bipolar enucleation of the prostate (TUBE) is an enucleation procedure with similar functional urinary outcomes to holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). In comparison to the steep learning curve associated with HoLEP, TUBE appears to be more easily reproductible likely due to pre-existing familiarity with instrumentation. Despite the significant benefits associated with TUBE, retrograde ejaculation has been shown to occur in approximately 44.3% of patients. Objective Patient perspectives have previously emphasized the importance of preserving erectile and ejaculatory function, however the lack of subjective and objective data after TUBE makes it difficult to determine the overall impact on sexual function. We therefore sought to assess the objective and subjective sexual outcomes in men undergoing TUBE. Methods After IRB approval, a retrospective review of 112 patients undergoing transurethral bipolar enucleation procedures with a single surgeon at a tertiary care center was analyzed. The database included patient demographics, prostate information, preoperative uroflow medication, preoperative bladder management, intraoperative characteristics, and pre- and post-operative IIEF scores. To evaluate subjective patient responses, a 21-question survey incorporating the IIEF score and subjective questions to determine ejaculatory, orgasmic, and erectile function was disseminated. Results On objective analysis, smaller prostate size was significantly associated with a lower post-operative sexual satisfaction (p < 0.023). Larger prostates (>125 g & 75-125 g) and the absence of a median lobe were significantly and independently associated with larger changes in post-operative intercourse satisfaction scores (p < 0.05). Intraoperative morcellation, medication usage, preoperative bladder management, and demographic characteristics were not associated with sexual satisfaction scores. On subjective analysis, twenty-seven percent of patients were not engaging in sexual activity post-procedurally. Of the patients that were sexually active, 24% were able to achieve an erection, 36% were almost always or always able to ejaculate, 57% continued to orgasm or climax, and 50% experienced sexual desire more than half of the time. However, 18% of men noted ejaculatory dysfunction contributed to diminished orgasmic function and sensation issues and 37% noted dissatisfaction with orgasms. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study to analyze objective and subjective patient responses to sexual function post-TUBE surgery. On objective analysis, improvements in intercourse satisfaction following TUBE surgery were more common in patients with larger prostate sizes and presence of a median lobe. On subjective analysis, erectile satisfaction rates remained high, however patients endorsed issues with orgasm and ejaculatory function, often associated with retrograde ejaculation. This data will allow us to improve patient counseling preoperatively and potentially offer less aggressive operations in patients who prioritize sexual function. Disclosure No.

Objectives To evaluate the pre‐ and intraoperative variables that impact the integrity of the corporal bodies over time after inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) placement, as predictors of intraoperative corporal perforation and delayed cylinder complications have not been well characterized. Patients and Methods We retrospectively reviewed a 16‐centre multi‐institutional database of IPP surgeries performed by experienced implanters from 2016 to 2021. Poor corporal integrity (PCI) was defined as intraoperative (iPCI) corporal complications or postoperative (pPCI) corporal complications. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of PCI, iPCI, and pPCI. Primary outcomes included intra‐ and postoperative corporal complications. Results We identified 5153 patients for analysis from 5406 IPP cases, finding 152 (2.95%) cases of PCI. On multivariable analysis, predictors of PCI included revision IPP surgery (odds ratio [OR] 8.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.15–12.92; P < 0.001), sequential dilatation (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.32–3.39; P = 0.002), coronary artery disease (CAD)/peripheral vascular disease (PVD) (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.18–2.77; P = 0.006), older age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04; P = 0.013), and corporal scarring (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.0–2.5; P = 0.049). Predictors of iPCI included revision IPP surgery (OR 7.34, 95% CI 4.18–12.88; P < 0.001), corporal scarring (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.64–4.69; P < 0.001), radiation therapy (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.0–5.04; P = 0.049), and older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.0–1.05; P = 0.025). Revision IPP surgery (OR 7.92, 95% CI 3.69–17.01; P < 0.001), sequential dilatation (OR 3.4, 95% CI 1.61–7.19; P = 0.001), CAD/PVD (OR 2.98, 95% CI 1.56–5.72; P = 0.001), and history of priapism (OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.08–11.99; P = 0.038) were predictive of pPCI. Conclusion Coronary artery disease/PVD, being of older age, having corporal scarring, undergoing IPP revision surgery and sequential dilatation were predictive risk factors for complications associated with PCI. Identifying patients who are at risk of having PCI may improve patient‐specific counselling, consideration of referral to more experienced implanters, and surgical planning to potentially promote longer‐term device viability.

Abstract Introduction Inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) surgery is a well-established treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED). There is little information in the literature regarding the utilization of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis in primary and revision IPP surgeries. Objective We investigated the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis among a large multinational cohort of primary and revision IPP surgeries. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 5400 patients (4187 primary IPP patients and 849 revision IPP patients) from our Prosthetic Urology Multi-Institutional Partnership (PUMP) institutions. Usage data for intravenous (IV), preoperative oral, and postoperative oral antimicrobials were analyzed. We specifically assessed patient profiles, antimicrobial selection, and antimicrobial duration. Multivariate statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant variations between primary and revision surgeries. Results For patients undergoing primary IPP placement, 81.9% received IV antibiotics for &lt;24 hours whereas 18.1% received IV antibiotics for &gt;24 hours. Preoperative oral antimicrobials were used in 59.4% of patients and 99.4% received postoperative oral antimicrobials. The overall infection rate for primary implants was 2%. Notably, quinolone administration shows a higher postoperative infection rate (11.4%) compared to gentamicin (1.9%), cephalosporin (0%), and vancomycin (1.0%). Multivariable regression analysis identifies factors such as a history of infection, diabetes, and priapism as predictors for postoperative infections. Furthermore, the study finds that perioperative antifungal use is associated with a decreased risk of infection. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the patterns of perioperative antimicrobial prophylaxis. Duration, type, and route of antibiotics given preoperatively or postoperatively do not affect postoperative infection rates among high volume prosthetic urologists. Giving IV antibiotics for more than 24 hours does not affect postoperative infection. Perioperative antifungals are a protective factor. Disclosure Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Coloplast, Clarus Therapeutics, Antares Pharma, Acerus.

Introduction: There are discrepant definitions of both iron deficiency and anemia in pregnancy. It is recognized that iron requirements increase during pregnancy, particularly in the third trimester, and that deficiencies should be corrected to avoid adverse maternal-fetal outcomes. While low dose iron supplementation is recommended for all pregnant persons (ACOG Bulletin 233), dosing through prenatal vitamins varies widely. Additionally, despite the epidemic of iron deficiency in reproductive-age females globally and availability of high-value biomarkers (e.g., ferritin), current guidelines only recommend screening for iron deficiency during pregnancy in the presence of anemia. As anemia is the terminal manifestation of iron deficiency and reference ranges vary by organization, these guidelines and practices warrant further investigation and discussion. Methods: Retrospective review and analysis of the electronic health record at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) was performed for obstetric deliveries between June 2022 and May 2023. Iron deficiency was defined as a ferritin &lt;50 mcg/L and anemia was defined as a hemoglobin &lt;11 g/dL. Results: A total of 2,141 unique deliveries were identified. The median age at delivery was 31 years old (range: 15 - 45) with 82% identifying as white. Anemia was documented in 42% (n=904) of pregnancies at least once throughout gestation, with an increasing frequency of 2% (n=43) in the first trimester, 11% (n=230) in the second trimester, 17% (n=361) in the third trimester, and 38% (n=803) from admission for delivery through the peri-partum period. There were five documented pRBC transfusions prior to admission for delivery; however, from admission for delivery through the peri-partum period, there were a total of 102 documented pRBC transfusions. In total, 15% (n=318) of pregnancies were screened for iron deficiency through ferritin testing. Ferritin levels were measured 415 times with 23% (n=96) occurring between the last menstrual period and 12 weeks gestational age (WGA), 24% (n=100) occurring between 13-27 WGA, 40% (n=164) occurring between 28-40 WGA, and 13% (n=55) occurring post-partum. Iron deficiency was found in 70% (n=67), 79% (n=79), 80% (n=164), and 78% (n=43) of measured ferritin levels, respectively. Despite the paucity of screening, prescriptions for oral iron increased throughout gestation with supplementation in pregnancy for 8% (n=170) prior to 12 WGA, 14% (n=290) for those 13-27 WGA, and 23% (n=489) for those 28-40 WGA. Similarly, intravenous iron infusions increased throughout gestation with supplementation in pregnancy for 0.3% (n=7) prior to 12 WGA, 0.7% (n=16) for those 13-27 WGA, and 4% (n=95) for those 28-40 WGA. Prenatal vitamins were documented in over 90% of pregnancies throughout gestation, although the majority were non-prescription and contained variable amounts of elemental iron. Conclusions: Iron deficiency in pregnancy is underrecognized and undertreated. It follows that the accuracy of current reference ranges for anemia in pregnancy are suspect without rigorous verification of replete iron stores in the reference population. Given potential implications for blood product utilization and prenatal care, additional studies are warranted to better characterize iron deficiency in pregnancy as well as clinical sequelae for both mothers and infants. Simultaneously, discussions are needed around current guidelines and recommendations for both screening and treating iron deficiency in pregnancy. Providers, institutions, and professional societies should pursue pragmatic quality improvement initiatives and equitable healthcare delivery efforts to optimize care for this vulnerable patient population at high risk of iron deficiency.

Introduction: The outcomes of patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma (MM) have improved significantly with the advent of immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, and high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Further advancements include immune-based approaches such as bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen T-cell receptor therapy. However, most of these therapies are predominantly available in developed countries, with limited access globally. Our study aimed to ascertain the landscape of interventions being used in developing countries for MM, and their efficacy. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted on March 13, 2023, using Embase via Elsevier, PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and CENTRAL. We included retrospective and prospective studies that were evaluating interventions for patients with plasma cell dycrasias in the developing country setting. We defined developing country according to the United Nations. For comparative studies, we calculated the risk ratio (RR) for binary outcomes such as overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), estimating 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and pooling data using the DerSimonian and Laird random effects model. For non-comparative studies, we calculated overall event rates and transformed them using the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine method, then pooled the data using the same random effects model. All statistical analyses were conducted using R version 4.4.0. Results: A total of 448 records were identified, of which 37 studies met the eligibility criteria. The overall risk of bias was moderate. The included studies evaluated induction treatments using doublet and triplet-based therapies, including TD (thalidomide and dexamethasone), VD (bortezomib and dexamethasone), MP (melphalan and prednisone), CTD (cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone), VTD (bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone), and VAD (vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone). Lenalidomide was notably absent in the induction regimens apart from one non-comparative study reported on the use of RVD (lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone). Studies were divided into comparative (n=11) and non-comparative groups (n=26). Comparative studies included: HSCT vs. no HSCT, induction with alkylating agents vs. thalidomide or bortezomib, and thalidomide vs. bortezomib or CTD vs. VTD. Lenalidomide use in comparative studies was reported only post-HSCT, compared against observation. High-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous HSCT was commonly utilized, with most studies reporting outcomes for patients who underwent autologous HSCT. Two comparative studies from 2 countries (Colombia and India) compared the overall survival of autologous HSCT in patients diagnosed with MM (N=130) vs. patients who never received ASCT (N=293). At one year of follow-up, there was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) between patients who received autologous HSCT and those who did not (relative risk [RR] = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.93-1.33). However, a significant improvement in OS was observed at five years post-autologous HSCT (RR = 1.59, 95% CI: 1.38-1.82). The pooled estimate for five-year OS in single-arm studies, which included nine cohorts from seven countries (Pakistan, India, Colombia, Algeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, and Peru), was 62% (95% CI: 48-75). Progression-free survival (PFS) at five years post-HSCT, reported in three cohorts from three countries (India, Algeria, and Mexico), was 44% (95% CI: 23-67). Conclusions: Most of the recent advancements in MM treatment, including immunomodulatory drugs, proteasome inhibitors, and anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies, were not widely utilized globally, particularly in developing countries. This limited access is a major issue, hindering the potential improvement in patient outcomes. However, high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous HSCT showed good outcomes, demonstrating a significant survival advantage at five years follow-up. The lack of survival benefits at one-year post-HSCT may be due to high toxicity and/or limited resources to manage side effects in developing countries. Addressing the disparity in treatment availability is crucial for improving MM management and patient survival globally.

ABSTRACT Background Surgical resection for pancreas ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains the mainstay of treatment. Regardless of enhanced survival rates, disparities in patient outcomes and experiences driven by the social determinants of health (SDH) persist. The area deprivation index (ADI) comprises 17 indicators related to education, employment, housing‐quality, and poverty. We sought to examine the impact of ADI on surgical outcomes of PDAC patients. Methods Patients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy or distal pancreatectomy for PDAC between January 2011 and December 2022 were identified. ADI was calculated using patient zip codes and categorized into quartiles, with the highest indicating the most marginalized. The primary outcome was loss to follow‐up after surgical resection. To account for confounders, a competing risk multivariable regression analysis was used. Results A total of 1001 patients had a mean age of 66.6 (±9.64), with 46.3% ( n = 463) of patients being female. A majority, 94.6% ( n = 947), identified as white, and 64.1% ( n = 641) had at least a college degree. The median length of follow‐up after surgery was 1.8 years (interquartile range: 0.9–3.5). Multivariable analysis adjusting for competing risk of death, showed that patients who are least marginalized are 1.57 times more likely to have their follow‐up than those most marginalized (hazard ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.08–2.29, p = 0.017). Conclusion SDH impact many aspects of patient's care including a higher risk of loss to follow‐up for marginalized patients after surgery for PDAC. Future efforts should seek to identify and lower barriers faced by marginalized patients with system‐level changes to ensure equitable access.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify successful recruitment strategies and obstacles reported by principal investigators (PIs) of the Zoster Eye Disease Study (ZEDS). Methods: A web-based survey was created by a subset of ZEDS PIs and distributed to ZEDS PIs after study enrollment was closed. The survey queried investigators about recruitment strategies and obstacles, use of prophylactic oral antiviral medication, electronic medical records, telemedicine, COVID-19 effect, turnover of research staff, and recruitment outreach to minority and underserved populations. The survey allowed objective measures and free-text options. Analysis from centers with higher enrollment was compared with centers with lower enrollment to identify successful strategies and common obstacles. Results: The most frequently cited helpful strategies were participation from ophthalmologists within the PI's institution (33/63, 52%), ophthalmology resident referrals (23/63, 37%), and chart review (23/63, 37%). Travel to participating clinical center (42/63, 67%) and ongoing prophylactic use of oral systemic antiviral medication (39/63, 62%) were common obstacles. Research coordinator turnover was identified as a contributor to reduced recruitment success by 49% (31/63) of PIs and made recruitment much harder for 22% (14/63). A small number of investigators used telemedicine (18/63, 29%) and few made efforts to recruit from minority and underserved populations (10/63, 16%). Conclusions: Our survey highlights the importance of internal ophthalmologist referral, chart review, and research coordinator commitment for successful clinical trial recruitment. We discuss the impact of prophylactic use of oral antiviral medication on recruitment. Future randomized clinical trials should mobilize the helpful recruitment strategies and improve outreach to underserved populations.

Background Short-term outcomes after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) are well-studied, but long-term reoperation rates and their indications remain poorly characterized. Methods A single-center retrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent PD for pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 1/2011 and 12/2021. Reoperations occurring >90 days after PD were dichotomized to being related or unrelated to the index PD or pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The Kaplan-Meier analysis estimated the incidence of long-term reoperation at 1 and 5 years postoperatively. Results Six-hundred twenty-eight patients were included. The 5-year incidence of any additional operation >90 days after PD was 30.0% (95% CI 23.2-36.2%), and the 5-year incidence of any long-term related reoperation was 21.2% (95% CI 15.0-26.8%). The most common indications for reoperations by 5-year incidence were cancer recurrence (12.8%, 95% CI 7.6-17.7%), incisional hernia (6.2%, 95% CI 2.6-9.7%), small bowel obstruction (1.3%, 95% CI 0.2-2.4%), and leak, fistula, or infection (1.0%, 95% CI 0.1-2.0%). Of the examined risk factors, only 90-day reoperation was found to be predictive of long-term related reoperations ( P = 0.02). Additionally, the 5-year incidence of endoscopic or interventional radiology procedures was 20.2% (95% CI 14.5-25.4%). However, 40.9% (95% CI 33.6-47.3%) of patients required additional surgery or procedures of any kind between 90 days and 5 years after PD. Discussion Within 5 years of PD, one in three patients required additional surgery, and one in five had operations for related indications. Related reoperative indications included recurrence, hernia, PD-specific complications, and small bowel obstruction. However, the rates of each of these reoperations were relatively low.

Preoperative anemia is common and associated with worse outcomes in cardiac surgery including acute kidney injury, red blood cell transfusion, cardiovascular complications, stroke, infection, and death. Patient blood management programs, which include dedicated clinical programs to diagnose and treat anemia in advance of surgery (ie, preoperative anemia programs), have been highlighted as a means to optimize the blood health of each patient, thereby decreasing risk for allogeneic transfusion and improving clinical outcomes. However, there remain implementation challenges for preoperative anemia programs, including difficulties with education of patients and staff, short lead times to address anemia, infrastructure and staffing limitations, lack of clear leadership or ownership of preoperative anemia, the need to develop treatment algorithms and ensure appropriate infusion therapy support, lack of capital support, and insurance/reimbursement concerns, amongst others. The purpose of this advisory from the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) Clinical Practice Improvement Committee and the Subcommittee on Patient Blood Management with endorsement from the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM) is to provide guidance on the development and implementation of a preoperative anemia clinic or service line, including identification and navigation through potential logistical barriers. A detailed analysis of financial incentives is highlighted in our companion article in this edition focuses on the return on investment of anemia management. Although originating with a focus on anemia before cardiac surgery, this advisory is broadly applicable to all perioperative patients.

Despite multiple recent guidelines recommending the diagnosis and treatment of anemia before elective cardiac surgery, few institutions have formal programs or methods in place to accomplish this. A major limitation is the perceived financial shortfall and the leadership buy-in required to undertake such an initiative. The purpose of this advisory from the Society of Cardiovascular Anesthesiologists (SCA) Clinical Practice Improvement Committee with endorsement by the Society for the Advancement of Patient Blood Management (SABM) is to provide an overview of preoperative anemia management programs with an emphasis on the associated financial implications. This advisory reviews the evidence for preoperative anemia management programs in both cardiac and noncardiac surgery, discusses options for managing preoperative anemia, provides novel financial modeling regarding the implementation of preoperative anemia management programs, and describes implementation challenges, potential solutions, and opportunities for improvement.