Benign Conditions

The use of robot-assisted simple prostatectomy is increasing for the management of BPH in the United States. Patients were nearly seven times more likely to undergo RASP in 2011-2015 compared to 2003-2006, after adjusting for confounders.

Analyses of data from 5 years of prospective follow-up in the pivotal trial supporting regulatory approval of the prostatic urethral lift ([PUL] UroLift System, NeoTract) show that the minimally invasive procedure remains safe and provides rapid and durable benefits for men with symptomatic BPH.

Badar M. Mian, MD, discusses a recent study about the use of external physical vibration lithecbole for treating residual stones after retrograde intrarenal surgery.

Findings of a retrospective study including 1,000 men with follow-up ranging to 8 years demonstrate the long-term safety and efficacy of prostatic artery embolization for relieving lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH, researchers reported at the Society of Interventional Radiology annual scientific meeting in Washington.

Among ED visits within 30 days of elective ureteroscopy over the 6-month span, pain was the presenting complaint in about 60% of patients, Scott and White Medical Center researchers report.

Study findings serve as a reminder of the importance of prompt and direct physical therapy referrals for pelvic floor pain patients, researchers say.

Urologists’ adherence to value-based care pathways for BPH surgery is extremely low and only modestly improved when given individualized feedback on patient outcomes, costs, and practice patterns relative to peers, say UCLA researchers.

Use of 5α-reductase inhibitors for the treatment of BPH appears to be associated with increased risks of self-harm and depression, according to a population-based, retrospective, matched cohort study of men in Canada.

Other pipeline developments include efficacy results for a bladder and prostate cancer drug, an infertility tool to predict sperm quality, the initiation of an immunotherapy combination for mUC, and more.

The results could have major diagnostic and treatment implications for pediatric kidney stone patients, a researcher says.

Researchers who are investigating burst-wave lithotripsy, a potential alternative treatment for kidney stones, report that magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scans hold promise as tools to help scientists analyze related kidney injuries.

Results of a retrospective study raise concern that ureteroscopy may adversely affect erectile function.

In these videos, high-volume stone surgeons demonstrate novel approaches to classification, visualization, and treatment of stones.

Urology-related FDA approvals from 2016 encompassed drugs and devices for prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, stone disease, and more.

Other products discussed include an updated prostate tissue ablation device, a contrast agent for voiding ultrasonography, a bladder cancer test and more.

Despite the excruciating nature of kidney stones, many people can't manage to lower their risk by simply drinking more liquid. Now, a new study finds that one potential tool-a water bottle with a built-in consumption sensor and smartphone link-accurately tracks how much people drink.

Results of a study analyzing global trends in mortality attributable to urolithiasis show that the rate declined over a recent 20-year period.

Other pipeline developments discussed include an implantable device for OAB treatment, a subcutaneous hypogonadism treatment, efficacy results for an HPV drug, and the status of a device-based BPH treatment.

Whether or not medical expulsive therapy (MET) is a sound recommendation for patients with kidney or ureteral stones is a matter of debate.

Patients undergoing ureteroscopy while remaining on anticoagulant therapy may be at increased risk for bleeding complications, including significant bleeding events and unplanned returns to the operating room, according to a retrospective study

Results from bench studies favor a new open-faced stone retrieval device (Dakota, Boston Scientific) for having greater versatility, efficacy, and durability compared with a competing product, and the in vitro performance of the new instrument is consistent with early clinical experience, says Roger L. Sur, MD.

A large new study provides more evidence that cholesterol drugs may lower kidney stone formation.

"Increasingly, urologists are faced with patients who cannot safely discontinue anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications, even in the face of an impending surgical procedure. This is a trend that is likely to continue into the foreseeable future," writes Brian R. Matlaga, MD, MPH.

A study evaluating the oxalate content of foods as reported by two reputable sources shows discordance.