Improving Gender Diversity in Urologic Residency Training
AbstractPurpose of ReviewWomen remain underrepresented in urology despite being well-represented in medicine overall. A more diverse urological workforce has the potential to lead to better health outcomes for patients. This paper presents an overview of barriers faced by women in urology at the student, resident, and attending level  and potential solutions to mitigate these issues.Recent FindingsAlthough the number of women entering urology has increased since the first woman became a board-certified urologist in 1962, women still are underrepresented, advance more slowly, and hold only a small percentage of leadership ...
Source: Current Urology Reports - December 16, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Do Minimally Invasive Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatments Preserve Sexual Function? A Contemporary Review of the Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this study is to compare the sexual function outcomes related to minimally invasive surgical therapies (MISTs) (UroLift®, Rezum ™, Aquablation®, prostate artery embolization, and iTind®) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Recent FindingsClinical trials and retrospective data evaluating MISTs for BPH have demonstrated improved or stable sexual function outcomes when compared to sham control or transurethral resection of the prostate. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and following treatments using patient-reported outcome measures. Rezum and Aquablation demonstr...
Source: Current Urology Reports - November 2, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in the Management of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is There Still a Debate?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the current role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Recent FindingsSince the advent of systemic targeted therapies for mRCC treatment, the role of CN has been questioned. Several retrospective observational studies demonstrated a therapeutic benefit for CN, while recent prospective randomized trials have challenged this evidence. As such, patient selection has become of paramount importance in this setting.SummaryThe role of CN on mRCC treatment is still object of debate. In carefully sele...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 16, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Lower Urinary Tract Stenosis Following Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
This article reviews the mechanisms, risk factors, evaluation and current management options for iatrogenic lower urinary tract stenosis, including urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture, caused by surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Recent FindingsThe incidence of iatrogenic stenosis following endoscopic BPH surgery ranges from 0 to 9.7%. New endoscopic techniques and technologies for treating BPH do not appear to substantially mitigate this risk. However, new advances in our understanding of urethral sphincter anatomy combined with both innovative open urethroplasty techniques and utilization of robot...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 16, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Cytoreductive Nephrectomy in the Management of Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: Is There Still a Debate?
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe aim of this review was to summarize the evidence on the current role of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC).Recent FindingsSince the advent of systemic targeted therapies for mRCC treatment, the role of CN has been questioned. Several retrospective observational studies demonstrated a therapeutic benefit for CN, while recent prospective randomized trials have challenged this evidence. As such, patient selection has become of paramount importance in this setting.SummaryThe role of CN on mRCC treatment is still object of debate. In carefully sele...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 16, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Lower Urinary Tract Stenosis Following Surgery for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
This article reviews the mechanisms, risk factors, evaluation and current management options for iatrogenic lower urinary tract stenosis, including urethral stricture and bladder neck contracture, caused by surgery for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).Recent FindingsThe incidence of iatrogenic stenosis following endoscopic BPH surgery ranges from 0 to 9.7%. New endoscopic techniques and technologies for treating BPH do not appear to substantially mitigate this risk. However, new advances in our understanding of urethral sphincter anatomy combined with both innovative open urethroplasty techniques and utilization of robot...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 16, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

The Ascent of Artificial Intelligence in Endourology: a Systematic Review Over the Last 2 Decades
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo highlight and review the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in kidney stone disease (KSD) for diagnostics, predicting procedural outcomes, stone passage, and recurrence rates. The systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) checklist.Recent FindingsThis review discusses the newer advancements in AI-driven management strategies, which holds great promise to provide an essential step for personalized patient care and improved decision making. AI has been used in all areas of KSD including diagnosis, for predi...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 9, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Gender Differences in Kidney Stone Disease (KSD): Findings from a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of kidney stones is rising and historically carries a preponderance for males. However, recent evidence has questioned whether this gender gap is closing. The aim of this systematic review was to examine this further as well as evaluate possible underlying causes.Recent FindingsRecent evidence confirms the disparity in kidney stone disease between genders is closing. In the modern era, the rise in prevalence among females has been greater, especially in adolescence. Quality of life is also more adversely affected by kidney stone events among females who are also more likely to develo...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Techniques to Improve Clinical Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize current options available for robot-assisted partial nephrectomyRecent FindingsPartial nephrectomy (PN) is a standard treatment option for management of cT1 renal masses. It may be carried out by multiple approaches. Robot-assisted (RA) PN is one such option. The goal of treatment is both correct oncological (negative surgical margins) and functional (preservation of sufficient amount of renal parenchyma of the operated kidney) outcome. Appropriate outcomes depend on multiple factors. There are many, but among others tumor characteristics (size, location, i.e., tumor complexity), patie...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Role of Intrarenal Pressure in Modern Day Endourology (Mini-PCNL and Flexible URS): a Systematic Review of Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the latest evidence about intrarenal pressures (IRPs) generated during flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) and present tools and techniques to maintain decreased values.Recent FindingfURS and PCNL constitute the primary means of stone treatment. New flexible ureterorenoscopes with small diameter and miniaturized PCNL instruments achieve optimal stone-free rates (SFRs) while decreasing invasiveness and morbidity. Nevertheless, endourologists must remain cognizant regarding the dangers of increased IRPs to avoid complications. Current research presents...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Gender Differences in Kidney Stone Disease (KSD): Findings from a Systematic Review
AbstractPurpose of ReviewThe prevalence of kidney stones is rising and historically carries a preponderance for males. However, recent evidence has questioned whether this gender gap is closing. The aim of this systematic review was to examine this further as well as evaluate possible underlying causes.Recent FindingsRecent evidence confirms the disparity in kidney stone disease between genders is closing. In the modern era, the rise in prevalence among females has been greater, especially in adolescence. Quality of life is also more adversely affected by kidney stone events among females who are also more likely to develo...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Robotic-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy: Techniques to Improve Clinical Outcomes
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo summarize current options available for robot-assisted partial nephrectomyRecent FindingsPartial nephrectomy (PN) is a standard treatment option for management of cT1 renal masses. It may be carried out by multiple approaches. Robot-assisted (RA) PN is one such option. The goal of treatment is both correct oncological (negative surgical margins) and functional (preservation of sufficient amount of renal parenchyma of the operated kidney) outcome. Appropriate outcomes depend on multiple factors. There are many, but among others tumor characteristics (size, location, i.e., tumor complexity), patie...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research

Role of Intrarenal Pressure in Modern Day Endourology (Mini-PCNL and Flexible URS): a Systematic Review of Literature
AbstractPurpose of ReviewTo review the latest evidence about intrarenal pressures (IRPs) generated during flexible ureteroscopy (fURS) and mini percutaneous nephrolithotomy (mPCNL) and present tools and techniques to maintain decreased values.Recent FindingfURS and PCNL constitute the primary means of stone treatment. New flexible ureterorenoscopes with small diameter and miniaturized PCNL instruments achieve optimal stone-free rates (SFRs) while decreasing invasiveness and morbidity. Nevertheless, endourologists must remain cognizant regarding the dangers of increased IRPs to avoid complications. Current research presents...
Source: Current Urology Reports - October 8, 2021 Category: Urology & Nephrology Source Type: research