Canadian Journal of Urology

My Morning Commute and the Impact of Urology
Gomella LG
Single-port robotic laparoscopic ureterocalicostomy: surgical technique and clinical outcomes
Xu AJ, Lin JS, Chen PY, Carbunaru S, Lee YS and Zhao LC
We describe a method of robotic ureterocalicostomy (RALUC) with the Da Vinci Single Port (SP) platform and present clinical outcomes in our cohort of patients.
Illuminating the use of photodynamic therapy in urologic oncology
Yankelevich GR, Moreland K, Swancutt MM and Grubb RL
We report the first scoping review of the clinical urologic literature for photodynamic therapy (PDT) among multiple urologic malignancies.
Legends in Urology v31I06
Montorsi F
Hypogonadism, frailty, and postoperative outcomes among men undergoing partial nephrectomy
Lazarovich A, Greenberg DR, Rhodes SP, Bhambhvani HP, Gago LC, Patel HD, Brannigan RE, Shoag JE and Halpern JA
To determine the prevalence of hypogonadism in men undergoing partial nephrectomy (PN) and whether hypogonadism and frailty are associated with adverse postoperative outcomes.
Measuring the efficacy of Serenoa repens (USPlus) extract with mobile uroflowmetry
Winograd J, Lama J, Codelia-Anjum A, Bhojani N, Elterman DS, Zorn KC, Margolis E, Brahmbhatt J, Gonzalez R and Chughtai B
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition affecting a significant portion of the male population, leading to secondary lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). Alternative therapies such as phytotherapy using Lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (LSESR USPlus) are commonly used. However, the efficacy of LSESr remains controversial due to conflicting data. We sought to determine the effect of a standardized USP-verified Saw Palmetto extract on male LUTS secondary to BPH.
Clinical implications of tumor laterality in renal cell carcinoma
Grassauer J, Chou WH, Geduldig A, Schmidt J and Chakiryan NH
It is unclear whether laterality has prognostic implications for patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Some suggest that left sided tumors may have worse survival outcomes. The purpose of this study is to associate tumor characteristics and clinical outcomes with laterality in patients with RCC.
Robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in a horseshoe kidney
Aron S, Galvez A, Nasseri R, Berrios S and Sheetz T
Nephrolithiasis is one of the most common indications for surgery in patients with a horseshoe kidney. Robotic-assisted surgery has become a staple in urologic practice, yet its application in stone management is largely undefined. We present a patient with a horseshoe kidney, who underwent a robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy (RPL) to treat a 3 cm stone burden. This procedure allowed for safe access that could not be obtained with percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and stone removal without fragmentation, which would have been challenging with traditional laparoscopy. We advocate for the use of robotic-assisted laparoscopic pyelolithotomy in cases of aberrant anatomy complicating a heavy stone burden.
Implications of MRI contrast enhancement following focal prostate cancer cryoablation
Wysock J, Persily J, Tong A, Rapoport E, Zaslavsky B, Tafa M and Lepor H
Local disease recurrence following focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer may be due to failure to eradicate focal disease or development of disease in the untreated prostate (in- and out-of-field recurrences). Several studies suggest in-field contrast enhancement (CE) on post-treatment multi-parametric (mp) MRI between 6-12 months following FT indicates residual disease. The present study assesses the incidence and oncologic implications of early CE observed following primary partial gland cryoablation (PPGCA).
Factors associated with surgical refusal and non-surgical candidacy in stage 1 kidney cancer: a National Cancer Database (NCDB) analysis
Okhawere KE, Grauer R, Saini I, Joel IT, Beksac AT, Ayo-Farai O, Patel R, Korn TG, Meilika KN, Pedro N and Badani KK
We aim to identify factors associated with surgical refusal and non-surgical candidacy in clinical stage I kidney masses and to evaluate their impact on overall survival (OS).
Prehabilitation in patients undergoing bladder cancer surgery - A systematic review and meta-analysis
Steffens D, Koh C, Hirst N, Cole R, Solomon MJ, Nguyen-Lal L, Thanigasalam R, Leslie S and Ahmadi N
The evidence on the effectiveness of prehabilitation in patients undergoing bladder cancer surgery remains lacking. Thus, the aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of prehabilitation on reducing postoperative morbidity and length of hospital stay in patients undergoing bladder cancer surgery.
Artificial intelligence improves urologic oncology patient education and counseling
Shah YB, Ghosh A, Hochberg A, Mark JR, Lallas CD and Shah MS
Patients seek support from online resources when facing a troubling urologic cancer diagnosis. Physician-written resources exceed the recommended 6-8th grade reading level, creating confusion and driving patients towards unregulated online materials like AI chatbots. We aim to compare the readability and quality of patient education on ChatGPT against Epic and Urology Care Foundation (UCF).
How I Do It:  EnPlace sacrospinous ligament fixation
Chughtai B, Codelia-Anjum A, Elterman DS, Pillalamarri N and Lucente V
Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a common condition that significantly impairs a woman's quality of life.  Currently a range of interventions from non-surgical to surgical options exist, all with their unique advantages and disadvantages.  Among these, the EnPlace system stands out as a truly minimally invasive transvaginal percutaneous device designed to repair apical POP by bilaterally anchoring sutures to the sacrospinous ligaments.  Readers will familiarize themselves with the EnPlace, relevant historical studies, and the technique for EnPlace transvaginal percutaneous sacrospinous ligament fixation for hysteropexy or colposuspension.
A Chief Wellness Officer, Every Hospital Should Have One; Marlon Brando Was Right
Loughlin KR
Side effect management algorithms for niraparib/abiraterone acetate in prostate cancer
Lattouf JB, Ko JJ, Davis MK, Constance C and Gotto GT
Niraparib, a PARP1/2 inhibitor, is newly approved in combination with abiraterone acetate (AA) plus prednisone or prednisolone (niraparib/AA+P) for the treatment of adult patients with BRCA-mutated, treatment-naïve metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Detailed guidance beyond the prescribing information may be helpful in managing the side effect profile and dosing practicalities of this combination therapy.
Legends in Urology v31I05
Carroll PR
Rapid onset severe hyperkalemia during robotic radical cystectomy: a case report
Buell M and Hu B
Radical cystectomy is a preferred treatment for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.  Despite known complications, rapid onset, severe hyperkalemia necessitating abortion of surgery has not been reported.  In this case report, a patient with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing attempted cystectomy developed severe intraoperative hyperkalemia and acidosis that led to abortion of surgery and transfer to the medical intensive care unit for emergent hemodialysis.  The multifactorial etiology was related to respiratory acidosis, ESRD, patient positioning, clipping of ureters, and body habitus, as well as an idiopathic element.  Knowledge of hyperkalemia etiologies can assist in diagnosis and treatment of this serious condition.
Practical, cost-effective removal of Hem-o-lok Weck clip: a novel technique
Rolig B and Brown JA
The Hem-o-lok Weck clip is part of a polymer locking ligation system often employed for hemostasis in surgical practices. Its use is routine in a wide array of surgical subspecialties. Surgeons have limited options in removing these clips when they are aberrantly positioned. Herein, we describe a novel, cost-effective approach for removing a Hem-o-lok clip using standard robotic instruments. This simple approach will allow surgeons to remove a Hem-o-lok clip precisely and quickly if it is not adequately placed. During a routine robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy a Hem-o-lok Weck clip was noted to be in juxtaposition to the rectal wall, and it was deemed appropriate to remove it. Ultimately, the indwelling Prograsp forceps was moved from the right fourth arm position to the left arm position. This allowed the Prograsp forceps to compress the scissors in the right hand port, which was insufficient in cutting the hinge of the clip. This provided sufficient force to cut through the clip at its hinge with ease. The Hem-o-lok Weck clip is used in various surgical specialties. It is occasionally placed suboptimally and requires removal. Given the challenge of finding and using the clip removal device, surgeons should be aware of this simple and cost-effective way of removing a Hem-o-lok clip if desired.
MRI-based PI-RADS score predicts ISUP upgrading and adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy in men with biopsy ISUP 1 prostate cancer
Dekalo S, Mazliah O, Barkai E, Bar-Yosef Y, Herzberg H, Bashi T, Fahoum I, Barnes S, Sofer M, Yossepowitch O, Keren-Paz G and Mano R
Most men diagnosed with very-low and low-risk prostate cancer are candidates for active surveillance; however, there is still a misclassification risk. We examined whether PI-RADS category 4 or 5 combined with ISUP 1 on prostate biopsy predicts upgrading and/or adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy.
Motivation toward vasectomy based on abortion law changes in Oklahoma
Ogbeide H, Oamen E, Wilmore TH, Peck JD, Doolittle JP, Bradley NA and Heinlen JE
In May 2022, lawmakers in Oklahoma passed House Bill 4327, which outlawed abortion after fertilization. The governor signed the bill on May 25, 2022. It is uncertain whether these changes will motivate more men in Oklahoma to undergo vasectomy.
A costing and health-related quality of life study of high intensity focused ultrasound in primary treatment of localized low or intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario
Toeama B, Perlis N, Grootendorst P, Orovan W and Papadimitropoulos E
Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of death from cancer among Canadian men. High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a novel approach for primary treatment of localized prostate cancer. Little is known, however, about its costs. We aimed to collect the direct costs and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) data of HIFU in primary treatment of localized low and intermediate risk prostate cancer in Ontario.