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The longitudinal, multidisciplinary care of children with spina bifida was disrupted during the CoVID-19 pandemic with unclear effect. To compare outpatient care utilization and outcomes among children with spina bifida before and during the CoVID-19 pandemic. A pre-post analysis (2018–2020 vs 2020–2022) comparing outpatient care utilization and clinical outcomes was performed using the onset of the CoVID-19 pandemic as a hinge point. Clinical visits and clinically significant events – ED visits, admissions, UTIs, shunt malfunctions – were tabulated from chart review, and patients not seen in the last two years were called for follow up. Differences between visits and outcomes for individuals during pre- and intra-pandemic periods were calculated, and relationships between demographic variables and care utilization as well as clinical visits and clinical outcomes were evaluated via linear regression. A total of 216 patients were included, 39 (18%) of whom were lost to follow up intra-pandemic. Mean in-person visits decreased from 3.7 (SD 2.8) pre-pandemic to 2.5 (SD 2.3, p < 0.00) intra-pandemic. Only six patients (0.03%) had virtual visits pre-pandemic vs 95 (44%) intra-pandemic; virtual visits did not equalize mean total visits with those pre-pandemic (3.3 [2.9], p = 0.02). Recent surgery was significantly associated with difference in clinic visits between periods (p < 0.00). Admissions (44 vs 29%, p < 0.00), ED visits (55 vs 43.5%, p < 0.00), and shunt malfunctions (21 vs 12.6%, p = 0.01) were significantly higher pre-pandemic; UTI incidence was similar (34 vs 31%, p = 0.41). Clinic visits were significantly positively associated with ED visits (p = 0.02), admissions (p < 0.00), and shunt malfunctions (p = 0.04). Nearly half (40.5%) of patients lost to follow up were contacted; 30% of patients reported difficulty accessing appointments and 17% accessing supplies during the pandemic. Despite an increase in telehealth visits during the pandemic, there was a decrease in mean total clinic visits compared to pre-pandemic. Adverse events did not increase during the pandemic period as expected; incidence of all evaluated outcomes was higher pre-pandemic. Additionally, outpatient care utilization during the pandemic was positively associated with ED presentation and shunt malfunction and did not appear to protect against other outcomes. Though clinical follow-up for pediatric spina bifida patients decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, clinical outcomes did not acutely worsen. Clinic visits were supplemented but not entirely replaced by telemedicine in this period and were associated with poorer clinical outcomes, possibly reflecting an increase in patients' and families' threshold to engage in outpatient care during the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The transfer of pediatric patients with testicular torsion from community hospitals to pediatric centers can be a time and resource-intensive step toward emergent surgical intervention. We sought to describe trends of patient transfer in our state and compare clinical outcomes and health system costs between patients transferred and treated primarily at a pediatric center. This retrospective cohort study compared patients aged 1–18 years who presented directly to a pediatric center to those transferred for acute testicular torsion from 2018 to 2023. Exclusion criteria included age <1 year, non-urgent surgery, and admission from clinic. Patient age, BMI, Tanner stage, ASA class, insurance coverage, and presentation time were covariates. Group characteristics and times from symptom onset to initial ED presentation to surgery were compared via two-sided Student's t-tests. Clinical outcomes (orchiectomy, testicular atrophy) were compared via Fisher's exact tests. Costs from transferring hospitals were estimated from costs at our institution, and medical transport costs were extrapolated from contract prices between transport agencies and the pediatric center to compare total episode-of-care cost. A total of 133 cases (37 primaries, 96 transfers) met inclusion criteria. Transfers increased over the study period (67%–75%). There were no significant differences in age, Tanner stage, ASA score, BMI, or time of day of presentation between groups. Median transfer distance was 12 miles (IQR 7–22) and time was 1 h (IQR 1–2). More than half of cases (53%) were transferred due to hospital policy regarding surgical treatment of minors, and 25% due to lack of urology coverage. Time from initial ED site to OR was nearly doubled for the transfer group (median 4.5 vs 2.5 h, p = 0.02). Despite a higher rate of orchiectomy in the primary group (43 vs 22%, p = 0.01), this difference was not significant after stratification by symptom duration. The estimated average cost of care for patients transferred was twice that of primary patients ($15,082 vs $6898). Transfer of pediatric patients in our state for testicular torsion has increased in recent years. Hospital policies and local urology coverage are primary drivers of patient transfer which nearly doubled time to surgical intervention and more than doubled cost of care. Clinical outcomes were driven by delayed presentation. Transfer of pediatric patients for testicular torsion nearly doubles time to surgical intervention and more than doubles cost of care. Restrictive hospital policies and gaps in rural hospital urology coverage present opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of care for these children. Summary table Overall Primary Transfer p -value N 133 37 96 Care Timeline (Median hours [IQR]) Symptom onset to ED presentation 6 (2–48) 18.5 (3.5–72) 4 (2–25.8) 0.01 Initial ED presentation to OR 4 (3–5) 2.5 (2–3) 4.5 (3.3–5.8) 0.02 Decision to transfer care to arrival at DCH 1 (1–2) Orchiectomy stratified by time to presentation Early (<6 h) 1 (1.5) 0 (0) 1 (1.8) 0.63 Moderate (6–24 h) 0 (0) 0 (0) 0 (0) Late (>24 h) 36 (76.6) 16 (88.9) 20 (69.0) 0.12 Estimated mean total cost of care $6898 $15,082 <0.01 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although hypospadias outcomes studies typically report a level or type of repair performed, these studies often lack applicability to each surgical practice due to technical variability that is not fully delineated. An example is the tubularized incised plate (TIP) urethroplasty procedure, for which modifications have been associated with significantly decreased complication rates in single center series. However, many studies fail to report specificity in techniques utilized, thereby limiting comparison between series. With the goal of developing a surgical atlas of hypospadias repair techniques, this study examined 1) current techniques used by surgeons in our network for recording operative notes and 2) operative technical details by surgeon for two common procedures, tubularized incised plate (TIP) distal and proximal hypospadias repairs across a multi-institutional surgical network. A two-part study was completed. First, a survey was distributed to the network to assess surgeon volume and methods of recording hypospadias repair operative notes. Subsequently, an operative template or a representative de-identified operative note describing a TIP and/or proximal repair with urethroplasty was obtained from participating surgeons. Each was analyzed by at least two individuals for natural language that signified specified portions of the procedure. Procedural details from each note were tabulated and confirmed with each surgeon, clarifying that the recorded findings reflected their current practice techniques and instrumentation. Twenty-five surgeons from 12 institutions completed the survey. The number of primary distal hypospadias repairs performed per surgeon in the past year ranged from 1-10 to >50, with 40% performing 1-20. Primary proximal hypospadias repairs performed in the past year ranged from 1-30, with 60% performing 1-10. 96% of surgeons maintain operative notes within an electronic health record. Of these, 66.7% edited a template as their primary method of note entry; 76.5% of these surgeons reported that the template captures their operative techniques very or moderately well. Operative notes or templates from 16 surgeons at 10 institutions were analyzed. In 7 proximal and 14 distal repairs, parameters for chordee correction, urethroplasty suture selection and technique, tissue utilized, and catheter selection varied widely across surgeons. Wide variability in technical surgical details of categorically similar hypospadias repairs was demonstrated across a large surgical network. Surgeon-specific modifications of commonly described procedures are common, and further evaluation of short- and long-term outcomes accounting for these technical variations is needed to determine their relative influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ovarian and testicular torsion are comparable surgical emergencies that may result in organ loss and, as such, have high litigious potential. We sought to describe the relative frequency and outcome of malpractice litigation between cases of ovarian and testicular torsion. Searches were completed in the Westlaw Jury Verdicts & Settlements and Lexis Cases databases using the following search terms: "(ovarian or ovary)/5 torsion" and "(testicular or testicle)/5 torsion". Cases were excluded if they were not directly related to torsion or were not malpractice claims. Cases were reviewed for year, jurisdiction, age of plaintiff, verdict, appeal status, contention, damages, and alleged time delay to appropriate care. The legal databases contained 155 malpractice cases related to testicular torsion and 4 cases related to ovarian torsion. Two of three ovarian torsion cases and 52% of testicular torsion cases with available rulings were in favor of the defense. The median age of plaintiffs in testicular torsion cases was 14, and 75% were minors. Median delay in care for testicular cases was 3 days, and median damages awarded to plaintiffs was $250,000 ($12,000–8.5 million). No data regarding age, delay in care, or damages were available for ovarian torsion cases. Among malpractice cases related to gonadal torsion, testicular torsion is vastly overrepresented despite literature demonstrating longer delays in care and greater likelihood of gonadal loss in ovarian torsion during the study period. IV. • This is the first description of malpractice litigation related to ovarian torsion in the literature. • Malpractice cases are approximately 38 times more likely to arise from testicular than ovarian torsion cases. • There were not enough malpractice cases due to ovarian torsion to compare litigation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excision of the prostatic utricle has been a challenging surgical problem due to the location deep in the pelvis between the rectum and bladder. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic surgery allows minimally invasive access to this location. To describe the robotic surgical outcomes and important techniques associated with robotic excision of the prostatic utricle and explain how these techniques apply to similar pediatric pelvic pathology. Retrospective chart evaluation of patients treated at a single institution with robotic excision of a prostatic utricle as well as two other patients in which the similar approach was employed. 4 patients underwent robotic excision of a prostatic utricle. A fifth patient underwent excision of urethral diverticulum that was the remnant of an ectopic ureter. The sixth patient had a high urogenital sinus that required laparoscopic assisted vaginoplasty approached in a similar manner to the above listed cases. Mean age at surgery was 35.5 months for the utricle patients. Mean follow-up duration for the utricle patients was 30.75 months. Average hospital stay for the utricle patients was one day. In the utricle patients one patient developed transient urinary retention and one had a postoperative urinary tract infection. Concomitant cystoscopy used in the two non-utricle patients was a key step in defining the proper location of dissection. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic retrovesical excision of the prostatic utricle is a safe operation that requires a skill set that can be readily applied to other complex pelvic pathology such as the ectopic ureter, urethral diverticulum, and urogenital sinus. Concomitant cystoscopy can aid significantly in defining the location and limits of dissection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) is a medical term used to encompass patients born with congenital conditions that lead to atypical development of the genitalia and reproductive structures. To evaluate the factual accuracy of shared articles from popular social media platforms regarding the California State Bill, SB-201, Treatment or Intervention: Sex Characteristics of a Minor. We used the BuzzSumo© search engine to analyze the terms "SB 201", "intersex," "DSD," and "surgery ban" for worldwide social media engagement (Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Reedit) one month before and after bill introduction on January 31, 2019, and final hearing on January 13, 2020. Articles were categorized based on source, opinion of the author, accuracy of scientific information, use of term intersex versus disorder/difference of sex development (DSD), definition of intersex, advocacy group quoted, reference to surgical "gender assignment," mention of negative consequences of the bill/other banned surgeries, the definition of medical necessity, parental rights, psychosocial concerns, and photographic content. Twenty unique articles with peak activity were analyzed. Eighteen were from news and two from editorial web sources. All mentioned SB-201.50% were classified as one-sided, meaning both arguments for and against were not presented. 60% of articles were perpetuating selected information correlating with the author's opinion. 65% of articles were misleading in terms of factual accuracy. All articles used the term intersex. 20% of articles used scientific terms such as atypical genitalia (2), DSD (2), and born with variations of sex characteristics (1). A urologist was quoted in 45% of articles, while 75% quoted intersex advocacy groups. 55% of articles referred to the surgeries as "gender normalizing," and 75% referred to "assigning gender". Three articles mentioned other non-DSD surgeries that SB-201 would ban in addition to any that "normalize appearance." 45% (9) included any definition of medical necessity, the most common being inability to urinate (7), which is incompatible with post-natal viability. Our study demonstrates that some of the most disseminated information on social media surrounding the introduction and hearing of SB-201 that did not include input from the medical community, perpetuated selected information, and lacked appropriate factual content. Misinformation in the media can be harmful to patients and the general public. This study highlights the need for balanced and accurate reporting on medical topics that can have emotional and political consequences when speaking to broader audiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative value units (RVUs) are the measure of value used in United States Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. The Relative Update Committee (RUC) determines physician work RVU (wRVUs) based on operative time, technical skill and effort, mental effort and judgment, and stress. The primary aim of this study was to assess whether operative time is adequately accounted for in the wRVU system in pediatric urology. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric Participant User File (ACS-NSQIPP-PUF) was reviewed from 2012 to 2017. Most common single pediatric urology current procedural terminology (CPT) codes were included. The primary variable was wRVU per hour of operative time (wRVU/h). Linear regression analysis was used to assess the relative influence that operative time had on wRVU/h. 25,432 cases were included in the final study population from 45 unique CPT codes. The median operative time was 79 min, and the median RVU/h was 12.2. Procedures with operative time less than 79 min had higher wRVU/h compared with procedures longer than 79 min (14.5 vs 10.5, p < 0.001). Procedures with higher than average incidence of any complications had a lower wRVU/h (9.0 vs. 14.6 p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis revealed that each additional hour of operative time was expected to decrease wRVU/h by 4.2 (− 0.70 per 10 min, 95% CI: − 0.71 to − 0.69, p < 0.001; R2 = 0.39). This analysis of contemporary large pediatric population national-level data suggests that the wRVU system significantly favors shorter and less complex procedures in Pediatric Urology. Pediatric urologists performing longer and more complex procedures are not adequately compensated for the increase in complexity. Retrospective comparative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mirena intrauterine device (IUD) is a hormone-secreting contraceptive device. Pregnancy with the Mirena is rare and effects to the fetus are unknown. Here we present four females with genital virilization after pregnancy with persistent Mirena IUD. All patients had a 46, XX karyotype and normal hormone evaluation. All underwent exam under anesthesia, demonstrating posterior labial fusion and short urogenital sinus with normal bladder, urethra, vagina, and cervix. Three of four patients underwent flap vaginoplasty without complications and good cosmetic outcomes. This series suggests that persistent levonorgestrel-secreting IUD during pregnancy is associated with genital virilization in female fetuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Persistent cloaca is a devastating female anomaly associated with renal insufficiency/failure, urinary and fecal incontinence and müllerian dysfunction. Genetically engineered murine models of persistent cloaca suggest that this anomaly could have a genetic component in humans. Genomic copy number variations account for previously unexplained genetic diseases by identifying candidate genes in various disorders. We assessed whether novel copy number variations are present in patients with persistent cloaca. Materials and Methods: With institutional review board approval we performed a retrospective chart review to identify patients with persistent cloaca. Lymphocyte DNA was prospectively tested by whole genome array comparative genomic hybridization. HHAT was Sanger sequenced from genomic DNA. Results: At study recruitment mean age was 12 years (range 0.5 to 23) in 17 females with cloaca. Seven females (41%) had a solitary functioning kidney and 2 each had renal insufficiency and renal replacement therapy. The common cloaca channel was 1.5 to 6 cm long in 6 newborns. Six patients (35%) had vaginal duplication and 4 had spinal anomalies. Array comparative genomic hybridization revealed copy number variations in 7 patients (41%), including 5 gains and 2 losses. Two copy number variations were novel, including a paternally inherited duplication on 16p13.2 and a de novo deletion on 1q32.1q32.3. Subsequent sequencing of the candidate gene HHAT identified no causal mutations. Conclusions: Persistent cloaca is a rare but morbid birth defect. Copy number variations are common in these females but HHAT mutations are not common. Further investigation of these genomic rearrangements may lead to the identification of genetic causes of persistent cloaca. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy pose a challenge due to uncertainty about the presence of cancer. We determined the cost-effectiveness of using fluorescence in situ hybridization assays to determine the need for biopsy in patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy. Materials and Methods: Data from 2 large prospective studies evaluating the usefulness of fluorescence in situ hybridization in the setting of atypical cytology to detect urothelial carcinoma were combined. The data were used to calculate sensitivity and specificity for the UroVysion® fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in various clinical scenarios. Cost data were obtained from our institution and Medicare reimbursement rates. Evaluations with or without bladder biopsy and with or without upper tract evaluation were considered. Results: The study included 263 patients with atypical cytology and equivocal (62) or negative (201) cystoscopy. In patients with equivocal cystoscopy (assuming biopsy was performed in the operating room) biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization results saved $1,740 per patient ($3,267 vs $1,527 per patient) and avoided 42 biopsies compared to biopsy in all patients. If office based biopsies were used then cost savings using fluorescence in situ hybridization results were $95 per patient. Among patients with negative cystoscopy biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization resulted in costs savings of $2,241 per patient, avoiding 167 biopsies, compared to biopsy in all patients. Assuming office based biopsy, the cost savings were $216 per patient. Conclusions: The decision to perform biopsy based on fluorescence in situ hybridization assay in patients with atypical cytology and equivocal or negative cystoscopy was associated with a significant decrease in bladder cancer associated costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We report the prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in patients with multiple sclerosis referred to a tertiary care neurogenic bladder clinic. Materials and Methods: We queried an institutional review board approved neurogenic bladder database for urodynamic and demographic data on patients with multiple sclerosis followed for lower urinary tract symptoms in a 12-year period. Demographic information included multiple sclerosis classification, age at initial visit, body mass index, parity and pelvic examination findings. Prolapse was defined as stage 2 prolapse or greater. Stress urinary incontinence was defined as urodynamic stress incontinence and/or incontinence on a supine stress test. Results: Included in analysis were 280 women with a mean age of 50 years and a mean 13-year history of multiple sclerosis. Relapse remitting multiple sclerosis was noted in 40% of patients, while 45 (16%) had stress urinary incontinence. Women with stress urinary incontinence had a higher average maximum urine flow (14 vs 9 ml per second, p <0.003), higher voided volume (272 vs 194 cc, p = 0.018) and higher body mass index (30 vs 25 kg/m2, p <0.005). Overall, 23 women (9%) had pelvic organ prolapse, including 2 (9%) with posterior prolapse only, 8 (35%) with anterior prolapse only and 13 (56%) with posterior and anterior prolapse. There was no difference in age, body mass index or multiple sclerosis subtype between women with vs without pelvic organ prolapse. Conclusions: The 14% prevalence of demonstrable stress urinary incontinence and 9% rate of pelvic organ prolapse are markedly lower than published historical data on an age matched cohort without multiple sclerosis. The surprisingly low prevalence of stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women with multiple sclerosis may be attributable to decreased activity, a neurogenically enhanced vesicourethral unit or other functional or anatomical etiologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We describe our experience with laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation in 45 adults, and report success rates and complications at intermediate term followup. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of 45 patients who underwent laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation between 1997 and 2007. Demographics, clinicopathological parameters, perioperative course, complications and followup studies were analyzed. Results: Elective laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation was performed in 35 female and 10 male patients with a mean followup of 24.1 months (range 1 to 76). All patients presented with distal ureteral stricture with a mean stricture length of 3 cm and a mean ± SD preoperative serum creatinine of 0.91 ± 0.04 mg/dl. Mean patient age was 47.8 ± 2.2 years (range 17 to 87). Mean American Society of Anesthesiologists score was 2 (range 1 to 3). Median estimated blood loss was 150 ml. The overall success rate, defined as radiographic evidence of no residual obstruction, symptoms, renal deterioration or need for subsequent procedures, was 96%. Two patients had recurrent strictures and 1 underwent nephrectomy for flank pain and preexisting chronic pyelonephritis. Conclusions: According to intermediate followup data laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation can be performed with an excellent success rate and low morbidity. Our data substantiate this technique as an effective method for managing distal ureteral stricture. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Purpose: There are limited data on the indications for open conversion during laparoscopic surgery. The frequency of conversion for various procedures is poorly quantified and the degree to which this changes with time is not well understood. Risk factors for conversion are not defined. We addressed these issues in a large series of laparoscopic operations. Materials and Methods: We reviewed our database of 2,128 laparoscopic operations performed between 1993 and 2005, including radical nephrectomy in 549 patients, simple nephrectomy in 186, partial nephrectomy in 347, donor nephrectomy in 553, pyeloplasty in 301, nephroureterectomy in 106 and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection in 86. Open conversions were identified and the frequency of conversion for the total cohort and specific procedures was determined. Trends in conversion with time were assessed and indications analyzed. Clinicopathological features between patients requiring conversion and those who did not were compared. Results: We identified 68 patients (3.3%) who underwent conversion to open surgery (group 1) and 2,011 (96.7%) who did not (group 2). The frequency of conversion was greatest during nephroureterectomy (8.49%), followed by simple nephrectomy (5.91%), retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (4.65%), partial nephrectomy (4.32%), radical nephrectomy (2.91%), donor nephrectomy (2.53%) and pyeloplasty (0.33%). The absolute number of conversions and conversions/cases performed per year decreased significantly with time, reaching a nadir of less than 1% per year. Conversion was inversely related to case volume and cumulative experience. Indications included vascular injury in 38.5% of cases, concern with margins in 13.5%, bowel injury in 13.5%, failure to progress in 11.5%, adhesions in 9.6%, diaphragmatic injury in 1.9% and other in 11.5%. The distribution of indications remained similar with time. There were no differences in patient age, gender, surgical history, American Society of Anesthesiologists score or tumor stage between groups 1 and 2. In groups 1 and 2 mean operative time was 304 vs 219 minutes and estimated blood loss was 904 vs 255 cc (each p <0.0001). Conclusions: The rate of conversion during laparoscopic surgery is not uniform across procedures and it is important for patient counseling. The most common indication for conversion is vascular injury. Importantly the frequency of conversion is dynamic and likely related to case volume and cumulative experience. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Women constitute more than 50% of medical students in the United States. However, only 9.9% of practicing urologists are women, with much fewer numbers in high ranking appointments and positions of leadership. With a growing number of women in pediatric urology, we sought to evaluate how pediatric urologists perceive the climate for women physicians and compare perceptions and experiences of gender equity based on characteristics including gender, practice type, parental status, and years in practice. An IRB approved survey was sent out to the Society of Pediatric Urology (SPU) listserve of active members. We utilized a validated study, the Culture Conducive to Women's Academic Success questionnaire (CCWAS, higher scores indicating better perceived culture toward women). Subcategories (equal access, work-life balance, freedom of gender bias, and leadership support) were also analyzed. A comment section was provided for respondents to include their own experiences. Descriptive statistics were used for demographics and clinical characteristics. Wilcoxon Rank-Sum and Kruskal–Wallace tests were used to compare CCWAS scores between groups. A total of 116 practicing physicians returned completed surveys for analysis (response rate, 116/355 (33%) [ n = 41,35.3%] female [n = 75,64.7%] male). There was a statistically significant difference in total CCWAS score between male and female genders, indicating male physicians perceived the culture of their department toward women more positively than their female counterparts (median [ interquartile range] CCWAS score, 208.0 [189.0–228.0] vs 164.0 [136.0–190.3]; P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in CCWAS scores based on years in practice, parental status, or academic versus private practice. Limitations of our survey include both participation and non-response bias. Those with strong opinions may have been more likely to respond to the survey. Male respondents comprised 64.7% (n = 75) of overall respondents, representing 25% active male SPU members. Whereas the response rate of active female members of the SPU was 70%. The survey was designed to assess gender equity in academia, and may not be as generalizable to the private practice community. Yet, the differences in perceptions and experiences of gender equity of this study have been noted by studies in other specialties, as well as the 2018 AUA Census report, and may provide insight into the presence and perpetuation of unconscious or systemic biases within medicine. In this study, male physician perceptions of gender equity were different from those reported by female physicians, suggesting there are gender-based differences in how gender inequities are perceived and experienced. Summary TableDemographic Descriptive Statistics and CCWAS Score CCWAS Scores Kruskal–Wallace Test Results n Mean Median IQR (Quartiles) P-value Gender Female 41 (35.3%) 165.9 164.0 56.0 (136.0, 190.3) <0.0001 Male 75 (64.7%) 208.8 208.0 39.0 (189.0, 228.0) Years in Practice <5 years 24 (20.7%) 188.0 183.5 45.3 (166.3, 211.5 0.46 5–10 years 17 (14.7%) 200.9 193.0 46.0 (182.0, 228.0) >10 years 75 (64.7%) 193.8 201.0 36.5 (180.5, 217.05) Role (Before consolidation) Academic practice, full time 91 (78.4%) 194.8 201.0 43.0 (178.5, 221.5) Academic practice, part time 3 (2.6%) 165.3 183.0 31.5 (154.0, 185.5) Private practice, full time 19 (16.4%) 192.8 199.0 32.5 (180.0, 212.5) Private practice, part time 3 (2.6%) 192.7 198.0 9.0 (189.5, 198.5) Role (After consolidation) Academic 94 (81.0%) 193.9 199.0 42.3 (178.25, 220.5) 0.72 a Private 22 (19.0%) 192.8 198.5 28.0 (181.5, 209.5) Parental Status Yes 100 (86.2%) 195.3 199 37.3 (179.8, 217.0) 0.42 No 15 (12.9%) 187.2 182 62.5 (156.5, 219.0) Prefer not to answer 1 (0.8%) 127 127 0.0 (127.0, 127.0) a Denotes inexact p-value because of rank-sum tie. Exact Wilcoxon/Kruskal–Wallace tests were performed as one subsample was less than 50 in each analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented need to re-organise and re-align priorities for all surgical specialties. Despite the current declining numbers globally, the direct effects of the pandemic on institutional practices and on personal stress and coping mechanisms remains unknown. The aims of this study were to assess the effect of the pandemic on daily scheduling and work balances, its effects on stress, and to determine compliance with guidelines and to assess whether quarantining has led to other areas of increased productivity. A trans-Atlantic convenience sample of paediatric urologists was created in which panellists (Zoom) discussed the direct effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual units, as well as creating a questionnaire using a mini-Delphi method to provide current semi-quantitative data regarding practice, and adherence levels to recently published risk stratification guidelines. They also filled out a Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) questionnaire to assess contemporary pandemic stress levels. There was an 86% response rate from paediatric urologists. The majority of respondents reported near complete disruption to planned operations (70%), and trainee education (70%). They were also worried about the effects of altered home-lives on productivity (≤90%), as well as a lack of personal protective equipment (57%). The baseline stress rate was measured at a very high level (PSS) during the pandemic. Adherence to recent operative guidelines for urgent cases was 100%. This study represents a panel discussion of a number of practical implications for paediatric urologists, and is one of the few papers to assess more pragmatic effects and combines opinions from both sides of the Atlantic. The impact of the pandemic has been very significant for paediatric urologists and includes a decrease in the number of patients seen and operated on, decreased salary, increased self-reported stress levels, substantially increased telemedicine usage, increased free time for various activities, and good compliance with guidelines and hospital management decisions. Summary Figure Geographic heatmap demonstrating Transatlantic international discussion of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on paediatric urological practice. Summary Figure [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Improved survivorship after treatment of pediatric malignancies has dramatically increased, while pre-treatment fertility preservation in this population has not kept pace. New guidelines emphasize fertility preservation in young adolescents, but the impact of these guidelines is unknown. We sought to evaluate the rate of fertility preservation among at-risk adolescents diagnosed with cancer at our institution, as well as evaluate barriers to fertility preservation. We performed an IRB-approved historical cohort study of adolescent males 13 years and older evaluated in the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology clinic at Doernbecher Children's Hospital from 2010 to 2018. Electronic chart review was used assess discussion of fertility preservation and barrier to successful preservation in boys with a new diagnosis of cancer who received systemic chemotherapy and/or gonadal or pelvic irradiation. 82 boys were included in the study. Forty-two (51%) received counselling about fertility preservation, and of those 29 (70%) successfully banked sperm. Neither counseling for fertility preservation nor success at sperm banking differed by patient age, but both differed by malignancy. Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma had the highest rate of counselling, while those with leukemia had the lowest. Acute illness as a barrier to preservation was found in 40% of those who did not receive counselling. Our study demonstrates a stagnant rate of fertility counseling and preservation despite increased advocacy. The retrospective nature of our study limited our ability to assess the counselling that occurred, and the lack of granular race data limited study of the implicit selection bias that may be involved in such counseling. As more institutions move toward a multi-disciplinary care model, we believe that pediatric urologists or fertility specialists must play a vocal role in the care of these at-risk adolescents. Despite increasing advocacy for fertility preservation, our data shows no significant change in previously reported trends. Patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma have a higher rate of counseling and cryopreservation in comparison to those with other malignancies. Summary Figure Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative value units (RVU) are the measure of value used in United States Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement. The Relative Update Committee (RUC) determine physician work RVU (wRVU) based on operative time, technical skill and effort, mental effort and judgement, and stress. In theory, wRVU should account for the complexity and operative time involved in a procedure. The primary aim of this study is to assess if operative time and complexity of hypospadias surgery is adequately accounted for by the current wRVU assignments. The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Participant User File (ACS-NSQIP PUF) database was utilized from 2012 to 2017. Single stage hypospadias current procedural terminology (CPT) codes (including acceptable secondary CPT codes) were extracted. Using total wRVU and total operative time, the primary variable of wRVU per hour was calculated (wRVU/hr). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess the relative influence that wRVU and operative time had on the wRVU/hr variable. 9810 cases were included in the final study population divided into four categories: simple distal (eg. MAGPI, V-Flap), single stage distal, single stage mid, single stage proximal. On analysis of variance, there was statistically significant different wRVU/hr for the four different types of hypospadias repairs with simple distal having the highest mean wRVU/hr of 19.5 and the lowest being proximal hypospadias repairs at 13.2. Simple distal, distal and midshaft hypospadias had statistically significantly higher wRVU/hr compared to proximal hypospadias (16.2, 95% CI: 15.8–16.5 vs. 13.2, 95% CI 10.9–15.5; p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression revealed that each additional hour of operative time was expected to decrease wRVU/hr by 10.5 (−10.5, 95% CI: −11.0 to −10.1, p < 0.001); total work wRVU had a statistically significant independent association with wRVU/hr (0.6, 95%CI: 0.5–0.7, p <0.001). This the first objective assessment of the current wRVU assignments with regards to one stage hypospadias repairs. More complex and longer hypospadias procedures are not adequately compensated by wRVU. Most notably, simple distal procedures are reimbursed at a mean of 19.5 wRVU/hr compared to 13.2 wRVU/hr for one stage proximal repairs. This analysis of national-level data suggests that the current wRVU assignments significantly favor shorter and simpler procedures in hypospadias surgery. Summary Figure Image 1 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are no large multi-institutional studies reporting on perioperative complications of hypospadias repairs. We sought to determine perioperative complications of hypospadias repairs from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatrics (NSQIP-P) to aid in patient counseling. This cohort study from 2012 to 2017 was conducted using NSQIP-P database. Pediatric patients undergoing hypospadias surgery were identified and compared based on 4 major categories: distal/midshaft repair, one-stage repair proximal, stage one repair, and stage two repair. Baseline demographics between the four groups and perioperative parameters were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis models including type of repair was used to determine associations with overall complications, infectious complications, and dehiscence. There were 11,292 patients identified in the study population. Overall, 78% underwent distal/midshaft hypospadias repair, 12% underwent one-stage proximal repair, 1.4% underwent proximal first stage repair and 9% underwent proximal second stage repair. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that proximal first stage procedures had similar overall complications to distal/mid repairs but proximal one-stage and proximal second stage procedures were associated with significantly more overall complications, local infectious complications, and dehiscence. Age, race, operative time, prematurity were also independently associated with increased overall complications. As expected, complication rates are higher in those with proximal hypospadias. In staged hypospadias, first stage has a lower complication rate compared to second stage. All complications, especially of infectious and dehiscence are the highest in the one-stage proximal and proximal second stage repairs. We report large multi-institutional analysis of 30-day peri-operative hypospadias repair complications; this information is useful for patient counseling and education. Summary Table Parameter All Distal/mid hypospadias One-stage Proximal Proximal First Stage Proximal Second Stage P-value SSI 58 (0.5%) 28 (0.3%) 13 (1.0%) 0 17 (1.8%) <0.001 UTI 78 (0.7%) 45 (0.5%) 13 (1.0%) 0 20 (2.1%) <0.001 Dehiscence 293 (2.6%) 149 (1.7%) 59 (4.3%) 4 (2.5%) 81 (8.4%) <0.001 PNA 8 (0.1%) 3 (0.03%) 2 (0.2%) 1 (0.6%) 2 (0.2%) <0.002 Return to OR 88 (0.8%) 49 (0.6%) 22 (1.6%) 2 (1.2%) 15 (1.6%) <0.001 Readmission 157 (1.4%) 96 (1.1%) 28 (2.1%) 3 (1.9%) 30 (3.1%) <0.001 Infectious comp 127 (1.1%) 67 (0.8%) 25 (1.8%) 0 (0%) 35 (3.6%) <0.001 Any complication 467 (4.1%) 250 (2.8%) 93 (6.8%) 7 (4.3%) 117 (12.1%) <0.001 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary Introduction Urolithiasis is a condition that is most commonly found in adults, but is becoming increasingly prevalent in children. Little is known about the relationship between blood pressure (BP) and urolithiasis in children. Objectives The aim was to evaluate the relationship between urolithiasis and BP, and to determine the association of BP with 24-h urine parameters in children. Methods We retrospectively analyzed BP and 24-h urine data from children <18 years with and without urolithiasis from 2004 to 2015 at a single tertiary center. Children with a diagnosis of non-glomerular hematuria without history of urolithiasis were chosen as the control group. Non-stone formers were excluded if they presented with any abnormal 24-h urine data or kidney disease. Casual BP, BP index (BPi), and 24-h urine parameters were compared between groups using t -tests. Multiple regression analyses adjusting for age, sex and body mass index (BMI) z -score evaluated the association of BP with urolithiasis and urine electrolytes. Results The urolithiasis group ( N = 71) was significantly older, taller and heavier than the non-stone former group ( N = 53) (Table). Systolic BP and diastolic BP in stone formers were significantly greater than in non-stone formers, respectively ( p = 0.019). Additionally, systolic BPi was significantly higher in the urolithiasis group ( p = 0.03) but there was no significant difference in diastolic BPi ( p = 0.45). Urolithiasis was a significant predictor of systolic BPi in the adjusted model (β = 0.04, 95% CI 0.001–0.07). In stone formers, systolic BP and systolic BPi were directly associated with 24-h urine sodium, oxalate/1.73 m 2 , and uric acid (all p < 0.05). Urine calcium was not associated with any BP parameter. Discussion The findings are consistent with previous studies in adults that examined the correlation between blood pressure and kidney stones. The results of this study also showed that blood pressure was positively associated with urine sodium, oxalate, and uric acid. Interestingly, contrary to adult literature, our hypothesis which postulated that blood pressure would be associated with an increase in urine calcium was not supported by our findings. The small sample size is a study limitation and the use of healthy controls as a comparison would have been ideal. Conclusions Blood pressure was directly associated with urolithiasis children. Greater BP values were also associated with abnormalities in 24-h urine oxalate, uric acid, and sodium values. Interestingly, BP was not associated with urine calcium in this population. Table Stone formers vs. non-stone formers. Table Characteristics Stone formers ( N = 71) Non-stone formers ( N = 53) p Male 34 (47.9) 34 (64.2) 0.07 Age (years) 11.2 ± 4.1 9.2 ± 3.5 0.005 Body mass index z -score 0.57 ± 2.68 0.68 ± 1.19 0.78 Systolic blood pressure (mmHg) 109.4 ± 14.7 103.0 ± 12.7 0.01 Diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) 65.0 ± 8.3 61.4 ± 8.6 0.02 Systolic blood pressure index 0.89 ± 0.10 0.86 ± 0.10 0.03 Diastolic blood pressure index 0.81 ± 0.10 0.78 ± 0.35 0.45 Note . Values are mean ± SD or N (%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]