Faculty Bibliography

OBJECTIVE:To develop and validate a novel gamified dry-lab curriculum for robotic surgical training in urology, and to evaluate its implementation through a multi-institutional inter-residency tournament. MATERIALS AND METHODS/METHODS:Three dry-lab skills modules and one anatomic simulation module were developed. Preliminary validation was conducted through expert review and pilot testing. The curriculum was implemented in a multi-institutional tournament involving residents at varying training levels. Pre- and post-tournament surveys assessed experience and feasibility. Tournament performance data were analyzed to assess the construct validity and internal consistency of scoring. RESULTS:In the pilot cohort (n = 8), simulation practice outside scheduled sessions increased from 25% to 100% following gamification (P = .011). Thirty-four residents from six urology programs competed in the inter-residency tournament. Construct validity was supported by strong associations between score and postgraduate year (β = 3.98, 95% CI [1.70, 6.25], P = .001) and module difficulty (β = -6.16, 95% CI [-9.49, -2.81], P < .001). Internal consistency was good with nonvariant items removed (Cronbach's alpha = 0.87). CONCLUSION/CONCLUSIONS:This gamified curriculum offers a practical approach to increasing resident engagement in simulation training and fostering inter-institutional collaboration.

Stone disease management is continuously evolving through the introduction of novel tools and technologies. Artificial intelligence and machine learning (ML) promise a new technological frontier for the enhancement of urolithiasis diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This article focuses on the potential for ML algorithms to improve urolithiasis-directed imaging and enhance outcome prediction for spontaneous stone passage, ureteroscopy, shockwave lithotripsy, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy. We also discuss how ML optimizes stone composition evaluation and urinary abnormality detection. Ultimately, we aim to shed light on how ML-based innovations will help personalize treatment and improve the efficiency of stone disease management.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE:Evidence-based guidelines for contralateral orchiopexy during testicular torsion surgery are lacking. We aim to evaluate the rates of contralateral orchiopexy at time of testicular torsion surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS/METHODS:Utilizing Kids Inpatient Database, we performed a retrospective cohort study of children <18 years old who had surgery for testicular torsion from 2016 to 2019. Patients were identified using the ICD10 testicular torsion diagnosis code. Primary outcome was the rate of contralateral orchiopexy. Multivariable logistic regression evaluated patient and hospital factors associated with contralateral orchiopexy. RESULTS:We identified 1544 children who had surgery for testicular torsion. Of the 531 patients who underwent ipsilateral orchiopexy, 170 (32 %) did not have concurrent contralateral orchiopexy. Of the 528 patients who underwent orchiectomy, 186 patients (35 %) did not have concurrent contralateral orchiopexy. Overall, 1188/1544 (76.9 %) children underwent bilateral orchiopexy, and 356/1544 (23.1 %) did not undergo contralateral fixation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that increased patient age was associated with decreased likelihood of having a contralateral orchiopexy (OR = 0.96, 95 % CI [0.94-0.98], p < 0.01). Patients having surgery at Western region (OR = 0.50, 95 % CI [0.34-0.73], p < 0.01), private non-profit (OR = 0.60, 95 % CI [0.39-0.92], p < 0.02) and private investor owned (OR = 0.58, 95 % CI [0.35-0.95], p < 0.03) hospitals were less likely to have a contralateral orchiopexy. CONCLUSIONS:We observed that roughly a quarter of children having surgery for testicular torsion do not undergo a contralateral orchiopexy. Increasing patient age, surgery in Western region hospital, and private hospital, were associated with decreased likelihood of contralateral orchiopexy.

INTRODUCTION:Since the integration of the intern year into urology residencies, programs are mandated to introduce fundamental skills to junior residents. Our goal was to assess the impact of one such program: the 2023 New York Section of the AUA (NYS-AUA) EMPIRE (Educational Multi-institutional Program for Instructing REsidents) Boot Camp. METHODS:Tests compared pre and immediate/6-month post scores. RESULTS:= .001) following didactic sessions. CONCLUSIONS:A skills-based, free collaborative urology boot camp for junior residents is feasible and can be effective. Trainees reported improved comfort performing certain technical skills and managing urologic emergencies both immediately after the course and at 6 months of follow-up.