Fabio Turco, Lavinia Di Prima, Chiara Pisano, Stefano Poletto, Marco De Filippis, Veronica Crespi, Giovanni Farinea, Massimiliano Cani, Mariangela Calabrese, Isabella Saporita, Rosario Francesco Di Stefano, Marcello Tucci, Consuelo Buttigliero
{"title":"How to Improve the Quality of Life of Patients with Prostate Cancer Treated with Hormone Therapy?","authors":"Fabio Turco, Lavinia Di Prima, Chiara Pisano, Stefano Poletto, Marco De Filippis, Veronica Crespi, Giovanni Farinea, Massimiliano Cani, Mariangela Calabrese, Isabella Saporita, Rosario Francesco Di Stefano, Marcello Tucci, Consuelo Buttigliero","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S350793","DOIUrl":"10.2147/RRU.S350793","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Prostate cancer (PC) is a hormone-sensitive tumor. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the cornerstone of systemic therapy for patients with intermediate or high-risk localized, recurrent, and metastatic prostate cancer. Although generally well tolerated, ADT can lead to short- and long-term adverse events that can worsen the quality of life of patients with PC. In the last decade, the introduction of novel generation androgen receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPI) has resulted in an improvement in the prognosis of patients with metastatic PC when used in combination with ADT. The use of ARPI in increasingly early stages of the disease determines a longer exposure of patients to these treatments. Although ARPIs are normally well-tolerated drugs, they generally cause an increase in toxicity compared to ADT alone, being able to worsen some adverse events already induced by ADT or leading to the development of specific side effects. Although there are no specific treatments for all the adverse events induced by hormonal therapies, it is essential to know the possible toxicities induced by the different treatments and to start procedures to prevent and/or recognize and consequently treat them early in order to not compromise the quality of life of the patients with PC. The aim of this review is to describe the adverse events induced by hormonal therapies. We will first describe the side effects induced by both ADT and ARPI and then the specific adverse events of the different ARPIs. Furthermore, we will try to highlight the possible therapeutic options to prevent or mitigate the toxicity induced by hormone therapies in order to improve the quality of life of the patients with PC.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"9-26"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/78/e1/rru-15-9.PMC9869701.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10677150","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"CD169<sup>+</sup> Macrophages Residing in the Draining Lymph Nodes and Infiltrating the Tumor Play Opposite Roles in the Pathogenesis of Bladder Cancer.","authors":"Masakazu Nagata, Kazuhiro Ishizaka, Touko Asano","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S384113","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S384113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages are considered to enhance anti-tumor immunity by capturing lymph-borne dead tumor cells. The number of CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages in regional lymph nodes (RLNs) is positively correlated with prolonged cancer-free survival in various human cancers. However, a recent study argued against this dogma; that is, CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages infiltrating into the tumor were associated with poor prognosis in patients with breast cancer. To explain this discrepancy, we quantified the number of CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages located in the bladder tumor and RLNs of the same patients and examined their relationship with the 5-year survival rate.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Tumor and RLN specimens resected from 40 invasive bladder cancer patients (29 males and 11 females; median age, 70.7 years; range, 49-81 years) who underwent radical cystectomy were evaluated using immunostaining.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The number of CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages in RLNs was associated with a good cancer prognosis, while CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages infiltrating the tumor strongly correlated with a higher incidence of lymphovascular invasion.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CD169<sup>+</sup> macrophages play opposing roles in the induction of anti-tumor immunity based on their location in RLNs or tumors.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3b/d5/rru-15-1.PMC9843471.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9117383","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Giant Pyonephrosis in an Ectopic Kidney: A Case Report.","authors":"Mensur Mohammed Ahmed, Mubarek Bargicho Adem, Adugna Getachew Mideksa, Tolesa Yadeta Huluka","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S412100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S412100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Pyonephrosis is characterized by infective hydronephrosis accompanied by suppurative destruction of the renal parenchyma, resulting in partial or complete impairment of renal function. Patients present with wide range of symptoms, they can be asymptomatic in 15% but most of them present with septic features like fever, chills, and flank pain. Urinary tract infections, functional and anatomic obstruction, and anatomic anomalies such as pelvic and horseshoe kidneys are common etiologic factors. We report a 30 years old female patient with giant pyonephrosis in an ectopic kidney. She presented with acute toxic symptoms after she has been experiencing progressive abdominal swelling and pain for a couple of years. Simple nephrectomy was done four weeks after she has been initially treated with percutaneous drainage of the pus and intravenous antibiotics.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"409-414"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/b6/dc/rru-15-409.PMC10479553.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10177842","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Adama Ouattara, Abdoul-Karim Paré, Delphine Yé, Mamadou Z Traoré, Mohamed Simporé, Mickael Rouamba, F Aristide Kaboré, Timothée Kambou
{"title":"Prevalence and Management of Spermatic Cord Torsion (SCT): A Five-Year Review in Souro Sanou University Hospital of Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso).","authors":"Adama Ouattara, Abdoul-Karim Paré, Delphine Yé, Mamadou Z Traoré, Mohamed Simporé, Mickael Rouamba, F Aristide Kaboré, Timothée Kambou","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S419786","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S419786","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Spermatic cord torsion (SCT) is a rare urological emergency that can jeopardize the fertility of the patient. Our study aimed to investigate the epidemiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of SCT in Souro Sanou University Teaching Hospital.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This was a descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2021, in the emergency surgical and urology division of Souro Sanou University Hospital.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The annual frequency of SCT was 4.4 patients/year. The mean age of the patients was 17.82 ± 6.74 years. Painful swelling of the hemi-scrotum was the main presenting symptom. The torsion involved the left spermatic cord in 50% of cases and both spermatic cords in 5% of cases. The mean time of symptoms before presentation was 78.8 hours ± 153 hours. Only 27.3% of patients presented before the 6th hour after the onset of pain. The average time from presentation to surgical intervention was 5.6 hours ± 5 hours. Orchiectomy was performed in 11 patients (47.8%). The average hospital stay was 3.1 ± 1.4 days.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SCT is a rare urological emergency. The prognosis depends on the duration and degree of torsion. A high orchidectomy rate can be observed with a delay in presentation.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"381-385"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/15/37/rru-15-381.PMC10443696.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10069826","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alexander Combes, Simon McQueen, Catalina Alejandra Palma, David Benz, Scott Leslie, Paul Sved, John Boulas, Arthur Vasilaras, Chris Rogan, Ilias Drivas, David Robert Eisinger, Richard Waugh
{"title":"Is Size All That Matters? New Predictors of Complications and Bleeding in Renal Angiomyolipoma.","authors":"Alexander Combes, Simon McQueen, Catalina Alejandra Palma, David Benz, Scott Leslie, Paul Sved, John Boulas, Arthur Vasilaras, Chris Rogan, Ilias Drivas, David Robert Eisinger, Richard Waugh","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S400730","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S400730","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Renal angiomyolipoma (AML) is the most common benign renal tumor. Whilst generally asymptomatic, they can cause life-threatening bleeding. Selective angioembolization (SAE) may be used to treat large symptomatic and asymptomatic AMLs. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of SAE for symptomatic and asymptomatic renal AMLs and determine characteristics that predict spontaneous bleeding.</p><p><strong>Patients and methods: </strong>Data were retrospectively collected from a prospectively maintained database from July 2011 to April 2022. Patients were included if AML was >4cm and they underwent subsequent SAE. Follow-up imaging was analyzed to calculate mean reduction in AML size. Clinical notes were reviewed to analyze lesion characteristics including vascularity, fat content and presence of aneurysm as well as post-procedural complications.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>26 patients with 30 AMLs were identified. Interval of follow-up imaging ranged from 1 to 60 months. 25 AMLs were embolized electively with 5 emergency embolizations performed for bleeding. Mean reduction in AML volume was 41% at 3 months (p=0.013) and 63% at 12 months (p=0.007). All 5 bleeding AMLs had a rich vascularity with 60% also having either aneurysms or a low fat content. Complications included post-embolic syndrome (n=9), segmental renal parenchyma devascularization (n=3), acute bleeding requiring re-embolization (n=2), nephrectomy for ongoing bleeding (n=1) and delayed bleeding managed conservatively (n=1). No deterioration in renal function was observed.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SAE is an effective procedure for managing symptomatic and asymptomatic renal AML, with minimal significant complications. AML vascularity, fat content and aneurysms may be useful characteristics to assess future risk of bleeding in patients with renal AML.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"113-121"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/db/85/rru-15-113.PMC10038158.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9191322","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Howard J Korman, David Baunoch, Natalie Luke, Dakun Wang, Xihua Zhao, Michael Levin, David L Wenzler, Mohit Mathur
{"title":"A Diagnostic Test Combining Molecular Testing with Phenotypic Pooled Antibiotic Susceptibility Improved the Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Non-<i>E. coli</i> or Polymicrobial Complicated Urinary Tract Infections.","authors":"Howard J Korman, David Baunoch, Natalie Luke, Dakun Wang, Xihua Zhao, Michael Levin, David L Wenzler, Mohit Mathur","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S404260","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S404260","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Complicated UTIs (cUTIs) cause significant morbidity and healthcare resource utilization and cost. Standard urine culture has limitations in detecting polymicrobial and non-<i>E. coli</i> infections, resulting in the under-diagnosis and under-treatment of cUTIs. In this study, patient-reported outcomes were compared between treated and untreated patients when an advanced diagnostic test combining multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) with a pooled antibiotic susceptibility method (P-AST) was incorporated into the patients' clinical management.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Patients who had symptoms typical of cUTI and positive M-PCR/P-AST test results were recruited from urology clinics. Symptom reduction and clinical cure rates were measured from day 0 through day 14 using the American English Acute Cystitis Symptom Score (ACSS) Questionnaire. Clinical cure was defined based on the sum of the scores of four US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) symptoms and the absence of visible blood in the urine.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 264 patients with suspected cUTI, 146 (55.4%) had exclusively non-<i>E. coli</i> infections (115 treated and 31 untreated) and 190 (72%) had polymicrobial infections (162 treated and 28 untreated). Treated patients exhibited greater symptom reduction compared to untreated ones on day 14 for those with exclusively non-<i>E. coli</i> organisms (3.18 vs 1.64, <i>p</i> = 0.006) and polymicrobial infections (3.52 vs 1.41, <i>p</i> = 0.002), respectively. A higher percentage of treated patients than of untreated patients achieved clinical cure for polymicrobial infections on day 14 (58.7% vs 36.4%, <i>p</i> = 0.049).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients with cUTIs treated based on the M-PCR/P-AST diagnostic test had significantly improved symptom reduction and clinical cure rates compared to untreated patients among those with non-<i>E. coli</i> or polymicrobial infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"141-147"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/70/06/rru-15-141.PMC10162393.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9431500","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mahmoud Mustafa, Hamzeh Al Zabadi, Shaden Mansour, Aya Nabulsi
{"title":"Endoscopic Management of Upper and Lower Ureteric Stones Using Pneumatic Lithotripter: A Retrospective Medical Records Review.","authors":"Mahmoud Mustafa, Hamzeh Al Zabadi, Shaden Mansour, Aya Nabulsi","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S392881","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S392881","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In this study we aimed to assess and compare the rate of sem-irigid ureterorenoscope in the treatment of upper and lower ureter stones through pneumatic lithotripsy (PL).</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>Ninety-two patients with a mean age±SD of 45±15years who had had a surgical procedure performed by the same experienced surgeon between January 2013 and July 2015 were included in the study. The mean±SD stone size was 8.8±2.6 mm. Forty-two of the patients (45.7%) had upper ureter stones and 50 (54.3%) had lower ureter stones in order to increase the success rate and avoid stone migration. The medical files of the patients were reviewed regarding age, sex, stone size, stone location, success rate, complications, and presence of hydronephrosis. Success was operationally defined as the complete fragmentation of stone to very small parts that could pass or complete extraction of the stone.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Eighty-four of the patients were stone free (91%). The success rates for patients with upper or lower ureteric stones were 93% and 90%, respectively (P=0.63). There were no complications during the operation. However, 4 patients (4.4%) had postoperative complications in terms of urinary tract infection or urosepsis. Those were accurately managed by the suitable medical treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Semi-rigid ureterorenoscopy by using PL was a safe and practical treatment option for managing the upper and lower ureter stones. Performing the tips and tricks of ureterorenoscopy by an experienced surgeon seems to enhance the success rate, especially in upper ureter stones.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"77-83"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/2b/2f/rru-15-77.PMC9930580.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10767436","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joshua White, Ross Mason, Tarek Lawen, Jesse Spooner, Kauy V M Faria, Farah Rahman, Ranjith Ramasamy
{"title":"Therapeutic Approaches to Penile Cancer: Standards of Care and Recent Developments.","authors":"Joshua White, Ross Mason, Tarek Lawen, Jesse Spooner, Kauy V M Faria, Farah Rahman, Ranjith Ramasamy","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S387228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S387228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Penile cancer is a rare malignancy, most commonly diagnosed in older men, associated with poor outcomes, dramatic decline in quality of life and sexual function. Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common histopathology of penile cancer, accounting for 95% of all cases. Localized, early-stage penile cancer can be effectively managed through penile-sparing techniques in many cases, though advanced stages of penile cancer carry a poor prognosis. Current innovative treatments are exploring the role of targeted therapy, HPV-directed therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors and adoptive T-cell therapies in treatment and prevention of relapse of penile cancer. Clinical trials are investigating the potential of targeted therapies and immune checkpoint inhibitors in advanced penile cancer. This review examines the current management of penile cancer and highlights future directions in research and treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"165-174"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/3a/5b/rru-15-165.PMC10243351.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9597811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Alfredo Berrettini, Irene Paraboschi, Massimo Di Grazia, Michele Gnech, Guglielmo Mantica, Dario Guido Minoli, Erika Adalgisa De Marco, Gianantonio Manzoni, Marco Capece, Alessandro Palmieri, David Ralph, Vincenzo Mirone
{"title":"A Unique Case of Inflatable Penile Prosthesis (IPP) Implantation and Mesh Phalloplasty in a Patient Born with Congenital Fusiform Megalourethra.","authors":"Alfredo Berrettini, Irene Paraboschi, Massimo Di Grazia, Michele Gnech, Guglielmo Mantica, Dario Guido Minoli, Erika Adalgisa De Marco, Gianantonio Manzoni, Marco Capece, Alessandro Palmieri, David Ralph, Vincenzo Mirone","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S387042","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S387042","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We present the first case of a patient born with congenital fusiform megalourethra who underwent the successful placement of an inflatable penile prosthesis (IPP) and mesh phalloplasty due to primary erectile dysfunction (ED). After an extensive psychosexual assessment and a preoperative MRI scan, an IPP was successfully implanted. The procedure was carried out through a penoscrotal approach, which offered excellent exposure to the crura and the proximal ends of the corpora cavernosa. Following the incision and the dilatation of both corpora cavernosa, the penile cylinders were inserted and a mesh phalloplasty was performed, to replace the erectile tissues lacking in the distal corpora cavernosa. After reservoir and pump placement, the device was tested, and no mechanical issues were recorded. The postoperative course was uneventful, and, at the 2-year follow-up, the patient reported highly satisfactory results, with valid functional erections.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"85-89"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/75/92/rru-15-85.PMC9939796.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"10823581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Meshari A Alzahrani, Abdalah Almhmd, Muhammad A Khan, Feras Badriq, Budoor Salman, Zainab Y Aljaziri, Naif Alotaibi, Mohammad Alkhamees, Sulaiman Almutairi, Mohammad Shakil Ahmad, Sultan Alkhateeb
{"title":"Women as Urologists in Saudi Arabia: Career Choice and Practice Challenges: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Meshari A Alzahrani, Abdalah Almhmd, Muhammad A Khan, Feras Badriq, Budoor Salman, Zainab Y Aljaziri, Naif Alotaibi, Mohammad Alkhamees, Sulaiman Almutairi, Mohammad Shakil Ahmad, Sultan Alkhateeb","doi":"10.2147/RRU.S412713","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2147/RRU.S412713","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>There is limited research on whether women choose urology as a future career. Therefore, we aimed in this study to assess the influencing and challenging factors among female physicians in Saudi Arabia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We approached 552 female physicians, including 29 (5.2%) urologists and 523 (94.7%) non-urologists. A cross-sectional survey was carried out, which included five sections and 46 items to assess and compare the perspectives of (urologists and non-urologists regarding influencing factors to choose urology, challenges toward applying to urology, and challenges during and after urology residency. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Responses were presented as frequencies and percentages, while associations were studied using the Chi-squared test/Fisher's exact test. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered significant.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 552 female physicians, 466 completed the survey. The survey items compared urologists and non-urologists among female physicians. Among both cohorts, the most influencing factors in choosing urology were the diversity of practice and urological procedures (p =0.002, p<0.001). There were no social barriers or challenges when applying for urology residency (p<0.001). Overall, the majority of female urologists reported a high level of agreement that they have more time to work at the clinic (55.2%), they are satisfied as they are currently being urologists (75.8%), satisfied with their current lifestyle (72.6%). They would choose urology again as a future career (58.6%). Non-urologist female physicians 326 (74.6%) think they are more likely to have experienced gender discrimination than urologists 15 (51.7%) (p<0.001). Female urologists were less likely to face social barriers when applying for urology residency than non-urologists (p<0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>As urologists, we must understand women's struggles, such as gender discrimination, a lack of academic advancement, and a lack of mentorship. To foster women's careers in urology, we must understand their unique needs, provide adequate mentorship, exterminate gender discrimination bias, and improve mentorship.</p>","PeriodicalId":21008,"journal":{"name":"Research and Reports in Urology","volume":"15 ","pages":"273-289"},"PeriodicalIF":1.6,"publicationDate":"2023-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/49/67/rru-15-273.PMC10314780.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"9745502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}