Relative value units do not adequately account for operative time in pediatric urology

BACKGROUND

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.

METHODS

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.

RESULTS

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).

CONCLUSION

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.

EVIDENCE LEVEL III

Retrospective comparative study.

Gender Representation in American Urological Association Guidelines

OBJECTIVE

To study patterns and factors associated with female representation in the American Urological Association (AUA) guidelines.

METHODS

We gathered publicly available information about the panelists, including the AUA section, practice setting, academic rank, fellowship training, years in practice, and H-index. The factors associated with the proportion of female panelists and trends were investigated. We also examined the proportion of female panelists in the European Association of Urology (EAU) and National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) urology guidelines.

RESULTS

There were 483 non-unique panelists in AUA guidelines, and 17% are female. Non-urologist female panelists in AUA guidelines represented a higher proportion than female urologists (30% vs 13%, P<0.0001). Compared with male panelists, females had lower H-indices (median 23 vs 35, P<0.001), and fewer were fellowship-trained (77.2% vs 86.8%; P=0.042). On multivariate analysis, non-urologists and panelists with lower H-indices were more likely to be female but there was no association between guideline specialties, academic ranking, geographic section, years in practice, and fellowship training with increased female authorship. Overtime, the proportion of female participation in guidelines remained stable. In the EAU and NCCN guideline panels, 12.2% and 10.7% were female, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Female representation among major urologic guidelines members is low and unchanged overtime. Female urologist participation was proportional to their representation in the urology workforce. Being a non-urologist and lower H-indices were associated with female membership in guideline panels.

Work relative value units do not account for complexity and operative time in hypospadias surgery

INTRODUCTION

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.

OBJECTIVE

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.

STUDY DESIGN

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.

RESULTS

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).

DISCUSSION

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.

CONCLUSION

This analysis of national-level data suggests that the current wRVU assignments significantly favor shorter and simpler procedures in hypospadias surgery.

Perioperative complications within 30 days of hypospadias surgery: Results from NSQIP-Pediatrics

INTRODUCTION

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.

STUDY DESIGN

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.

DISCUSSION

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.

CONCLUSION

We report large multi-institutional analysis of 30-day peri-operative hypospadias repair complications; this information is useful for patient counseling and education.

Congenital virilization of female infants recognized after pregnancies with retained levonorgestrel intrauterine devices

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.

Factors associated with delay in undescended testis referral

INTRODUCTION

Undescended testis (UDT) is one of the most common congenital disorders and is associated with infertility and testicular cancer. Multiple guidelines internationally have recommended orchiopexy by 18 months. Multiple large retrospective studies published in the last decade have found persistent delay in timing of orchiopexy.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to determine timing at which UDTs are referred at the tertiary pediatric hospital and assess factors that are associated with delay in UDT referral.

STUDY DESIGN

Based on clinical observations and previous data, a series of clinical and socio-economic variables were constructed to design a prospective database. All patients who underwent orchiopexy for UDT from March 1, 2017, to August 31, 2018, were reviewed for demographic and clinical data. Referral appointments after 18 months were considered delayed. Factors associated with delay in UDT referral were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analysis with logistic regression.

RESULTS

One hundred seventy-eight patients underwent orchiopexy for UDT. The median age was 44 months, and 64% of them had delay in referral. On univariate analysis, normal birth testicular examination, diagnosis of 'retractile testicle,' long gap without seeing pediatrician, diagnosis by a new physician, and primary language non-English were associated with delayed UDT referral. On multivariate analysis, delayed referral was associated with normal testicular examination at birth, history of 'retractile testis,' diagnosis not by the regular primary care provider, and other health or social issues that may have led to delay.

DISCUSSION

This is the first prospective study analyzing timing of referral for boys with cryptorchidism. It was found that timing of treatment of UDT with orchiopexy has not improved over the last decade. Major causes in delay in referral may be due to poor of education of families and lack of routine testicular examinations by referring providers. Secondary ascent may account a significant number of delayed orchiopexy cases.

CONCLUSION

Most patients at Doernbecher had delayed referral of cryptorchidism. Factors associated with delay were determined. To improve treatment of cryptorchidism, quality-based interventions and the importance of education and routine testicular examinations need to be focused on.

Cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis for children in the RIVUR trial

PURPOSE

We evaluated the cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial prophylaxis to prevent recurrent UTIs in children with vesicoureteral reflux based on the RIVUR trial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A decision tree model compared strategies of antimicrobial prophylaxis vs. placebo in children with reflux using results from the RIVUR trial. Risk reduction was 50% based on intention to treat analysis. Costs were based on Medicare reimbursement and data in literature. The model incorporated costs of medications, imaging and complications such as pyelonephritis, likelihood of surgery and loss of work. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed evaluating the effect of changing variables on the cost-effectiveness of antibiotic prophylaxis in preventing recurrent UTIs.

RESULTS

Mean costs were higher for treatment vs. placebo at $3092 and $2932, respectively, with 12.7 fewer infections per 100 children. One-way sensitivity analyses showed that antibiotics would be cost equivalent if the yearly medical cost was $386, rate of recurrent UTI increased to 32%, antibiotic risk reduction was 63%, or rate of pyelonephritis in the placebo group was 48%. Two-way analyses modifying antibiotic cost, risk reduction of antibiotics and probability of infection showed areas where antibiotics could be more cost-effective than placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis is associated with marginally higher costs compared with placebo, but significantly fewer infections. A slight decrease in antibiotic cost or increase in recurrent UTIs on placebo may result in prophylaxis being more cost-effective. We recognize that the marginal overall cost in antibiotics may have a substantial impact on the quality of life for the individual patient and family.

T-shaped Shunt With Intracavernosal Tunneling for a Pediatric Case of Refractory Ischemic Priapism

We present the first reported case of refractory pediatric priapism treated by intracavernosal tunneling T shunt. A 12-year-old male, with sickle cell disease, presented with 72 hours of painful erection. The patient failed conservative measures including aspiration, injection of phenylephrine, as well as distal shunt procedure. A T-T shunt was performed, as previously described in the adult literature. There was immediate resolution of the erection with no complications. At 1-year follow-up, he reports no subsequent episodes of priapism and normal erections. T shunt with tunneling can be performed in select cases of severe pediatric refractory ischemic priapism.

Malleable penile prosthesis is a cost-effective treatment for refractory ischemic priapism

INTRODUCTION

Refractory ischemic priapism (RIP) can be difficult to treat, consuming significant healthcare-related resources. Acute insertion of a malleable penile prosthesis (MPP) has been reported as an effective therapy that treats the priapism and restores sexual function.

AIM

We report our 6-year, urban public hospital experience with acute insertion of MPP in patients with RIP.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients receiving MPPs for RIP from 2007 to 2013. Data analyzed included duration of erection, number of emergency room (ER) visits, hospital admissions, days of hospitalization, and postoperative course. Costs were estimated using standard Medicare reimbursement rates.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Healthcare-related costs of treatment of RIP episodes in men presenting to our institution.

RESULTS

During the study period, 14 men underwent MPP placement acutely for refractory priapism. Thirteen presented with RIP, and one had stuttering priapism over a 14-day hospitalization. Etiologies included sickle cell anemia (4/13, 29%), medication-induced (3/14, 21%), and idiopathic (7/14, 50%). Average preoperative duration of RIP was 82 hours with considerable consumption of health-care resources (average US $83,818 estimated cost, 4 ER visits [range 1-27], 2 hospital admissions [range 1-5], 1.5 shunt procedures [range 1-3], 5 irrigation and drainage procedures using phenylephrine injection [range 2-20], and 5 hospital admission days [range 2-14]). All patients were discharged within 24 hours of MPP surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The management of RIP is associated with multiple ER visits, prolonged hospital admissions, and significant resource utilization. MPP insertion is efficacious for the immediate resolution of refractory priapism, with potential cost and resource benefits.

Is prolonged catheterization a risk factor for artificial urinary sphincter cuff erosion?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the relative risk of prolonged urethral catheterization (PC), >48 hours, on artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) cuff erosion in a tertiary referral population.

METHODS

All men who had undergone AUS implantation or revision by multiple surgeons at our institution from 2000 to 2010 with ≥6 months of follow-up were reviewed for urethral erosion, catheterization after AUS placement, and comorbid conditions.

RESULTS

Of the 258 AUS patients reviewed, 200 met the inclusion criteria, with an average follow-up of 24 months. AUS cuff erosions were noted in 24 men (12%) and were diagnosed at a mean of 16.9 months (range 0.8-87.1). PC was identified in 44 of the 200 men (22%)-of these men, erosions occurred in 17 (39%, P <.001). The indication for PC was most often major nongenitourinary surgery (36%) or urinary retention (32%). Univariate analysis identified an increased risk of erosion associated with hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, PC, previous radiotherapy, and secondary AUS placement (P <.05). On multivariate analysis, only PC, radiotherapy, and revision surgery were significant (P <.05), but cuff size and concomitant inflatable penile prosthesis were not associated with AUS cuff erosion.

CONCLUSION

PC is an independent risk factor for AUS cuff erosion.

A surprisingly low prevalence of demonstrable stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women with multiple sclerosis followed at a tertiary neurogenic bladder clinic

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/m(2), 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.

Robot-assisted laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty: technique using the da Vinci Si robotic platform

Conventional laparoscopic dismembered pyeloplasty (LP) is an established alternative to open pyeloplasty given equivalent intermediate-term outcomes and decreased morbidity. Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) pyeloplasty has the potential to further decrease the morbidity of LP, while yielding superior cosmesis. It is, however, technically very challenging even with the use of an accessory port, largely because of the difficulty of intracorporeal suturing through a single umbilical incision. Application of the da Vinci robotic surgical platform to LESS pyeloplasty (R-LESS) has the potential to overcome these limitations. We describe our technique for R-LESS pyeloplasty using the da Vinci Si robot. We have found that use of the robotic system in conjunction with certain technique modifications helps to reduce the technical difficulty of LESS pyeloplasty and to shorten the physical learning curve associated with the procedure.

Laparoscopic ureteral reimplantation: technique and outcomes

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.

Pathologic findings in patients with ureteropelvic junction obstruction and crossing vessels

OBJECTIVES

To define the role of crossing vessels in the pathophysiology of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, we analyzed the relationship between the presence of crossing vessels and UPJ pathologic findings in patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty. The significance of crossing renal vessels in patients with UPJ obstruction is unclear.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 155 consecutive patients undergoing laparoscopic pyeloplasty. Pathologic specimens from the UPJ were evaluated in 95 patients. The presence or absence of crossing vessels was documented intraoperatively. The histopathologic findings allowed for categorization into 5 groups: group 1, normal ureteral tissue; group 2, chronic inflammation; group 3, smooth muscle hypertrophy, group 4, fibrosis; and group 5, smooth muscle atrophy. The pathologic findings between patients with and without crossing vessels were compared.

RESULTS

Overall, crossing vessels were identified in 98 patients (63.2%). Of the 95 cases with specimens retrieved for histologic analysis, 65 had crossing vessels and 30 did not. The most common UPJ histologic finding in patients with crossing vessels was no intrinsic abnormality (43%). In contrast, this was seen in only 10% of patients without a crossing vessel. In the group without crossing vessels, chronic inflammation (40%) was the predominant histologic findings. Patients with a crossing vessel were less likely to have intrinsic histologic pathologic findings (P < .0003).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with crossing vessels and UPJ obstruction had no histologic abnormalities identified in 43% of cases. This finding implicates crossing vessels in the pathogenesis of select cases of UPJ obstruction and direct mechanical compression as the etiology of obstruction in these individuals.