Hypospadias surgery in England: Higher volume centres have lower complication rates

Can paediatric surgical registrars safely perform supervised hypospadias surgery?

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias repair is regarded as a technically demanding, complex procedure, with variable outcomes. Therefore, it tends to be performed by consultants, with limited trainee involvement. We aimed to study the clinical outcomes of supervised registrars performing proximal and distal hypospadias repairs, compared to their consultant mentors.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective review of all primary hypospadias repairs performed between April 2013-April 2022 at our tertiary paediatric urology centre. Redo repairs and patients lost to follow-up were excluded. Pre-operative anatomy, theatre time, grade of primary surgeon (registrar (trainees and non-training middle grades) or consultant), operative technique, follow-up duration, complications, and reoperation rates were recorded. The procedures were assessed in two groups according to the primary operator: registrar or consultant. The Zwisch scale is used to describe level of consultant support. Registrars as primary operators received "passive help" or "supervision" (Zwisch levels 3/4). Consultants as primary operators provided registrars with "show-and-tell" or "active help" (Zwisch levels 1/2).

RESULTS

270 procedures performed on 228 patients met the inclusion criteria. 109 were performed by registrars and 161 by consultants. In both groups, median age was two years (p = 0.23). Median theatre time was similar (registrars 2.8 h vs. consultants 2.7 h, p = 0.88), as was median follow-up (registrars 25months, vs. consultants 21months, p = 0.99). Operations performed by registrars were 76% distal and 24% proximal; and by consultants were 62% distal and 38% proximal. The overall urethroplasty complication rate was similar, at 24% for registrars and 23% for consultants (p = 0.89). The summary table shows the distribution of different complications. Re-operation rate was 16% in both groups (p = 0.99). Complications were further assessed according to operation type (TIP vs. two-stage repair).

DISCUSSION

Contrary to popular belief amongst hypospadiologists, we found complication rates were similar for registrar and consultant surgeons. We question that involvement of registrars increases complications. The literature demonstrates safety of trainee performance of limited steps of the procedure. However our institution permits registrars to perform up to the whole hypospadias repair under direct supervision, with no predefined limit to their involvement.

CONCLUSION

Paediatric surgical registrars can be safely supervised to have substantial involvement in proximal and distal hypospadias repair, without compromising the duration or outcomes of surgery. We hope that allowing more registrar involvement can lead to faster acquisition of surgical skills, whilst remaining under the safety of senior supervision. Increasing opportunities for those with an aptitude for hypospadias repair can equip them with skills and confidence for entering fellowship training.

Risk factors for postoperative complications in children with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent urethral plate transection

OBJECTIVES

To identify the risk factors associated with developing complications after transection of the urethral plate for proximal hypospadias with severe chordee.

METHODS

We used a prospective database to identify patients with proximal hypospadias and severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate and primary hypospadias repair in 2011 and 2021. All patients underwent urethroplasty with a follow-up period of >12 months. The association between variables (age, surgical technique, length of urethral defect, and surgeon volume) and postoperative complications (fistulas, urethral strictures, diverticula and glans dehiscence) was analyzed.

RESULTS

Altogether, 493 patients were included, of whom 133 (26.9%) had postoperative complications. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that the preoperative proximal meatal position, one-stage repair, longer urethral defect length, and low surgeon volume were significant risk factors for postoperative complications with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate. A urethral defect length of ≥4.55 cm was considered the best cutoff value for predicting postoperative complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative proximal meatal location, one-stage repair, longer urethral defect length, and low surgeon volume were associated with postoperative complications in patients with proximal hypospadias with severe chordee who underwent transection of the urethral plate. A urethral defect length of ≥4.55 cm was significantly associated with the development of complications.

Complication rates of proximal hypospadias: meta-analyses of four surgical repairs

INTRODUCTION

Proximal hypospadias surgery is impacted by a high complication rate. The goal of this work was to assess the overall composite complication rate, fistula rate and stenosis rate following proximal hypospadias surgery realized according to onlay urethroplasty, Duckett, Koyanagi and Bracka techniques.

METHODS

The databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, SCOPUS, Cochrane Library, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Sciencedirect were searched. Studies had to report data about the mean age of population, the average duration of patient follow-up and the number of procedures required for surgical treatment of primary and proximal hypospadias. Two independent including one urologist reviewers screened all the articles and selected the articles to be included.

RESULTS

Overall composite complication rates were 32%, 34%, 49%, and 43%, for Onlay urethroplasty, Duckett's tubularized flaps urethroplasty, Koyanagi repair and Bracka 2 stages repair, respectively. Fistula rates were 13%, 18%, 21% and 23% respectively. The heterogeneity of complication rates reported in the different studies was not moderated by age, country, or patient's continent origin.

DISCUSSION

The classifications of complications used in articles were disparate and make comparisons between techniques difficult. The report of post-surgical complications in the literature is often poorly coded and follow-up times were often too short.

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis attempts to determine to the extent possible, given the serious weaknesses in the hypospadias literature, plausible estimates of complication rates after skin flap urethroplasty. The patched onlay skin flap, the Duckett's tubularized skin flap technique, the Koyanagi's technique, and the Bracka's two-stage urethroplasty procedure lead to very high complication rates. Reported complication rates are comparable across techniques.

Creation of a Pilot Surgical Program for the Comprehensive Management of Patients with Congenital Urological Malformations

Objectives Congenital malformations constitute the first cause of morbidity and mortality in childhood in Latin America. That is why, since 2001, a surveillance system for congenital malformations has been implemented in Bogota - Colombia. However, despite the increase in detection, an impact on treatment has not been achieved. The present study describes our experience with a novel social program focused on congenital urologic disorders.

Methods The present manuscript is a retrospective observational study. We reviewed two national databases containing patients with congenital malformations. Patients were actively contacted to verify the status of the malformations. Children in whom the malformation was confirmed were offered a free consultation with a multidisciplinary group. After screening for surgical indications, patients were scheduled for surgery.

Results Between November 2018 and December 2019, 60 patients were identified. In total 44, attended the consultation; the remaining did not attend due to financial or travel limitations. The most common condition assessed was hypospadias. In total, 29 patients underwent surgery. The total cost of care was of US$ 5,800.

Conclusions Active search improves attention times and reduces the burden of disease. The limitations to be resolved include optimizing the transportation of patients and their families, which is a frequent limitation to access health care.

Surgeon-Level Variation in Outcome following Esophageal Atresia Repair Is Not Explained by Volume

INTRODUCTION

 To assess whether there is a difference in operative outcome for esophageal atresia (EA) depending on a surgeon's seniority as defined by years in consultant practice or number of cases performed. In addition a Clavien-Dindo score was used to sequentially analyze the outcome of each surgeon's EA procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

 All repairs performed over 22 years in an English regional center were analyzed. Outcomes were: death, anastomotic leak, need for dilatation, need for more than three dilatations, need for fundoplication, and a Clavien-Dindo adverse outcome of ≥3b. Possible explanatory variables were: number of prior repairs by the surgeon, surgeon's years of consultant experience. We also examined the effect of variables intrinsic to the infant as possible confounding variables and as independent predictors of outcome.

RESULTS

 A total of 190 repairs were performed or supervised by 12 consultants. There was no significant association between consultant experience and any objective outcome. However, sequential analysis suggests there is variation between surgeons in the incidence of Clavien-Dindo events of ≥3b. Performance showed deterioration in one case. Mortality was explicable by cardiac and renal anomalies.

CONCLUSION

 There are surgeon-level variations in outcomes for the procedure of EA repair, but they are not explained by volume. Surgeon performance can deteriorate. Our study would not support the concept that patient outcomes could be improved by concentrating the provision of this surgery to fewer hospitals or surgeons.

Adult distal hypospadias repair is safe and easy

The success level of hypospadias repair in adults still needs to be established on a more extensive scaled study. Therefore, we conducted this study to document the success level of hypospadias repair in adults. This study presents the results of 620 adult distal hypospadias patients treated with TIPU operation. A retrospective study was performed for adult patients who underwent TIPU operations from February 2016 to September 2020. Patients who had distal hypospadias after the age of 16 were included in our study. The average operation time was between 35 and 65 min (50 min.). Complications developed in 79 (12.7%) patients: 37 urethral fistulas, 24 meatal stenosis, 11 anastomotic stenosis and 7 had a complete failure. In conclusion, primary adult distal hypospadias surgery is safe and easy. The complication rates are similar when compared to the paediatric group. As the surgical experience advances, the success of the operation increases in direct proportion.

Hospital Volumes of Inpatient Pediatric Surgery in the United States

BACKGROUND

Perioperative outcomes of children depend on the skill and expertise in managing pediatric patients, as well as integration of surgical, anesthesiology, and medical teams. We compared the types of pediatric patients and inpatient surgical procedures performed in low- versus higher-volume hospitals throughout the United States.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of 323,258 hospitalizations with an operation for children age 0 to 17 years in 2857 hospitals included in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) 2016. Hospitals were categorized by their volume of annual inpatient surgical procedures. Specific surgeries were distinguished with the AHRQ Clinical Classification System. We assessed complex chronic conditions (CCCs) using Feudtner and Colleagues' system.

RESULTS

The median annual volume of pediatric inpatient surgeries across US hospitals was 8 (interquartile range [IQR], 3-29). The median volume of inpatient surgeries for children with a CCC was 4 (IQR, 1-13). Low-volume hospitals performed significantly fewer types of surgeries (median 2 vs 131 types of surgeries in hospitals with 1-24 vs ≥2000 volumes). Appendectomy and fixation of bone fracture were among the most common surgeries in low-volume hospitals. As the volume of surgical procedures increased from 1 to 24 to ≥2000, the percentage of older children ages 11 to 17 years decreased (70.9%-32.0% [P < .001]) and the percentage of children with a CCC increased (11.2%-60.0% [P < .001]).

CONCLUSIONS

Thousands of US hospitals performed inpatient surgeries on few pediatric patients, including those with CCCs who have the highest risk of perioperative morbidity and mortality. Evaluation of perioperative decision making, workflows, and pediatric clinicians in low- and higher-volume hospitals is warranted.

Surgical outcomes and socio-demographic pattern of hypospadias patients treated in a tertiary care center in Kabul, Afghanistan

INTRODUCTION

Hypospadias is a congenital anomaly of male external genitalia and is the second most common congenital anomaly of male newborns after cryptorchidism. Although its prevalence in Afghanistan is unknown, anecdotal evidence shows that hypospadias is an important clinical and psychosocial problem in Afghanistan. There is no data available regarding the socio-demographic pattern of the disease and age at the time of surgery in Afghanistan context.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of this study were to identify socio-demographic pattern of hypospadias among patients and to determine surgical outcomes of hypospadias patients operated in a tertiary care center in Kabul.

METHODS

A descriptive case series design and non-probability consecutive sampling were used. Study population was 86 patients undergone urethroplasty during January 2018 to September 2019. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the dependent and independent variables. Follow up notes of patients' medical record files were reviewed to assess post-operative condition of the patients along with presence of any post-operative complications.

RESULTS

The mean age at the time of repair was 6.2 years. Family history was positive in 16.3% and consanguinity in almost 56% of the patients. The most common type of hypospadias was distal shaft type (30.2%), penile chordae was present in 25.6% and pinhole meatus in 32.6% of the cases. The most common associated anomaly was cryptorchidism (9.3%) followed by inguinal hernia (2.3%). Peno-scrotal transposition was the most common sexual differentiation disorder (11.6%), however majority didn't have any disorder of sexual differentiation (83.7%) The most common complication was urethral stricture and meatal stenosis (9.3% each) followed by urethra-cutaneous fistula (7%) in this study, although remarkable majority (74.4%) was complication free. Urethral advancement procedure was more practiced in distal type (94.7%) and 2-stage repair for the proximal type (70%) of hypospadias.

CONCLUSION

Findings showed that the age at repair for hypospadias in our center is much higher than the recommended age. Different than the literature, the most common complication was meatal stenosis. Majority of patients were result of consanguineous marriages. Procedure choice was different according to the type of hypospadias and preference of the surgeon.

[Health care reality of selected pediatric urologic surgeries in Germany from 2006 to 2019]

BACKGROUND

The conservative and surgical treatment of children is a fundamental pillar of the urological specialist training program and represents one of the core competencies within urological healthcare. The loss of this expertise has been a reoccurring topic within urologic occupational policy. The aim of this study is to analyse actual case numbers and to compare the distribution and dynamics of pediatric urologic surgeries between the specialist departments of urology and pediatric surgery in Germany.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We defined the surgical treatments of maldecensus testis, hypospadias, and vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) as index interventions. Using the tool reimbursement.INFO (RI Innovation GmbH, Hürth, Germany) we analysed publicly available quality report data of German hospitals between 2006 and 2019.

RESULTS

While orchidopexy was more commonly performed in the field of urology, the correction of hypospadias and the surgical treatment of VUR showed higher case numbers in the field of pediatric surgery. Proportionally, there was no relevant shift between urologic and pediatric surgical clinics for orchidopexy and surgical VUR therapy during the study period. For hypospadias corrections, the proportion of surgeries performed in pediatric surgical units is increasing (p < 0.0001). In pediatric surgery 84-93% of the analyzed procedures are performed in high-volume units, while this proportion is 56-73% in urology. In particular, a high proportion of VUR therapy in urology is performed as an occasional procedure (30% very low volume).

CONCLUSIONS

The quality report data enable the compilation of case numbers and the analysis of the distribution between urology and pediatric surgery in Germany. Merely the correction of hypospadias has shown a relevant shift towards pediatric surgery. The causes and possible consequences for professional policy of this preliminary investigation are complex and require further analysis.

Temporal Trends and Geographical Variation in Dupuytren Disease Surgery in England: A Population-Based Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Dupuytren disease (DD) is a common fibroproliferative disease of the palmar fascia. The mainstay of DD treatment in England is surgery with either percutaneous needle fasciotomy, limited fasciectomy, or dermofasciectomy. This study aimed to investigate the temporal trends and geographical variation of primary DD surgery in England.

METHODS

A longitudinal population-based cohort study was perfomed using the Hospital Episode Statistics database from April 1, 2007, to March 31, 2017. Directly standarized rates were estimated over time (between financial years 2007-2008 and 2016-2017) and by geographic region (by clinical commissioning groups [CCGs]; financial years 2010-2011, 2013-2014, and 2016-2017). The Office for National Statistics midyear population estimates were used as the reference population.

MAIN FINDINGS

Primary DD surgery was undertaken at a steadily increasing rate from financial year 2007 to 2008, to 2016 to 2017 in England. There was a striking 3.6-fold variation in the rates of primary DD surgery among National Health Service CCGs in England place of residence.

CONCLUSIONS

This significant variation in DD surgical treatment in England suggests a need for the development of standardized surgical practice across all CCGs and National Health Service hospitals, promoting equality of access to cost-effective health care.

The identification and validity of congenital malformation diagnoses in UK electronic health records: A systematic review

PURPOSE

To describe the methods used to identify and validate congenital malformation diagnoses recorded in UK electronic health records, and the results of validation studies.

METHODS

Medline and Embase were searched for publications between 1987 and 2019 that involved identifying congenital malformations from UK electronic health records using diagnostic codes. The methods and code-lists used to identify congenital malformations, and the methods and results of validations, were examined.

RESULTS

We retrieved 54 eligible studies; 36 identified congenital malformations from primary care data and 18 from secondary care data alone or in combination with birth and/or death records. Identification in secondary care data relied on codes from the 'Q' chapter for congenital malformations in ICD-10. In contrast, studies using primary care data frequently used additional codes outside of the 'P' chapter for congenital malformation diagnoses in Read, although the exact codes used were not always clear. Eight studies validated diagnoses identified in primary care data. The positive predictive value was highest (80%-100%) for congenital malformations overall, major malformations, and heart defects although the validity of the reference standard used was often uncertain. It was lowest for neural tube defects (71%) and developmental hip dysplasia (56%).

CONCLUSIONS

Studies identifying congenital malformations from primary care data provided limited details about the methods used. The few validation studies were limited to diagnoses recorded in primary care. Further assessments of all measures of validity in both data sources and of other malformation subgroups are needed, using robust reference standards and adhering to reporting guidelines.

Application and efficacy of reconstructing forked corpus spongiosum in distal/midshaft hypospadias repair

We reviewed our experience in reconstructing forked corpus spongiosum (FCS) in distal/midshaft hypospadias repair and analyzed the efficacy of this surgical technique. From August 2013 to December 2018, 137 consecutive cases of distal/midshaft hypospadias operated by the same surgeon in Urology Department, Children's Hospital of Fudan University (Shanghai, China), were retrospectively analyzed. Sixty-four patients who underwent routine tubularized incised plate (TIP) or onlay island flap (ONLAY) surgery were included in the nonreconstructing group, and 73 patients who underwent reconstructing FCS during TIP or ONLAY surgery were included as the reconstructing group. Thirty-eight cases underwent TIP, and 26 underwent ONLAY in the nonreconstructing group, with a median follow-up of 44 (range: 30–70) months. Twenty-seven cases underwent TIP, and 46 underwent ONLAY in the reconstructing group, with a median follow-up of 15 (range: 6–27) months. In the nonreconstructing/reconstructing groups, the mean age at the time of surgery was 37.55 (standard deviation [s.d.]: 29.65)/35.23 (s.d.: 31.27) months, the mean operation duration was 91.95 (s.d.: 12.17)/93.84 (s.d.: 14.91) min, the mean neourethral length was 1.88 (s.d.: 0.53)/1.94 (s.d.: 0.53) cm, and the mean glans width was 11.83 (s.d.: 1.32)/11.56 (s.d.: 1.83) mm. Twelve (18.8%)/5 (6.8%) postoperative complications occurred in the nonreconstructing/reconstructing groups. These included fistula (5/2), glans dehiscence (3/0), diverticulum (1/2), residual chordee (3/0), and meatus stenosis (0/1) in each group. There was a significant difference in the overall rate of complications (P = 0.035). These results indicate that the technique of reconstructing FCS provides excellent outcomes with fewer complications in distal/midshaft hypospadias repair.

Using Buck's Fascia as an Integral Covering in Urethroplasty to Restore the Anatomical Structure of the Penis in One-Stage Hypospadias Repair: A Multicenter Chinese Study Comprising 1,386 Surgeries

Objectives: The objective of the study is to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of urethroplasty with a Buck's fascia integral-covering technique (BFIC) to wrap and restore the normal anatomical structure of the penis in one-stage hypospadias surgery. Methods: One-stage surgeries for hypospadias management were performed using BFIC from January 2016 to September 2020 at four high-volume medical centers in China. The technique integrates Buck's fascia with glans wings to mobilize and wrap the urethra and restore penile anatomical relationships. The clinical data, postoperative follow-up data, and complications were recorded, and the results were analyzed. Results: A total of 1,386 patients were included in the study: 1,260 cases of primary hypospadias and 126 cases of re-operations; distal in 382 cases (27.6%), mid-shaft in 639 (46.1%), proximal in 365 (26.3%); tubularized incised plate (TIP) in 748 cases, inlay-graft in 124, onlay-graft in 49, Mathieu in 28, free-tube graft urethroplasty in 406, and 31 of hybrid procedures. One thousand one hundred forty-two patients (82.4%) were found to have penile curvature (>10°) after artificial erection and all corrected by dorsal plication/s or transection of the urethra plate (UP) simultaneously. The median followed-up time was 27 months (6-62). A total of 143 (10.3%) complications were recorded: 114 (9.0%) in the primary operations and 29 (23%) in the re-operations, 15 (3.9%) in distal hypospadias, 61 (9.5%) in mid-shaft, and 67 (18.4%) in proximal. The complication rate in UP preservation and transection was 10.1 and 10.8%, respectively. Of all case complications, there were 73 (5.2%) of fistula, 10 (0.6%) of dehiscence, 22 (1.6%) of meatal stenosis, 21 (1.5%) of stricture, 6 (0.7%) of diverticulum, and resident curvature in 11 cases (1.2%). The overall complication rate in TIP and free-tube procedure was 9.8 and 9.9%, respectively, and fistula occurred in primary TIP of 33 cases (4.9%). Conclusions: Buck's fascia with the glans can be used as an integral covering technique in one-stage distal to proximal hypospadias and primary or re-operative hypospadias repair. It is safe, feasible, and effective for the repair of hypospadias.

Digital Pattern Recognition for the Identification and Classification of Hypospadias Using Artificial Intelligence vs Experienced Pediatric Urologist

OBJECTIVE

To improve hypospadias classification system, we hereby, show the use of machine learning/image recognition to increase objectivity of hypospadias recognition and classification. Hypospadias anatomical variables such as meatal location, quality of urethral plate, glans size, and ventral curvature have been identified as predictors for postoperative outcomes but there is still significant subjectivity between evaluators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hypospadias image database with 1169 anonymized images (837 distal and 332 proximal) was used. Images were standardized (ventral aspect of the penis including the glans, shaft, and scrotum) and classified into distal or proximal and uploaded for training with TensorFlow. Data from the training were outputted to TensorBoard, to assess for the loss function. The model was then run on a set of 29 "Test" images randomly selected. Same set of images were distributed among expert clinicians in pediatric urology. Inter- and intrarater analyses were performed using Fleiss Kappa statistical analysis using the same 29 images shown to the algorithm.

RESULTS

After training with 627 images, detection accuracy was 60%. With1169 images, accuracy increased to 90%. Inter-rater analysis among expert pediatric urologists was k= 0.86 and intrarater 0.74. Image recognition model emulates the almost perfect inter-rater agreement between experts.

CONCLUSION

Our model emulates expert human classification of patients with distal/proximal hypospadias. Future applicability will be on standardizing the use of these technologies and their clinical applicability. The ability of using variables different than only anatomical will feed deep learning algorithms and possibly better assessments and predictions for surgical outcomes.

Parental decisional satisfaction after hypospadias repair in the United Kingdom

BACKGROUND

In hypospadias, the aim of surgical treatment is to achieve both desirable functional and cosmetic outcomes; however, complications following surgery are common and 18% of boys require re-operation. In mild degrees of hypospadias, repair may be offered entirely to improve cosmesis, meaning parents should be fully informed of this and the potential for complications, during the consent process. Parents' decision-making may be aided by making them aware of how others in a similar position have felt about the decision that they made for their child. One method of measuring parental satisfaction is decisional regret (DR).

OBJECTIVES

To assess parental satisfaction following hypospadias surgery in the United Kingdom by assessing DR and to determine the feasibility of obtaining meaningful data via a mobile phone survey.

STUDY DESIGN

The National Outcomes Audit in Hypospadias database was commissioned by the British Association of Paediatric Surgeons to capture clinical information from hypospadias repairs. Following ethical approval (16/NW/0819), a text message was sent to mobile numbers in the database inviting participation in a questionnaire incorporating the validated DR scale (DRS). The primary outcome measure was mean DRS score, which was correlated with clinical information, a score of zero indicated no regret and 100 indicated maximum regret.

RESULTS

There were 340 (37%) responses. The median age at the primary procedure was 16 (interquartile range 13-20) months. No DR (score = 0) was detected in 186 (55% [95%CI 49-60]) respondents; however, moderate-to-severe DR (score = 26-100) was seen in 21 (6.2% [95%CI 3.6-8.7]) respondents. On multivariate analysis, a distal meatus, a small glans and developing complications requiring repeat surgery were all associated with increased levels of regret (Table). There was no association between DR and cases performed per surgeon.

DISCUSSION

Around half of respondents demonstrated no DR and postoperative complications requiring surgery were associated with the highest levels of DR, which is similar to a Canadian study. Lorenzo et al. however found that DR was associated with circumcision, which was undertaken in all boys; however, in this UK study, around a third of boys were circumcised and regret levels between those circumcised and those not circumcised were similar. The limitations of this work include the following: surgeons submitting their own data on complications and there is potential of selection bias between respondents and non-respondents as with any survey.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from this study can be used to improve pre-operative counselling during the consent process. Smart mobile phone technology can be used successfully to distribute and collect parent-reported outcomes.

The Treatment Intensity of Anticoagulant Therapy for Patients With Sepsis-Induced Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation and Outcomes: A Multicenter Cohort Study

We examined the institutional variations in anticoagulation therapy for sepsis-induced disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) and their effects on patient outcomes. This post hoc analysis of a cohort study included 3195 patients with severe sepsis across 42 intensive care units. To evaluate differences in the intensity of anticoagulation therapy, the proportion of patients receiving anticoagulation therapy and the total number of patients with sepsis-induced DIC were compared. Predicted in-hospital mortality for each patient was calculated using logistic regression analysis. To evaluate survival outcomes, the actual/mean predicted in-hospital mortality ratio in each institution was calculated. Thirty-eight institutions with 2897 patients were included. Twenty-five institutions treated 60% to 100% (high-intensity institutions), while the rest treated 0% to 50% (low-intensity institutions) of patients with sepsis-induced DIC having anticoagulant therapy. Every 10-unit increase in the intensity of anticoagulant therapy was associated with lower in-hospital mortality (odds ratio: 0.904). A higher number of high-intensity institutions (compared to low-intensity institutions) had lower in-hospital mortality and fewer bleeding events than predicted. In conclusion, institutional variations existed in the use of anticoagulation therapy in patients with sepsis-induced DIC. High-intensity anticoagulation therapy was associated with better outcomes.

Hypospadias surgery on YouTube: is it valid?

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate video clips of hypospadias surgery on YouTube and to assess their competence for basic steps of hypospadias surgery.

METHODS

The YouTube was screened for videos of hypospadias surgery between 1 December 2018 and 20 December 2018. Videos were divided into three groups based on the subjective utility checklist scores as follows: highly compatible (group 1; ≥7 points), moderately compatible (Group 2; 5-6 points), and less compatible (group 3; ≤4 points). Groups were compared statistically.

RESULTS

A total of 100 videos were included in this study. The mean total score was 4.48±1.97. There were 15 (15%) videos in group 1, 42 (42%) in group 2, and 43 (43%) in group 3. There was a statistically significant difference in the total score, duration of videos, and like/dislike ratios among the groups (P<0.001, for all). There was a strong and significant correlation between the total scores and the step of glanuloplasty and skin closure (r: 0.805, P<0.001 and r: 0.770, P<0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study results suggest that the educational content of the videos of hypospadias surgery on YouTube is unsatisfactory. We believe that such videos must contain information regarding the surgical steps of glanuloplasty, skin closure, flap transposition, and urethroplasty and detailed information about the suture materials.