Promoting Ethical Discussions and Decision Making in a Human Service Agency.

This article describes the development of a system, the Ethics Network, designed to promote discussion of ethical issues in a human services organization. The system includes several core components, including people (e.g.

Cost comparison of robot-assisted and laparoscopic pyeloplasty.

Background And Purpose: Laparoscopic repair of ureteropelvic junction obstruction is now the standard of care at many institutions. The objective of this study is to compare costs associated with robot-assisted pyeloplasty (RP) vs laparoscopic pyeloplasty (LP).

Materials And Methods: A decision analysis model was developed to compare costs of each procedure based on hospital-related cost centers.

The impact of targeted molecular therapies on the level of renal cell carcinoma vena caval tumor thrombus.

Background: Targeted molecular therapies (TMTs) previously have demonstrated oncologic activity in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) by reducing the size of primary tumors and metastases.

Objective: To assess the cytoreductive effect of TMTs on inferior vena cava tumor thrombi.

Design, Setting, And Participants: A multi-institutional database of patients treated with TMTs for RCC was reviewed.

Cost comparison of robotic, laparoscopic, and open partial nephrectomy.

Purpose: To compare direct costs associated with open partial nephrectomy (OPN), laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN), and robot-assisted LPN (RALPN).

Methods: A meta-analysis of nonoverlapping studies was performed to determine operating room (OR) time, equipment use, and length of stay (LOS) for OPN, LPN, and RALPN. Cost models using cost data obtained from our institution were created, and robotic cost and maintenance were amortized over 7 years.

Cost-effectiveness of robotic-assisted laparoscopic procedures in urologic surgery in the USA.

New technologies such as robotic-assisted surgery are constantly introduced clinically without a complete understanding of benefits and costs. This article will discuss general concepts of health economics and apply them to the application of robotic-assisted surgery to urologic procedures. Utilization of robotic surgery has increased dramatically in recent years.

Uncemented total hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation for prostate cancer.

Background: Pelvic irradiation for a malignant tumor may cause osteonecrosis of the acetabulum. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of uncemented total hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of pelvic irradiation for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of the clinical records and radiographs of fifty-eight patients (sixty-six hips) who had had radiation therapy for prostate cancer and had subsequently undergone an elective primary uncemented total hip arthroplasty at our institution.

Hearing outcome of laser stapedotomy minus prosthesis (STAMP) versus conventional laser stapedotomy.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare short-and long-term hearing outcomes for patients undergoing primary laser stapedotomy minus prosthesis (STAMP) versus conventional laser stapedotomy.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective case review of 167 consecutive patients from 1993 to 2002.

Setting: Otology/neurotology tertiary referral center.