Minimizing the Cost of Treating Asymptomatic Ureterolithiasis.

Introduction: Treatment of patients with ureterolithiasis who report resolution of their symptoms but do not recall passing the stone presents a clinical challenge. We analyzed the cost of different therapeutic strategies for these patients.

Methods: We performed a cost minimization analysis using published efficacy data and Medicare reimbursement costs.

Incident CKD after Radical or Partial Nephrectomy.

The comparative effectiveness of partial nephrectomy versus radical nephrectomy to preserve kidney function has not been well established. We determined the risk of clinically significant (stage 4 and higher) CKD after radical or partial nephrectomy among veterans treated for kidney cancer in the Veterans Health Administration (2001-2013). Among patients with preoperative eGFR≥30 ml/min per 1.

Defining the Rate of Negative Ureteroscopy in the General Population Treated for Upper Tract Urinary Stone Disease.

Introduction: Ureteroscopy is increasingly used to treat upper tract urinary stone disease. A negative ureteroscopy is a ureteroscopy performed with the intent of removing a kidney or ureteral stone, but in which ultimately no stone is removed. Negative ureteroscopy may occur when the stone is found to have already passed, or the presumed stone is found to be outside of the collecting system.

The Relationship Between Offspring Sex Ratio and Vasectomy Utilization.

Objective: To determine if there was an association between vasectomy utilization and offspring sex ratio (male offspring : total offspring), as offspring sex preference may have an impact on family planning in the United States.

Methods: Using data from the National Institutes of Health-AARP Diet and Health Study, we calculated the number of sons and daughters of all men stratified by vasectomy status. We utilized a logistic regression model to determine if vasectomy utilization varies based on offspring sex ratio while accounting for known factors that impact vasectomy utilization.

Contemporary Use of Partial Nephrectomy: Are Older Patients With Impaired Kidney Function Being Left Behind?

Objective: To assess whether patient factors, such as age and preoperative kidney function, were associated with receipt of partial nephrectomy in a national integrated healthcare system.

Materials And Methods: We identified patients treated with a radical or partial nephrectomy from 2002 to 2014 in the Veterans Health Administration. We examined associations among patient age, sex, race or ethnicity, multimorbidity, baseline kidney function, tumor characteristics, and receipt of partial nephrectomy.

Relationship between Vasectomy and Sexual Frequency.

Introduction: Men who are considering vasectomy as a means of contraception may have significant anxiety about their future sexual potency. As a result, couples may choose other forms of contraception with lower efficacy.

Aim: We sought to determine the relationship between vasectomy and the frequency of sexual intercourse.