Search

Zusammenfassung Als Krebsregister werden systematisch gesammelte Informationen in Form einer Datenbank zu Tumorerkrankungen bezeichnet. Sie können Auskunft über die Qualität der onkologischen Versorgung oder Fortschritte in der Therapie der einzelnen Krebsarten über die Zeit liefern. Seit 1995 sind alle Deutschen Bundesländer gesetzlich verpflichtet ein Krebsregister aufzubauen und zu führen. Das Zentrum für Krebsregisterdaten (ZfKD) am Robert Koch-Institut sammelt diese bundesweiten Daten seit dem Jahre 2009 und führt diese in einen jährlich geprüften Datensatz zusammen, welcher für Forschungszwecke verfügbar ist. Im Rahmen des Krebsfrüherkennungs- und registergesetzes (KFRG) welches 2013 verabschiedet wurde, bekamen die Krebsregister eine neue Ausrichtung. So leisten sie seither einen zentralen Beitrag zur Qualitätssicherung der onkologischen Versorgung in Deutschland. Die Finanzierung der Krebsregister wird im Wesentlichen durch die Krankenkassen getragen. Eine anstehende Erweiterung des Datensatzes um klinische Variablen und die frühere Bereitstellung durch das ZfKD ab dem kommenden Jahr bietet neue Möglichkeiten für die wissenschaftliche Nutzung der Krebsregister-Daten. Dabei wird insbesondere der Krankheitsverlauf nun deutlich detaillierter abgebildet werden. Neben den Krebsregistern bestehen in Deutschland nur wenige sinnvolle Ergänzungen zur Beurteilung der flächendeckenden Versorgungssituation und Behandlungsrealität auf nationaler Ebene. Die fallpauschalbezogene Krankenhausstatistik (DRG-Datenbank) des Statistischen Bundesamtes erfasst sämtliche Abrechnungsdaten aller deutschen Krankenhäuser mit wenigen Ausnahmen. Eine weitere interessante Ergänzung zu den Krebsregisterdaten bieten die Datensätze der strukturierten Qualitätsberichte, welche seit 2003 für deutsche Krankenhäuser verpflichtend sind. Zukünftig soll durch das in 2021 beschlossene Gesetz zur Zusammenführung von Krebsregisterdaten die wissenschaftliche Rolle der Krebsregister weiter aufgewertet werden.

Purpose This study is to investigate the adoption and current trends of Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT for mCRPC in Germany. Methods We analyzed data from the reimbursement.INFO tool based on German hospitals’ quality reports for Lutetium-177 PSMA RLT from 2016 to 2020 and from the nationwide German hospital billing database (Destatis) for general therapy with open radionuclides in combination with prostate cancer from 2006 to 2020. For validation of these billing data, we included the 177Lu-PSMA RLT cycles from two participating institutions from 2016 to 2020. For detection of trends over time we applied linear regression models. Results General therapy with open radionuclides increased from 2006 to 2020. We identified a total of 12,553 177Lu-PSMA RLT cycles. The number of 177Lu-PSMA RLTs steadily increased from a total of 1026 therapies in 2016 to 3328 therapies in 2020 (+ 576 RLT/year; p 177Lu-PSMA RLTs, which increased to 36% (16/44) in 2020 (p 177Lu-PSMA RLT increased from 78% in 2016 to 81% in 2020. Conclusion Treatment of mCRPC with 177Lu-PSMA RLT has been rapidly increasing in Germany in the recent years providing an additional therapy option. This development is remarkable, because of outstanding formal EMA approval.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to investigate trends of FT for in-patient treatment of renal RCC in the USA and Germany. Methods: We analyzed the SEER database for the USA and the nationwide German hospital billing database each from 2006 to 2019 for a RCC diagnosis in combination with FT, radical nephrectomy, and partial nephrectomy. FT was defined as radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cryotherapy. Linear regression analysis was performed to detect changes over time. Results: For the USA, we included 7,318 FT cases. The share of FT increased from 2.4% in 2006 to 6.4% in 2019 (p < 0.001). For Germany, we identified 2,920 FT cases. The share of FT increased from 0.7% in 2006 to 2.0% in 2019 (p < 0.001). The number of RFAs in the USA steadily increased by 227% from a total of 93 in 2006 to 304 in 2019 while the number of cryotherapies in the USA steadily increased by 289% from a total of 127 in 2006 to 494 in 2019 (p < 0.001). The number of RFAs in Germany increased by 344% from a total of 59 in 2006 to 262 in 2019 (p < 0.001) while the number of cryotherapies steadily increased by 43% from a total of 54 in 2006 to 77 in 2019 (p < 0.001). In Germany, RFA is significantly more performed than cryotherapy while in the USA cryotherapy is more frequently applied. Conclusion: We observed a constant increase of FT in the USA and Germany for RCC in-patient treatment with a higher share in the USA.

Purpose To report contemporary epidemiological data and treatment trends for upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) in Germany over a 14-year period. Methods We analyzed data from the nationwide German hospital billing database and the German cancer registry from 2006 to 2018/2019. The significance of changes over time was evaluated via regression analysis. Survival outcomes were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method. Results There was a non-significant increase in the age-standardized incidence rate from 2.5/100,000 in 2006 to 2.9/100.000 in 2018. 13% of patients presented with lymph node metastasis and 7.6% of patients presented with distant metastasis at primary diagnosis. The 5-year overall survival was estimated at 45% and the 10-year overall survival at 32%. Endoscopic biopsies of the renal pelvis and ureter as well as ureteroscopies with excision/destruction of UTUC all increased significantly over the study period. The number of radical nephroureterectomies (RNU) for UTUC steadily increased from 1643 cases in 2006 to 2238 cases in 2019 (p Conclusion Diagnostic and therapeutic procedures for UTUC have increased and minimally invasive nephroureterectomy is the predominant approach concerning radical surgery in 2019.

Zusammenfassung Einleitung Die Zirkumzision Minderjähriger aus kulturellen und religiösen Gründen ist umstritten. Bei der Diskussion zum Beschneidungsgesetz von 2012 wurde eine Zunahme der Zirkumzision Minderjähriger ohne medizinische Indikation befürchtet. Ziel der Arbeit war es daher, die Entwicklung der Fallzahlen zu analysieren. Material und Methoden Auf Basis der Forschungsdatenbank des Instituts für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung GmbH (InGef) mit nach Alter und Region repräsentativen 4,9 Mio. Versichertenanonymen schätzten wir die jährlichen Zirkumzisionszahlen in Deutschland von 2013 bis 2018. Dabei stratifizierten wir die Daten nach Alter ( Ergebnisse Im Studienzeitraum wurden insgesamt 673.819 Beschneidungen durchgeführt. Ab 2014 kam es zu einem signifikanten Rückgang der Fallzahlen in allen Altersgruppen (p = 0,049). Dabei haben während des gesamten Studienzeitraums die Beschneidungen bei Minderjährigen signifikant zugenommen (p = 0,002) und die Eingriffe bei Erwachsenen signifikant abgenommen (p = 0,01). Die Zahl der männlichen Minderjährigen stieg um 4 % von 6.709.137 (2013) auf 6.992.943 (2018). Die entsprechende bevölkerungsbezogene Zahl stieg von 7,5 Beschneidungen pro 1000 Minderjährige im Jahr 2013 auf 8 im Jahr 2018 (p = 0,037). Schlussfolgerung Nach der Verabschiedung des Beschneidungsgesetzes 2012 kam es zu einer moderaten Zunahme der Zirkumzisionen in der Altersgruppe

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund und Fragestellung Obwohl eine ambulante Leistungserbringung ökonomisch erstrebenswert ist, erfolgen viele kleine urologische Eingriffe in Deutschland aktuell noch stationär. Ziel unserer Analyse ist zu prüfen, ob der aktuelle gesundheitspolitische Rahmen zu einer Ambulantisierung beiträgt. Material und Methode Datenbasis ist eine nach Alter und Regionen repräsentative Stichprobe von 4,9 Mio. Versichertenanonymen aus der Forschungsdatenbank des Instituts für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung GmbH (InGef). Wir berichten Hochrechnungen für die Anzahl ambulanter und stationärer Leistungen in ganz Deutschland zwischen 2013 und 2018. Ergänzend führen wir eine ökonomische Analyse für zwei ausgewählte Eingriffe durch. Ergebnisse Im Studienzeitraum fiel die Gesamtzahl der Prostatastanzbiopsien (Prostatabiopsien) von 184.573 auf 174.558. Der Anteil ambulanter Biopsien fiel kontinuierlich um 0,9 % pro Jahr von 81 % auf 76 % (p p = 0,01). Für die übrigen untersuchten Eingriffe (Anlage suprapubischer Blasenkatheter, das Einlegen, Entfernen und Wechseln von Ureterschienen, Zystoskopien und die Harnröhrenbougierung) zeigten sich keine signifikanten Veränderungen beim Anteil der ambulanten Leistungserbringung. Schlussfolgerung Die deutliche Zunahme ambulant erbrachter Botox-Injektionen zeigt den erfolgreichen Steuerungseffekt durch angepasste Vergütungsoptionen. Bei den Prostatabiopsien konnte eine Verschiebung in den stationären Sektor beobachtet werden. Möglicherweise ist dies auf höhere hygienische Standards sowie gestiegene technische Anforderungen im Rahmen der MRT-Fusion zurückzuführen.

Purpose Focal therapy (FT) offers an alternative approach for prostate cancer (PCa) treatment in selected patients. However, little is known on its actual establishment in health care reality. Patients and methods We defined FT as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), hyperthermia ablation, cryotherapy, transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) or vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) TOOKAD®. We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database for a PCa diagnosis in combination with FT. For analyses on the hospital level, we used the reimbursement.INFO tool based on hospitals’ quality reports. The study period was 2006 to 2019. Results We identified 23,677 cases of FT from 2006 to 2019. Considering all PCa cases with surgery, radiotherapy or FT, the share of FT was stable at 4%. The annual caseload of FT increased to a maximum of 2653 cases in 2008 (p p p = 0.015). In 2019, VTP-TOOKAD® increased to 11.5% and TULSA to 6%. In 2006, 21% (62/299) of urological departments performed FT and 20 departments reached > 20 FT procedures. In 2019, 16% (58/368) of urological departments performed FT and 7 departments reached > 20 FT. In 2019, 25 urological departments offered FT other than HIFU: 5 centers hyperthermia ablation, 11 centers VTP TOOKAD®, 3 centers cryotherapy, 6 centers TULSA. Conclusion The FT development in Germany followed the Gartner hype cycle. While HIFU treatment is the most commonly performed FT, the share of newer FT modalities such as VTP-TOOKAD® and TULSA is remarkably increasing.

Purpose Hospital rating websites (HRW) offer decision support in hospital choice for patients. To investigate the impact of HRWs of uro-oncological patients undergoing elective surgery in Germany. Methods From 01/2020 to 04/2021, patients admitted for radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy, or renal tumor surgery received a questionnaire on decision-making in hospital choice and the use of HRWs at 10 German urologic clinics. Results Our study includes n = 812 completed questionnaires (response rate 81.2%). The mean age was 65.2 ± 10.2 years; 16.5% were women. Patients were scheduled for prostatectomy in 49.1%, renal tumor surgery in 20.3%, and cystectomy in 13.5% (other 17.1%). Following sources of information influenced the decision process of hospital choice: urologists’ recommendation (52.6%), previous experience in the hospital (20.3%), recommendations from social environment (17.6%), the hospital's website (10.8%) and 8.2% used other sources. Only 4.3% (n = 35) used a HRW for decision making. However, 29% changed their hospital choice due to the information provided HRW. The most frequently used platforms were Weisse-Liste.de (32%), the AOK-Krankenhausnavigator (13%) and Qualitaetskliniken.de (8%). On average, patients rated positively concerning satisfaction with the respective HRW on the Acceptability E-Scale (mean values of the individual items: 1.8–2.1). Conclusion In Germany, HRWs play a minor role for uro-oncologic patients undergoing elective surgery. Instead, personal consultation of the treating urologist seems to be far more important. Although patients predominantly rated the provided information of the HRW as positive, only a quarter of users changed the initial choice of hospital.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die operative Therapie des benignen Prostatatsyndroms (BPS) hat in den letzten Jahren an Diversität gewonnen. Ziel der Arbeit Ziel dieser Studie ist die Darstellung aktueller Therapietrends sowie der Versorgungssituation in Deutschland. Material und Methoden Auf Basis der Qualitätsberichte der Krankenhäuser wurden mithilfe der Onlineplattform reimbursement.INFO Diagnose- wie Eingriffszahlen erhoben. Für die benigne Prostatahyperplasie (BPH) wurden die ICD-Codes N40 und D29.1 ausgewertet. Die Prozeduren wurden mittels der OPS-Codes 5‑600.0, 5‑601, 5‑603, 5‑609.4 und 5‑609.8 inklusive Subcodierungen extrahiert. Es erfolgten eine deskriptive Darstellung, Trend- und Korrelationsanalysen. Ergebnisse Insgesamt wurden 2019 83.687 BPS-Operationen in 473 urologischen Fachabteilungen durchgeführt. Am häufigsten wurde die transurethrale Prostataresektion (TURP; 71,7 %) angewendet. Die Holmiumlaserenukleation (HoLEP; 9,5 %) bzw. die chirurgische Adenomektomie (5,6 %) waren das zweit- bzw. dritthäufigste Verfahren. Seltener wurden Thuliumlaserenukleation (ThuLEP; 3,1 %), Laservaporisation (2,9 %) und elektrische Vaporisation (2,8 %) durchgeführt. Alle weiteren Verfahren machten jeweils p p = 0,99; elektrische Vaporisation: +43,42 %/Jahr, p p Schlussfolgerung Die TURP bleibt das am häufigsten durchgeführte Operationsverfahren. Während, insbesondere in Zentren, die Lasertherapien zunehmen, geht die chirurgische Adenomektomie zurück.

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.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.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).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.HINTERGRUND: Die konservative und chirurgische Behandlung von Kindern ist in der urologischen Facharztweiterbildung fest verankert und stellt eine Kernkompetenz der urologischen Versorgung dar. Berufspolitisch wird seit vielen Jahren ein zunehmender Verlust dieses Schwerpunkts befürchtet. Ziel dieser Studie ist es, reale Fallzahlen und eine mögliche Dynamik in der Verteilung kinderurologischer Eingriffe auf die Fachabteilungen für Urologie und Kinderchirurgie in Deutschland zu prüfen.Als Index-Eingriffe definierten wir Operationen des Hodenhochstands, der Hypospadie und des vesikoureteralen Refluxes (VUR). Mithilfe der Software reimbursement.INFO (RI Innovation GmbH, Hürth) werteten wir die öffentlich zugänglichen Qualitätsberichtsdaten der deutschen Krankenhäuser von 2006 bis 2019 aus und wiesen sie den entsprechenden Fachrichtungen zu.Die Orchidopexie erfolgt häufiger in der Urologie, wohingegen die Hypospadiekorrektur und die operative Therapie des VUR häufiger in der Kinderchirurgie durchgeführt werden. Anteilig zeigte sich für die Orchidopexie und die operative Refluxtherapie keine relevante Verschiebung zwischen urologischen und kinderchirurgischen Kliniken im Untersuchungszeitraum. Bei den Hypospadiekorrekturen nimmt der Anteil der Operationen in kinderchirurgischen Einheiten zu (p 0,0001). In der Kinderchirurgie erfolgen 84–93 % der analysierten Eingriffe in High-volume-Abteilungen während dieser Anteil in der Urologie bei 56–73 % liegt. Insbesondere die operative Refluxtherapie in der Urologie erfolgt zu einem hohen Anteil als Gelegenheitseingriff (30 % „very low volume“).Die Qualitätsberichtsdaten ermöglichen die Erfassung der Fallzahlen und die Analyse der Verteilung zwischen Urologie und Kinderchirurgie in Deutschland. Dabei ist für die Hypospadiekorrektur eine relevante Verschiebung in Richtung der Kinderchirurgie zu beobachten. Die Ursachen und möglichen berufspolitischen Konsequenzen dieser ersten Erhebung sind komplex und bedürfen weiterer Analysen.

Obwohl urologische maligne Erkrankungen mit etwa 100.000 Neuerkrankungen pro Jahr eine relevante gesundheitsokonomische Aufgabe darstellen, existieren kaum Erkenntnisse uber die Struktur und Entwicklung der entsprechenden tumorchirurgischen Eingriffe an den mehr als 400 urologisch-chirurgisch tatigen Kliniken in Deutschland. Somit erfassten wir mittels Datenbankabfrage der DRG-Datenbank („diagnosis related groups“) des statistischen Bundesamtes samtliche Falle von 5 grosen tumorchirurgischen Eingriffen in Deutschland (Prostatektomie, Zystektomie, Nierentumoroperation, retroperitoneale Lymphadenektomie, penischirurgische Eingriffe) von 2006 bis 2013 (bzw. 2016) und untersuchten die Einflusse von technischen Neuerungen sowie Leitlinienanderungen auf die Entwicklungen der Fallzahlen. Zudem analysierten wir die Zusammenhange zwischen jahrlicher Fallzahl und perioperativem Ergebnis. Die Ergebnisse zeigten eine deutliche Korrelation zwischen Fallzahlvolumen (und damit Expertise) einer Klinik und einem verbesserten perioperativen Ergebnis. Dennoch existiert kaum Tendenz zur Zentralisierung bei diesen uroonkologischen Eingriffen. Die Fallzahlentwicklungen scheinen vielmehr vom Werbeeffekt durch technische Innovationen oder auch vom regionalen Bezug der Patienten zu einer bestimmten Klinik abhangig zu sein. Zentral gesteuerte Versuche mittels Einfuhrung von Mindestfallzahlen oder der freiwilligen Zertifizierung von Zentren hatten in der Vergangenheit nur geringen Einfluss auf die Fallzahlverteilungen.

Purpose To describe the change in upper urinary tract stone management in Germany over a 14-year period. Methods Using remote data processing we analyzed the nationwide German billing data from 2006 to 2019. To analyze the clinics’ case numbers and regional trends, we used the reimbursement.INFO tool based on standardized quality reports of all German hospitals. To also cover shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) as an outpatient procedure, we analyzed the research database of the Institute for Applied Health Research with a representative anonymous sample of 4 million insured persons. Results The number of inpatient interventional therapies for upper tract urolithiasis in Germany increased from 70,099 cases in 2006 to 94,815 cases in 2019 (trend p p p p Conclusion We observed an increase in interventional therapy for upper tract urolithiasis in Germany with a dramatic shift from SWL to endoscopic/percutaneous treatment. These changes may be attributed to enormous technological advances of the endoscopic armamentarium and to reimbursement issues.

Purpose The assistance of robotic systems raises the concern of whether there is an improved learning in robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) compared to open retropubic radical prostatectomy (ORP). Methods We retrospectively analyzed data from 1438 patients who underwent ORP (n = 735) or RARP (n = 703). For each procedure, the level of experience of three different surgeons was summarized. Perioperative and pathological parameters reflecting surgical performance were compared between both learning curves. RARP data were influenced by new introduction of the robotic system. Results The median patient age at surgery was 66 years (IQR 42–80). Patients in the RARP group were younger (p p p = 0.03) than inexperienced ORP surgeons. After 100 procedures, RARP and ORP surgeons had the same pT2-PSM rate (8% vs. 8%; p = 0.8) and lymph node yield (15.4 ± 5.4 vs. 15.4 ± 5.1; p = 1.0). In multivariate analysis for ORP, surgical inexperience (≤ 100 cases) was an independent predictor of a longer operating time (OR 9.0; p p p p = 0.004), higher pT2-PSM rate (OR 1.6; p = 0.03), and lower lymph node yield (OR 0.6; p = 0.001). Conclusions Surgical experience has a relevant impact on perioperative and pathological parameters RARP has a higher initial pT2-PSM rate and lower lymph node yield than ORP. This is relevant for patient selection for novice teaching in RARP.

Although outpatient provision of services is economically desirable, many minor urological interventions in Germany are currently carried out on an inpatient basis. The aim of our study is to investigate whether the current health policy framework contributes to more outpatient treatment.We used a sample of 4.9 million anonymous, insured persons representative according to age and region provided by the Institute for Applied Health Research (InGef GmbH). We report extrapolations for the number of outpatient and inpatient services throughout Germany between 2013 and 2018. In addition, we performed an economic analysis for two selected interventions.During the study period, the total number of prostate biopsies declined from 184,573 to 174,558 cases. The share of outpatient biopsies declined continuously by 0.9% per year from 81% to 76% (p 0.001). For botulinum toxin injection into the bladder, the total increased from 15,630 to 26,824 cases. The share of outpatient treatments increased by 2.7% per year from 3% to 19% (p = 0.01). For the other examined interventions (insertion of suprapubic urinary catheters, the insertion, removal, and changing of ureteral stents, cystoscopies and urethral dilatation), there were no significant changes in the share of outpatient procedures.The significant increase of outpatient botulinum toxin injections shows the successful control effect through adapted remuneration options. A shift to the inpatient sector was observed for prostate biopsies. This may be due to higher hygienic standards and technical requirements for MRI fusion.HINTERGRUND UND FRAGESTELLUNG: Obwohl eine ambulante Leistungserbringung ökonomisch erstrebenswert ist, erfolgen viele kleine urologische Eingriffe in Deutschland aktuell noch stationär. Ziel unserer Analyse ist zu prüfen, ob der aktuelle gesundheitspolitische Rahmen zu einer Ambulantisierung beiträgt.Datenbasis ist eine nach Alter und Regionen repräsentative Stichprobe von 4,9 Mio. Versichertenanonymen aus der Forschungsdatenbank des Instituts für angewandte Gesundheitsforschung GmbH (InGef). Wir berichten Hochrechnungen für die Anzahl ambulanter und stationärer Leistungen in ganz Deutschland zwischen 2013 und 2018. Ergänzend führen wir eine ökonomische Analyse für zwei ausgewählte Eingriffe durch.Im Studienzeitraum fiel die Gesamtzahl der Prostatastanzbiopsien (Prostatabiopsien) von 184.573 auf 174.558. Der Anteil ambulanter Biopsien fiel kontinuierlich um 0,9 % pro Jahr von 81 % auf 76 % (p 0,001). Bei der Injektion von Botulinumtoxin in die Blase (Botox-Injektion) stieg die Gesamtzahl von 15.630 auf 26.824. Der ambulant durchgeführte Anteil stieg dabei um 2,7 % pro Jahr von 3 % auf 19 % (p = 0,01). Für die übrigen untersuchten Eingriffe (Anlage suprapubischer Blasenkatheter, das Einlegen, Entfernen und Wechseln von Ureterschienen, Zystoskopien und die Harnröhrenbougierung) zeigten sich keine signifikanten Veränderungen beim Anteil der ambulanten Leistungserbringung.Die deutliche Zunahme ambulant erbrachter Botox-Injektionen zeigt den erfolgreichen Steuerungseffekt durch angepasste Vergütungsoptionen. Bei den Prostatabiopsien konnte eine Verschiebung in den stationären Sektor beobachtet werden. Möglicherweise ist dies auf höhere hygienische Standards sowie gestiegene technische Anforderungen im Rahmen der MRT-Fusion zurückzuführen.

Digitalization of patient documentation and introduction of the electronic patient record (ePA) pose challenges to everyday clinical practice.We investigated the acceptance and status of the digitalization of patient data and the introduction of the ePA among German urologists.A questionnaire with 30 questions about the acceptance and status of digitalization of patient documentation and ePA was sent out via the newsletter of the German Society of Urology.A total of 80 urologists participated in the survey (response rate 2%). Digital platforms such as Urotube or Researchgate are used by 63% of participants. The complete implementation of digital patient documentation was reported by 72% of respondents working in medical practice and by 54% of those working in the hospital (p = 0.042). While 76% see the digitalization process as reasonable, 34% expressed partial or strong concerns about the complete digitalization of patient documentation. Only 14% of the participants offer video consultations. Advantages for ePA include better networking of the healthcare system (73%), improved diagnosis, indication (41%) and treatment quality (48%), and avoidance of medication errors (70%).German urologists are open to the digitalization process and ePA. Especially younger urologists are using digital media. The advantages of digitalization are, in particular, an improvement in treatment processes. For a smooth introduction, a cross-departmental establishment and, if necessary, an adaptation of the treatment processes are necessary.HINTERGRUND: Die Digitalisierung der Patientendokumentation und die Einführung der elektronischen Patientenakte (ePA) stellen den klinischen Alltag vor große Herausforderungen.Wir untersuchten die Akzeptanz und den Stand der Digitalisierung von Patientendaten sowie die Einführung der ePA bei den deutschen Urologen.Nach einem iterativen Entwicklungsprozess erhielten wir einen Fragebogen mit 30 Items, welcher über den Forschungsnewsletter der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Urologie e. V. versendet wurde.Insgesamt beantworteten 80 Urologen den Fragebogen (Rücklaufquote 2 %). Digitale Plattformen wie Urotube oder Researchgate wurden von 63 % der Teilnehmer verwendet. Die komplette Einführung der digitalen Patientendokumentation erfolgte bei 72 % der ambulant Tätigen und bei 54 % der in der Klinik Tätigen (p = 0,042). 76 % der Befragten sahen den Digitalisierungsprozess als sinnvoll an. 34 % äußerten teilweise oder starke Bedenken bzgl. einer kompletten Digitalisierung der Patientendokumentation. Nur 14 % der Teilnehmer haben eine Videosprechstunde angeboten. Als Vorteile für die ePA wurden u. a. die bessere Vernetzung des Gesundheitswesens (73 %), die Verbesserung der Diagnose, der Indikations- (41 %) und der Behandlungsqualität (48 %) sowie die Vermeidung von Fehlmedikation (70 %) gesehen.Die deutschen Urologen stehen der Digitalisierung der Patientendokumentation und der ePA insgesamt offen gegenüber. Insbesondere jüngere Urologen nutzen digitale Medien. Die Vorteile der Digitalisierung sind insbesondere eine Verbesserung der Behandlungsabläufe. Für eine reibungslose Einführung sind eine bereichsübergreifende Etablierung und ggf. eine Anpassung der Behandlungsprozesse notwendig.

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Behandlung von Harninkontinenz und erektiler Dysfunktion verbessert die Lebensqualität vieler Patienten. Insbesondere die Endoprothetik mit Sphinkter- und Penisprothesen erzielt hierbei sehr gute Ergebnisse, wenn konservative Therapieoptionen ausgeschöpft sind. Ziel dieser Studie ist eine Darstellung der Entwicklung und aktuellen Versorgungslage der Sphinkter- und Penisprothesenimplantation in Deutschland. Material und Methoden Wir führten eine Analyse der Diagnosis-Related-Groups-Abrechnungsdaten in Deutschland im Zeitraum von 2006 bis 2016 durch. Die Versorgungslage im Jahr 2016 beschrieben wir auf Basis der Qualitätsberichtsdaten der deutschen Krankenhäuser. Ergebnisse Von 2006 bis 2012 stieg die Zahl der implantierten Sphinkterprothesen in Deutschland von 739 auf 1112 (p p p p p = 0,9) und die Zahl der implantierenden Kliniken (p = 0,5). Der Anteil implantierter Penisprothesen im Rahmen von Geschlechtsumwandlungen stieg von 17 % im Jahr 2006 auf 25 % im Jahr 2016 (p = 0,03). Im Jahr 2016 implantierten 83 (85 %) urologische Kliniken 1–6 Penisprothesen und 14 (15 %) Kliniken ≥ 7 Prothesen. Die 7 Top-Kliniken (≥20 Prothesen/Jahr) implantierten 232/448 (52 %) der Prothesen. Diskussion Der Versorgungsstand der urologischen Endoprothetik in Deutschland zeigt eine deutliche Zentrenbildung, aber auch eine große Zahl von Kliniken mit geringer Fallzahl. Seit 2012/2013 zeigt sich eine Stagnation der Fallzahlen von Penis- und Sphinkterprothesenimplantationen, die in Zusammenschau mit den Prostatektomiefallzahlen eine Unterversorgung vermuten lässt.

146 Background: Our purpose was to investigate the adoption and current trends of Lutetium-177 PSMA radioligand therapy (RLT) for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) in Germany. Methods: We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database (Destatis) and the hospitals’ quality reports for 177Lutetium PSMA RLT from 2016 to 2020 using the reimbursement.INFO tool. For detection of trends over time we applied linear regression models. For validation of these billing data, we included a total of 1239 177Lu-PSMA RLT cycles from 392 patients within the WARMTH multicenter study from 2016 to 2018. Additionally, we included the 177Lu-PSMA RLT cycles from two participating institutions from 2016 to 2020 for further validation. Results: We identified 12553 cases which were treated with 177Lu-PSMA RLT. The number of 177Lu-PSMA RLTs steadily increased from 1077 to 3640 therapies during the study period (+641 RLT/year; p177Lu-PSMA RLTs, which increased to 36% (16/44) in 2020 (p177Lu-PSMA RLTs were performed at a university hospital, which decreased to 70% (31/44) in 2020. The proportion of patients older than 65 years receiving 177Lu-PSMA RLT increased from 78% in 2016 to 81% in 2020. Conclusions: Treatment of mCRPC with 177Lu-PSMA RLT has been rapidly increasing in Germany in the recent years providing an additional therapy option. Most of the therapies are performed at academic hospitals.

Das Empowerment von Patienten umfasst Masnahmen, die ihre Autonomie und Selbstbestimmung in der Arzt-Patienten-Beziehung fordern. Ziel ist neben einer gelungenen medizinischen Therapie die langfristige Zufriedenheit mit der Behandlung und die bestmogliche Lebensqualitat fur die Betroffenen und ihr soziales Umfeld. Verschiedene Initiativen und Projekte aus der deutschen Urologie arbeiten bereits sehr engagiert am Empowerment fur unsere Patienten. Die Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs und die deutschsprachige Entscheidungshilfe fur das fortgeschrittene Harnblasenkarzinom und die Wahl der Harnableitung werden unter dem Dach der PatientenAkademie der Deutschen Urologen umgesetzt. Mit mittlerweile uber 12.000 Nutzern ist die Entscheidungshilfe Prostatakrebs sehr gut in der urologischen Versorgung in Deutschland etabliert. Die randomisierte Evaluationsstudie mit geplanten 1200 Teilnehmern steht kurz vor dem erfolgreichen Abschluss der Rekrutierung. Ein weiteres Projekt aus der deutschen Urologie stellt das Projekt „antiCoagulation Help App for SurgERy“ (CHASER) dar. Ziel ist es, eine Smartphone-basierte Entscheidungshilfe zum perioperativen Management von Patienten mit antithrombotischer Therapie zu entwickeln. Auch Online-Selbsthilfeangebote konnen zum Empowerment beitragen und wurden fur Prostatakarzinompatienten systematisch analysiert. Eine grose randomisierte Studie zu dieser Thematik befindet sich aktuell in Vorbereitung. Die voranschreitende Digitalisierung kann uns also bei der individuellen Information unserer Patienten sinnvoll unterstutzen. Die urologische Fachgesellschaft und ihre PatientenAkademie sind hierfur bereits seit vielen Jahren engagiert.

Purpose Treatment of post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence (UI) and erectile dysfunction (ED) increases quality of life (QoL). Aim of our study was to evaluate the utilisation of care among patients with post-prostatectomy UI and ED in Germany. Methods The HAROW study documented treatment of patients with localised prostate cancer (≤ T2c) in Germany. 1260 patients underwent radical prostatectomy (RP). Patients answered validated questionnaires after a median follow-up of 6.3 years. Response rate was 76.8%. Results Median age at RP was 65 (IQR 60–69) years. 14% (134/936) used more than one pad per day for UI. 25% (26/104, 30 missing) of UI patients underwent surgery to improve continence. Of patients without surgery, 41% (31/75) reported a moderate-to-severe issue concerning their incontinence with worse mental health and QoL. 81% (755/936) patients were unable to have an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Of all ED patients, 40% (319/793) used ED treatment regularly or tried it at least once. 49% (243/499) of patients with interest in sex never tried ED treatment. In multivariate analysis, patients not using ED treatments were older (≥ 70 years OR 4.1), and more often had preoperative ED (OR 2.3) and less interest in sex (OR 2.2). Nevertheless, 30% (73/240) of these patients had moderate-to-severe issues with their ED reporting worse mental health and QoL. Conclusion Almost half of the patients without post-prostatectomy UI and ED treatment reported moderate-to-severe issues with a significant decrease in QoL. This indicates an insufficient utilisation of care in Germany.

Different patients want to take different roles in the treatment decision-making process; these roles can be classified as passive, collaborative, and active. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between decision-making preferences among patients with prostate cancer and personal, disease-related, and structural factors. In four survey studies, we asked 7169 prostate cancer patients about their decision-making preferences using the Control Preferences Scale (CPS) and collected clinical, psychological, and quality-of-life measures. Most patients (62.2%) preferred collaborative decision-making, while 2322 (32.4%) preferred an active role, and only 391 (5.5%) preferred a passive role. Age (p p p = 0.018), treatment status (p p p = 0.001), and quality of life (p

Nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) is the treatment of choice for T1 renal tumors. This study compared the implementation of NSS in the United States and Germany. Data were derived from the National Inpatient Sample and from the Nationwide German Hospital Billing Database. All cases of NSS and radical nephrectomy from 2006 to 2014 were analyzed. To assess tumor stage distribution, data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database (United States) and from German cancer registries were used. The study identified 74,663 cases in the United States and 130,051 cases in Germany. The proportion of NSS for T1 tumors increased from 30.6 to 57% in the United States compared with 38.5 to 72.9% (estimation) in Germany (p

Retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (RPLND) is a standard treatment in the management of metastatic testicular cancer. Due to modified treatment algorithms, it is becoming less frequent.We analyzed data from the nationwide German hospital billing database covering 2006-2015. Cases with a testicular cancer diagnosis combined with RPLND were included. We assessed the length of hospital stay (LOS), blood transfusion, and in-hospital mortality stratified for surgical approach, hospital characteristics, and annual caseload. Annual hospital caseload categories were defined as low ( 4), medium (4-10), and high ( 10). We supplemented tumor incidence and staging data from the German cancer registry (60% of population).4926 cases were included with decreasing annual caseload numbers from 623 in 2006 to 382 in 2015. The incidence of testicular cancer and higher tumor stages remained stable. High-volume hospitals performed 19.4%, medium-volume hospitals 43.7%, and low-volume hospitals 36.8% RPLNDs. Low- abd medium-volume hospitals declined, while high-volume hospitals (n = 5) maintained their annual caseload. Overall in-hospital mortality was 0.47%. Blood transfusion rates were higher in high-volume centers assumedly due to selection of more complex cases. However, high-volume hospitals showed a shorter LOS with 10.5 vs. 11.2 (medium volume), and 12.7 days (low volume).Total numbers of RPLND have declined from 2006 to 2015, while tumor incidences and stages remained fairly stable. Constant reduction of indication in guidelines contributes to this finding. High-volume hospitals achieve shorter hospital stays in spite of assumedly more complex and extensive cases. There is a modest trend towards unregulated centralization.

Introduction: The routine use of urodynamic studies (UDS) has been questioned. Additionally, the material and personnel costs are poorly remunerated. We aimed to analyse the UDS utilization in Germany. Methods: We analysed UDS performed by hospitals based on quality reports from 2013 to 2019. A representative sample of 4 million insured persons was used to estimate outpatient UDS utilization from 2013 to 2018. Results: There was an overall decrease of 14% in UDS in Germany from 2013 to 2018 (60,980 to 52,319; p = 0.003). In the outpatient sector, there was a slight non-continuous drop of 11% from 34,551 to 30,652 from 2013 to 2018 (p = 0.06). UDS utilization in hospitals decreased by 26% from 26,429 in 2013 to 19,453 in 2019 (p = 0.004). University hospitals showed a smaller decrease (3,007 to 2,685; p = 0.02). In urology, the number of UDS (11,758 to 6,409; p < 0.001) and the number of performing departments (328 to 263 clinics; p < 0.001) decreased. Gynaecological departments also showed a decrease in UDS (1,861 to 866; p < 0.001) and performing departments (159 to 68; p < 0.001). However, in paediatrics, there was an increase in UDS (1,564 to 2,192; p = 0.02). By age, the number of children remained constant (1,371 to 1,252; p = 0.2), but there was a strong decrease seen in 60- to 79-year-olds (9,792 to 5,564; p < 0.001). Conclusion: UDS appear to be less important in the indication for surgery. Despite high resource expenditure and low remuneration, the decrease in urodynamics in the outpatient sector is less pronounced, indicating a trend to perform UDS in an outpatient setting.

Background Penile cancer is a rare disease and surgical treatment often entails a significant impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to analyze trends in surgical treatment patterns in Germany. Methods We analyzed data from the nationwide German hospital billing database and the German cancer registry from 2006 to 2016. All penile cancer cases with penile surgery or lymph node dissection (LND) were included. We also analyzed the distribution of cases, extent of surgery, and length of hospital stay, stratified for annual caseload. The geographical distribution of centers for 2016 was presented. Results During the investigated timespan, tumor incidences increased from 748 to 971 (p = 0.001). We identified 11,353 penile surgery cases, increasing from 886 to 1196 (p < 0.001), and 5173 cases of LND, increasing from 332 to 590 (p < 0.001). Cases of partial amputation increased from 45.8 to 53.8% (p < 0.001), while total amputation remained stable at 11.2%. Caseload in high-volume hospitals increased from 9.0 to 18.8% for penile surgery (p < 0.001) and from 0 to 13.1% for LND (p < 0.001). The increase in LND caseload was caused by an increase in inguinal LND, from 297 to 505 (p < 0.001), with increasing sentinel LND, from 14.2 to 21.9% (p = 0.098). The assessment of geographical distribution of cases in Germany revealed extensive areas without sufficient coverage by experienced centers. Conclusions We saw consistent increases in penile surgery and LND, with a growing number of cases in high-volume hospitals, and, accordingly, an increase in tumor incidence. The increasing use of inguinal LND and organ-preserving surgery reflect the adaptation of current guidelines; however, geographical distribution of experienced centers could be improved.

To compare long-term functional outcomes after robotic vs. retropubic RP for patients with localized prostate cancer in routine care. “HAROW” was a large German noninterventional health services research study that prospectively evaluated the treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer (≤ T2c). We sent validated questionnaires to 1260 patients who underwent RP to evaluate long-term outcomes. After a median follow-up of 6.3 [interquartile range (IQR) 4.8–7.6] years, 42 (3%) patients had died. The return rate of the questionnaire was 76.8% (936/1218). The approach was robotic in 404 and retropubic in 532 patients. In the multivariate analysis, lack of postoperative radiotherapy [odds ratio (OR) 3.1], younger patient age (

Radiotherapy is one of the curative treatment options for localized prostate cancer (PCa). The curative potential of radiotherapy is mediated by irradiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in tumor cells. However, PCa radiocurability can be impeded by tumor resistance mechanisms and normal tissue toxicity. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the major hallmarks of tumor progression and therapy resistance. Specific metabolic features of PCa might serve as therapeutic targets for tumor radiosensitization and as biomarkers for identifying the patients most likely to respond to radiotherapy. The study aimed to characterize a potential role of glutaminase (GLS)-driven glutamine catabolism as a prognostic biomarker and a therapeutic target for PCa radiosensitization. Methods: We analyzed primary cell cultures and radioresistant (RR) derivatives of the conventional PCa cell lines by gene expression and metabolic assays to identify the molecular traits associated with radiation resistance. Relative radiosensitivity of the cell lines and primary cell cultures were analyzed by 2-D and 3-D clonogenic analyses. Targeting of glutamine (Gln) metabolism was achieved by Gln starvation, gene knockdown, and chemical inhibition. Activation of the DNA damage response (DDR) and autophagy was assessed by gene expression, western blotting, and fluorescence microscopy. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ratio of reduced glutathione (GSH) to oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were analyzed by fluorescence and luminescence probes, respectively. Cancer stem cell (CSC) properties were investigated by sphere-forming assay, CSC marker analysis, and in vivo limiting dilution assays. Single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from the blood of PCa patients were analyzed by array comparative genome hybridization. Expression levels of the GLS1 and MYC gene in tumor tissues and amino acid concentrations in blood plasma were correlated to a progression-free survival in PCa patients. Results: Here, we found that radioresistant PCa cells and prostate CSCs have a high glutamine demand. GLS-driven catabolism of glutamine serves not only for energy production but also for the maintenance of the redox state. Consequently, glutamine depletion or inhibition of critical regulators of glutamine utilization, such as GLS and the transcription factor MYC results in PCa radiosensitization. On the contrary, we found that a combination of glutamine metabolism inhibitors with irradiation does not cause toxic effects on nonmalignant prostate cells. Glutamine catabolism contributes to the maintenance of CSCs through regulation of the alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent chromatin-modifying dioxygenase. The lack of glutamine results in the inhibition of CSCs with a high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, decreases the frequency of the CSC populations in vivo and reduces tumor formation in xenograft mouse models. Moreover, this study shows that activation of the ATG5-mediated autophagy in response to a lack of glutamine is a tumor survival strategy to withstand radiation-mediated cell damage. In combination with autophagy inhibition, the blockade of glutamine metabolism might be a promising strategy for PCa radiosensitization. High blood levels of glutamine in PCa patients significantly correlate with a shorter prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time. Furthermore, high expression of critical regulators of glutamine metabolism, GLS1 and MYC, is significantly associated with a decreased progression-free survival in PCa patients treated with radiotherapy. Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that GLS-driven glutaminolysis is a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa radiosensitization.

Radiotherapy is one of the curative treatment options for localized prostate cancer (PCa). The curative potential of radiotherapy is mediated by irradiation-induced oxidative stress and DNA damage in tumor cells. However, PCa radiocurability can be impeded by tumor resistance mechanisms and normal tissue toxicity. Metabolic reprogramming is one of the major hallmarks of tumor progression and therapy resistance. Here, we found that radioresistant PCa cells and prostate cancer stem cells (CSCs) have a high glutamine demand. Glutaminase (GLS)-driven catabolism of glutamine serves not only for energy production but also for the maintenance of the redox state. Consequently, glutamine depletion or inhibition of critical regulators of glutamine utilization, such as glutaminase (GLS) and the transcription factor MYC results in PCa radiosensitization. On the contrary, we found that a combination of glutamine metabolism inhibitors with irradiation does not cause toxic effects on nonmalignant prostate cells. Glutamine catabolism contributes to the maintenance of CSCs through regulation of the alpha-ketoglutarate (α-KG)-dependent chromatin-modifying dioxygenase. The lack of glutamine results in the inhibition of CSCs with a high aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activity, decreases the frequency of the CSC populations in vivo and reduces tumor formation in xenograft mouse models. Moreover, this study shows that activation of the ATG5-mediated autophagy in response to a lack of glutamine is a tumor survival strategy to withstand radiation-mediated cell damage. In combination with autophagy inhibition, the blockade of glutamine metabolism might be a promising strategy for PCa radiosensitization. High blood levels of glutamine in PCa patients significantly correlate with a shorter prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time. Furthermore, high expression of critical regulators of glutamine metabolism, GLS1 and MYC, is significantly associated with a decreased progression-free survival in PCa patients treated with radiotherapy. Our findings demonstrate that GLS-driven glutaminolysis is a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for PCa radiosensitization.

Treating urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction improves quality of life for many patients. In particular, sphincter and penile prostheses achieve very good results when conservative therapy options are exhausted. The aim of this study is to present the development and current state of sphincter and penile prosthesis implantation in Germany.We carried out an analysis of the Diagnosis Related Groups billing data in Germany from 2006-2016. We described the state of care in 2016 based on the German hospitals' quality reports.Between 2006 and 2012 implantations of sphincter prostheses in Germany increased from 739 to 1112 (p 0.001), the amount of implanting hospitals also increased from 129 to 206 (p 0.001). From 2012-2016, the number of cases decreased to 980 and the number of hospitals to 198. In 2016, 168 (88%) urological hospitals implanted 1-9 sphincter prostheses and 23 (12%) hospitals implanted ≥ 10 sphincter prostheses. The top 10 hospitals (≥20 sphincters) implanted 34% (283/839) of all sphincters. Between 2006 and 2013 the number of implanted penile prostheses continuously increased from 263 to 503 (p 0.001), the number of implanting hospitals from 71 to 107 (p 0.001). From 2013-2016, the number of cases (p = 0.9) and the number of implanting hospitals (p = 0.5) stagnated. The proportion of penile prostheses implanted as part of gender reassignment surgery increased from 17% in 2006 to 25% in 2016 (p = 0.03). In 2016, 83 (85%) urological hospitals implanted 1-6 penile prostheses and 14 (15%) hospitals implanted ≥ 7 prostheses. The 7 top hospitals (≥20 prostheses/year) implanted 232/448 (52%) of the prostheses.The current state of urological endoprosthetics in Germany shows a small number of high-volume centers, but also a large number of hospitals with a small number of cases. Since 2012/2013, there has been a stagnation in the number of cases of penile and sphincter prosthesis implantations. In view of the number of radical prostatectomy cases, this development suggests an undersupply.HINTERGRUND: Die Behandlung von Harninkontinenz und erektiler Dysfunktion verbessert die Lebensqualität vieler Patienten. Insbesondere die Endoprothetik mit Sphinkter- und Penisprothesen erzielt hierbei sehr gute Ergebnisse, wenn konservative Therapieoptionen ausgeschöpft sind. Ziel dieser Studie ist eine Darstellung der Entwicklung und aktuellen Versorgungslage der Sphinkter- und Penisprothesenimplantation in Deutschland.Wir führten eine Analyse der Diagnosis-Related-Groups-Abrechnungsdaten in Deutschland im Zeitraum von 2006 bis 2016 durch. Die Versorgungslage im Jahr 2016 beschrieben wir auf Basis der Qualitätsberichtsdaten der deutschen Krankenhäuser.Von 2006 bis 2012 stieg die Zahl der implantierten Sphinkterprothesen in Deutschland von 739 auf 1112 (p 0,001) und die Zahl der implantierenden Kliniken von 129 auf 206 (p 0,001). Von 2012 bis 2016 fielen die Fallzahlen auf 980 und die Zahl der Kliniken auf 198. Im Jahr 2016 implantierten 168 (88 %) urologische Kliniken 1–9 Sphinkterprothesen und 23 (12 %) Kliniken ≥ 10 Sphinkterprothesen. Die 10 Top-Kliniken (≥20 Sphinkter) implantierten 34 % (283/839) aller Sphinkter. Von 2006 bis 2013 stieg die Zahl der implantierten Penisprothesen kontinuierlich von 263 auf 503 (p 0,001) sowie die Zahl der implantierenden Kliniken von 71 auf 107 (p 0,001). Von 2013 bis 2016 stagnierte die Fallzahl (p = 0,9) und die Zahl der implantierenden Kliniken (p = 0,5). Der Anteil implantierter Penisprothesen im Rahmen von Geschlechtsumwandlungen stieg von 17 % im Jahr 2006 auf 25 % im Jahr 2016 (p = 0,03). Im Jahr 2016 implantierten 83 (85 %) urologische Kliniken 1–6 Penisprothesen und 14 (15 %) Kliniken ≥ 7 Prothesen. Die 7 Top-Kliniken (≥20 Prothesen/Jahr) implantierten 232/448 (52 %) der Prothesen.Der Versorgungsstand der urologischen Endoprothetik in Deutschland zeigt eine deutliche Zentrenbildung, aber auch eine große Zahl von Kliniken mit geringer Fallzahl. Seit 2012/2013 zeigt sich eine Stagnation der Fallzahlen von Penis- und Sphinkterprothesenimplantationen, die in Zusammenschau mit den Prostatektomiefallzahlen eine Unterversorgung vermuten lässt.

Background Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) is an approved treatment option for unilateral low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). Objective Herein, we report our initial experience of patients treated by VTP. We compared short-term functional and oncological outcomes with those of a consecutive cohort of patients undergoing radical prostatectomy (RP) for unilateral low-risk PCa. Design, setting, and participants Patients with unilateral low-risk PCa undergoing VTP (n = 41) and RP (n = 49) were evaluated in a real-world setting. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Oncological outcome after VTP was measured by magnetic resonance imaging–based rebiopsy at 12 and 24 mo. Functional outcome after 1 yr was investigated by International Index of Erectile Function 5 and International Prostate Symptom Score questionnaires. Continence was evaluated by pad use. Results and limitations In 12- and 24-mo control biopsy (n = 22) after VTP, 45% of VTP patients showed no evidence of PCa. Both low- and intermediate-risk PCa were detected in 27% of patients. None of the RP patients had a PCa recurrence. Of VTP and RP patients, 71% and 30%, respectively, preserved erectile function. Of VTP patients, 88% had no bladder outlet obstruction. Of RP patients, 96% and 4% used zero to one and two or more pads per day, respectively. Data acquisition was performed outside of a clinical trial. The short-term follow-up and the small number of rebiopsied patients have to be considered. Conclusions VTP is a promising treatment option in unilateral low-risk PCa presenting a lower complication profile than RP in a real-world setting. However, recurrence and progression after VTP are common in this low-risk PCa cohort, and have to be discussed critically with patients who wish VTP instead of active surveillance. Therefore, a rigorous surveillance strategy with multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging and control biopsy is required. Patient summary Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) is a promising therapy option in patients with unilateral low-risk prostate cancer. However, tumour recurrence has to be taken into account. Noninferiority of VTP to standard curative treatment options still has to be confirmed.

Introduction: We characterize trends of metastasis-directed treatments in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) in Germany in the targeted therapy era. Methods: We identified all cases with a diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (ICD-10: C.64) and site-specific codes for secondary malignant neoplasms (C79.x) in combination with procedural codes for resection and radiation from the Institute of Hospital Remuneration and the German Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) between 2006 and 2014. We assessed site-specific temporal trends using estimated annual percent change (EAPC) linear regression. Results: Overall, 15,742 resections and 21,224 radiation treatments were recorded. These targeted lung (44.1% resections; 22.0% radiations), lymph node (14.0% resections; 12% radiations), bone (21% resections; 38% radiations), liver (9% resections; 7% radiations), adrenal (11% resections; 3% radiations), and CNS metastases (2% resections; 19% radiations). There was a significantly increasing trend for resection of lung (EAPC +1.33, p = 0.011), bone (EAPC +2.48, p = 0.014), and adrenal (EAPC +3.4, p = 0.003) metastases, while trends for resection of CNS metastases significantly decreased (EAPC –7.93, p = 0.005). Between Western and Eastern Germany linear trends of resection (EAPC +2.75, p < 0.001; EAPC –0.44, p = 0.54) and radiation (EAPC +1.08, p = 0.15; –3.41, p = 0.03) differed significantly. Conclusion: We observed an increasing trend for metastasis-directed resections and slightly declining numbers for radiation therapy in Germany for mRCC in the targeted therapy era. Treatment differed by geography. These findings suggest more aggressive treatment algorithms following the availability of targeted therapies and a yet diverging treatment landscape needing further exploration.

Our aim was to assess and compare trends of urinary diversion (UD) for patients receiving radical cystectomy for the treatment of bladder cancer in the US and Germany, and to investigate decisive predictors for the choice of UD. We analyzed the nationwide German hospital billing database and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) from 2006 to 2014. Cases with a bladder cancer diagnosis combined with RC were included, and trends in the choice of UD, transfusion rates, length of stay, and mortality were assessed. From 2006 to 2014, the total number of RCs recorded within the NIS were 17,711, with a varying annual caseload of 1666–2009, while RC numbers increased from 5627 to 7390 in Germany (p

To investigate the usage and perceived usefulness of new media for educating urology residents in Canada and Germany.We designed an 11-item online survey to assess the use and perceived usefulness of new media for education. We performed a comparative analysis.The survey was distributed via e-mail to 143 Canadian and 721 German urology residents.The survey included 58 urology residents from Canada and 170 from Germany.A total of 58 residents from Canada (41% response rate) and 170 from Germany (24% response rate) responded to this survey. Residents spent 45% of their education time on new media. The Internet was used by 91% (n = 208) of the residents for professional education purposes, with a median time of 270 minutes (interquartile range [IQR]: 114-540) per month. Apps were used by 54% (n = 118) of the residents, with a median time of 101 minutes (IQR: 45-293) per month. A total of 23% (n = 47) of the residents used social media (SoMe) for education, with a median time of 90 minutes (IQR: 53-80) per month. In all, 100% (n = 228) rated the Internet, 76% (n = 173) apps, and 43% (n = 97) SoMe as being useful for professional education purposes. A total of 90% (n = 205) watched medical videos for education, and 89% (n = 203) of these videos were on surgical procedures. Canadian urology residents used more new media sources for professional education than did the Germans (58% vs. 41%, p0.001). The time spent for education on new media was higher among Canadian residents for the Internet (p0.001), apps (p0.001), and SoMe (p = 0.033). Canadian residents reported more privacy concerns (p0.001).New media play a dominant role in the education of urology residents. The primary source for personal education in urology is the Internet. Future studies and technological developments should investigate and improve new media tools to optimize education during residency.

Numerous studies have compared the outcomes of open and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy but to our knowledge only 1 study has focused on patient satisfaction and regret. We evaluated intermediate term decision regret after open and robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.The HAROW (Hormonal Therapy, Active Surveillance, Radiation, Operation, Watchful Waiting) study analyzed localized prostate cancer treatments (T2c N0 M0 or less) in Germany from 2008 to 2013. We collected intermediate term followup data on 1,260 patients after retropubic open or robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.The response rate was 76.8% (936 of 1,218 cases). A total of 404 patients underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy and 532 underwent open radical prostatectomy. Patients treated with the robot-assisted procedure showed more self-determined behavior. They reported an active role in surgical decision making and the surgical approach (robot-assisted radical vs open prostatectomy 39% vs 24% and 52% vs 18%, respectively, each p0.001). Patients treated with the robot-assisted procedure more often participated actively in selecting the treating hospital (25% vs 11%), used the Internet often (87% vs 72%) and traveled an increased distance (63 vs 42 km, all p0.001). Overall decision regret was low with a mean ± SD score of 14 ± 19 on a scale of 0-no regret to 100-high regret. Multivariate analysis showed that erectile function (OR 3.2), urinary continence (OR 1.8), freedom from recurrence (OR 1.6), an active decision making role (OR 2.2) and shorter followup (OR 0.9 per year) predicted low decision regret (score less than 15).Intermediate term functional and oncologic outcomes as well as autonomous decision making and followup time influenced decision regret after radical prostatectomy. The surgical approach was not associated with intermediate term decision regret.

Background: Radical cystectomy (RC) still poses a significant risk for mortality and morbidity. Objectives: We compared in-hospital outcomes after RC in the United States and ­Germany using population-based data. Methods: We compared data from the US Nationwide Inpatient Sample to the German hospital billing database. Mortality and transfusion during hospital stay and length of stay (LOS) were evaluated. Results: In all, 17,711 (the United States) and 60,447 (­Germany) cases were included. The share of robot-assisted RC increased to 20.5% in the United States vs. 2.3% in Germany (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was 1.9% (the United States) vs. 4.6% (Germany), transfusion rates were 34.2% (the United States) vs. 58.7% (Germany), and LOS was 10.7 (the United States) vs. 25.1 days (Germany; all p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, higher patient age and lower annual hospital caseload were associated with increased mortality and longer LOS. Minimal-invasive surgery was associated with less blood transfusion and shorter LOS in the United States vs. hospital caseload and choice of urinary diversion in Germany. Conclusions: Healthcare systems might exert a relevant impact on outcomes of oncologic surgery. Increased in-hospital mortality rates in Germany seem to be partly explained by much longer LOS compared to those in the United States. Annual caseload seems to be influential on in-hospital outcomes raising the question of centralization of RC.

Fur Gesundheitsfragen ist das Internet eine wichtige Informationsquelle und insbesondere Fachgesellschaften sollten hierbei verlassliche Inhalte anbieten. Mit dem „Urologenportal“ engagieren sich die Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Urologie e. V. und der Berufsverband der Deutschen Urologen e. V. bereits seit 2001. Aktuell wird ein umfassender Relaunch vorbereitet. Um hierbei moglichst gut auf die Bedurfnisse der Nutzer eingehen zu konnen, fuhrten wir eine Nutzerbefragung durch. Uber ein Pop-up auf der Seite www.urologenportal.de luden wir die Nutzer zu einer Online-Umfrage mit 26 Fragen ein. Fur die Beurteilung der Webseite nutzten wir einen validierten Fragebogen. Die Datenerhebung erfolgte anonymisiert. Von Februar bis September 2015 erhielten wir n = 200 vollstandige Datensatze. Das mediane Alter der Teilnehmer lag bei 57 (Spannweite 17–89) Jahren. 78 % der Nutzer waren mannlich. Die Nutzer bewerteten Relevanz und Verstandlichkeit der Informationen sehr positiv. Kritischer wurden Layout und Aufbau gesehen. 73 % der Nutzer waren selbst betroffen, wobei sich hiervon nur die Halfte in urologischer Behandlung befand. Bei 54 % der Befragten musste zum Befragungszeitpunkt eine gesundheitsbezogene Entscheidung getroffen werden. Bei 54 % dieser Teilnehmer konnte die Informationssuche auf der Webseite bei der Entscheidung helfen und 20 % veranderten als Konsequenz ihre Entscheidung. Die drei haufigsten urologischen Themen, uber die sich Nutzer der Webseite informieren, sind Beschneidung/Phimose (33 %), Prostatavergroserung (19 %) und Erektionsstorungen (18 %). Bereits jetzt steht mit dem „Urologenportal“ eine gemeinsame Internetprasenz aller deutschen Urologen zur Verfugung, die relevante Informationen verstandlich vermittelt. Die laufende Uberarbeitung sollte sich insbesondere auf die Struktur und das Layout fokussieren.

Hintergrund und Fragestellung Die Therapieentscheidung beim lokalisierten Prostatakarzinom ist anspruchsvoll. Entscheidungshilfen fur Patienten konnen die arztliche Beratung unterstutzen, aber bislang ist nichts uber ihre Akzeptanz in der deutschen Urologie bekannt. Zum Vergleich liegt eine aktuelle Umfrage unter US-amerikanischen Urologen und Strahlentherapeuten vor.

With an incidence of approximately 60,000 per year prostate cancer is the most common malignant neoplasm in men with a relatively low mortality rate and a high mean age of primary diagnosis of about 70 years. The disease remains usually clinically occult over a long period of time and generally manifests primarily in a locally advanced or metastasized stage. Due to screening using the PSA level (prostate specific antigen) in blood serum, diagnosis and therapy nowadays are oftentimes possible at an early stage. The prostate carcinoma is classified using risk groups based on the level of PSA, the local tumor spread and the histological degree of differentiation (Gleason score). If no metastases are detected during staging a local curative therapy is indicated, provided that the patient is eligible for this due to age, comorbidity and life expectancy. Depending on the risk group of the patient, radical prostatectomy, percutaneous radiotherapy, brachytherapy or active surveillance are available as curative therapy concepts. Focal therapies such as HIFU, electrovaporization or cryotherapy are currently considered to be experimental. If metastases are already present at primary diagnosis, palliative, systemic therapy can be performed with an androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy. At an advanced and hormone refractory stage, treatment with an osteotropic radiotracer or palliative radiotherapy can reduce bone metastases and alleviate respective symptoms.

Objectives: We compared the transperineal MRI/ultrasound-fusion biopsy (fusPbx) to transrectal systematic biopsy (sysPbx) in patients with previously negative biopsy and investigated the prediction of tumour aggressiveness with regard to radical prostatectomy (RP) specimen. Material and Methods: A total of 710 patients underwent multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), which was evaluated in accordance with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS). The maximum PI-RADS (maxPI-RADS) was defined as the highest PI-RADS of all lesions detected in mpMRI. In case of proven prostate cancer (PCa) and performed RP, tumour grading of the biopsy specimen was compared to that of the RP. Significant PCa (csPCa) was defined according to Epstein criteria. Results: Overall, scPCa was detected in 40% of patients. The detection rate of scPCa was 33% for fusPbx and 25% for sysPbx alone (p < 0.005). Patients with a maxPI-RADS ≥3 and a prostate specific antigen (PSA)-density ≥0.2 ng/mL2 harboured more csPCa than those with a PSA-density < 0.2 ng/mL2 (41% [33/81] vs. 20% [48/248]; p < 0.001). Compared to the RP specimen (n = 140), the concordance of tumour grading was 48% (γ = 0.57), 36% (γ = 0.31) and 54% (γ = 0.6) in fusPbx, sysPbx and comPbx, respectively. Conclusions: The combination of fusPbx and sysPbx outperforms both biopsy modalities in patients with re-biopsy. Additionally, the PSA-density may represent a predictor for csPCa in patients with maxPI-RADS ≥3.

Introduction: Targeted biopsy of tumour-suspicious lesions detected in multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) plays an increasing role in the active surveillance (AS) of patients with low-risk prostate cancer (PCa). The aim of this study was to compare MRI/ultrasound-fusion biopsy (fusPbx) with systematic biopsy (sysPbx) in patients undergoing biopsy for AS. Methods: Patients undergoing mpMRI and transperineal fusPbx combined with transrectal sysPbx (comPbx) as surveillance biopsy were investigated. The detection of Gleason score upgrading and reclassification according to Prostate Cancer Research International Active Surveillance criteria were evaluated. Results: Eighty-three patients were enrolled. PCa upgrading was detected in 39% by fusPbx and in 37% by sysPbx (p = 1.0). The percentage of patients who were reclassified in fusPbx and sysPbx (p = 0.45) were 64 and 59% respectively. ComPbx detected more frequently tumour upgrading than fusPbx (71 vs. 64%, p = 0.016) and sysPbx (71 vs. 59%, p < 0.001) and more patients had to be reclassified after comPbx than after fusPbx or sysPbx alone. Conclusions: The combination of fusPbx and sysPbx outperforms both modalities alone with regard to the detection of upgrading and reclassification in patients under AS. Because a high missing rate of significant PCa still exists in both biopsy modalities, a combination of fusPbx and sysPbx should be recommended in these patients.

Hintergrund Im Kontext komplexer chirurgischer Eingriffe konnen Mindestmengenregelungen die Behandlungsqualitat sichern und verbessern helfen. Fur einen positiven Zusammenhang zwischen hohen Fallzahlen und geringerer Morbiditat oder Mortalitat gibt es fur verschiedene Eingriffe belastbare Evidenz. In der Uroonkologie sind diese Effekte mit moderater Starke fur die radikale Prostatektomie, die radikale Zystektomie und die radikale Nephrektomie belegt. In anderen Gesundheitssystemen wurde daher uber Mindestmengenkataloge eine zunehmende Zentralisierung angestrebt.