Cheryl Guttman Krader, BS, Pharm

Ann Arbor, MI-Surgeon age is not a significant predictor of risk of mortality after cystectomy, according to the results of a recently published study from researchers at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (Ann Surg 2006; 244:353-62).

Los Angeles-A study evaluating secondary care for men with prostate cancer provides useful information for patient counseling, but also underlines the existence of significant regional variations in treatment patterns, and so speaks to the need for a better evidence base on which to develop guidelines for high-quality care, said UCLA researchers.

Linthicum, MD-AUA has partnered with two leading ophthalmology groups to raise awareness that individuals with past or present use of an alpha-1 blocker may develop a condition known as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) while undergoing cataract surgery and should inform their ophthalmologist about such medication use so that appropriate surgical techniques can be used.

Atlanta-A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study indicates that there is no relationship between testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction, while elevated levels of luteinizing hormone were associated with a higher prevalence of ED.

Atlanta-Results from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) showing treatment with the type 2-specific 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor finasteride (Proscar) reduced the incidence of prostate cancer, but was associated with increased detection of high-grade cancers has prompted additional research on the association among prostate cancer detection, cancer grade, and prostate volume.

Ann Arbor, MI--Urologic oncologists adept in performing open radical prostatectomy should feel comfortable undertaking robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy without worrying about encountering a significant learning curve. However, for the laparoscopic surgeon, the robot seems to offer little benefit for facilitating laparoscopic surgery, according to findings of a small prospective study from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Cleveland--A novel hemostatic sealant containing bovine-derived gelatin matrix and bovine-derived thrombin appears to be a useful adjunct for facilitating hemostasis and improving outcomes of laparoscopic partial nephrectomy, according to the results of a retrospective study from the Cleveland Clinic.

Baltimore--Complexed PSA outperforms total PSA and is as good as or better than percent-free PSA in detecting prostate cancer, according to the results of a large pooled analysis presented at the AUA annual meeting.

San Francisco--Despite its steep learning curve, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy is a safe, efficacious option that is feasible for routine use in specialized departments, results from a large series of laparoscopic radical prostatectomy procedures suggest.

Rotterdam, Netherlands-Four years is a reasonable interval for prostatecancer screening, concluded investigators from the European Randomized Studyof Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC).

Visitors to Chicago will have little trouble finding a good place toeat. In fact, AUA meeting attendees may face a problem choosing from somany excellent options. Home to thousands of restaurants, Chicago boastsmany award-winning dining spots offering the talents of world-renowned chefsand a range of cuisines to fit every ethnic taste.

Chicago, site of AUA's 2003 annual meeting, offers attendees and theirguests an almost endless assortment of cultural, entertainment, shopping,dining, and recreational activities to occupy their free time. Visitorsbenefit from the large range of choices found only in a big city but willfeel welcome wherever they go, thanks to Chicago's brand of Midwestern friendliness.