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Glenn M. Preminger, MD, professor of urologic surgery and director of the Comprehensive Kidney Stone Center at Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, suggests that the next decade might best be spent refining those technologies and determining which patients are likely to derive the greatest benefit from these advances.

The expanding use of laparoscopic techniques in urologic surgery has placed a greater demand on training programs to develop better methods to provide laparoscopic skill training. Researchers from the United Kingdom have examined how changing the temporal relationship between hand movement and perception of that movement on the monitor affected the rate of acquisition of laparoscopic skills.

The advent of the taxanes has been an important recent breakthrough in the treatment of advanced prostate cancer, and the availability of these new chemotherapeutic agents has been accompanied by an explosion in research investigating new protocols, especially involving multimodal regimens combining a taxane with immunotherapy or hormonal therapy.

While immediate cystectomy offers excellent long-term outcomes for patients with high-grade T1 transitional cell carcinoma, genetic biomarkers one day could help urologists select the most appropriate candidates for this surgery.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) continues to be an effective minimally invasive approach to the treatment of large-volume renal stone disease.

Urologists can look forward to having better markers for diagnosis and staging and the opportunity to confidently offer appropriate patients less invasive Urologists can look forward to having better markers for diagnosis and staging and the opportunity to confidently offer appropriate patients less invasive procedures to minimize treatment-related morbidity.

Welcome to the AUA annual meeting preview, brought to you by the editorial staff of Urology Times.

Taking the relationship between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular disease to a new level, American Medical Systems has launched a campaign to “Save 100 Additional Lives” through heightened patient awareness about the issue of ED as a potential detector of heart and vascular disease. The program was initiated recently through physician outreach by leading cardiologists and urologists in the Chicago area.

EDAP TMS has announced that Atlantic Urology in Daytona Beach, FL, has received Institutional Review Board approval to participate in the company’s ongoing ENLIGHT phase II/III clinical trial of Ablatherm high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in patients with localized prostate cancer.

Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as persistent organochlorine pesticides, is associated with the risk of both seminomatous and nonseminomatous testicular germ cell tumors, whereas exposure to chlordane compounds and metabolites may be associated with the risk of seminoma, according to a study published in an online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (April 28).

A new study reveals that many cancer survivors are inactive and obese, which may negatively affect the control of their disease. The findings, which come from a study of cancer survivors in Canada, show that a cancer diagnosis does not appear to prompt significant behavior change and that interventions to increase physical activity and promote better eating habits among cancer survivors are warranted.

Anticholinergic drugs may cause older people to experience greater decline in their thinking skills than people not taking the drugs, according to research presented at the American Academy of Neurology annual meeting in Chicago.

Spanish researchers have found a means of distinguishing between high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (HGPIN) lesions destined to become cancerous and those that will remain benign, which may spare patients the discomfort and inconvenience of unnecessary needle biopsies, according to a study in Clinical Cancer Research (2008; 14:2617-22).

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Postoperative ileus is a common result after major abdominal surgery, and frequently resolves within days after surgery. However, prolongedileus can result in increased pain and morbidity and increased time to hospital discharge. A multimodal approach using preventive and therapeutic strategies can definitively mange postoperative ileus.

Researchers have developed a novel technique of performing laparoscopic partial nephrectomy without renal hilar clamping that appears to minimize blood loss during the procedure.

Against a backdrop of impending reductions in Medicare fees and warnings that a funding crisis looms, urology professionals from across America descended on Capitol Hill recently, determined to stand up for themselves and their profession.

Products and services from manufacturers who are exhibiting at the American Urological Association meeting in Orlando.

It's your practice, and it's in your best interest to stay involved and approve major decisions. Don't give the power away.

There are a number of popular misconceptions that arise when physicians discuss ways to protect their personal assets from lawsuits or creditors.

Most accomplished physicians will, at some point in a successful career, have to confront at least one unanticipated, serious, or even catastrophic outcome.

If you are using a cystoscope that is inserted through an established suprapubic tract to locate and remove bladder stones, the suprapubic tract is, in fact, functioning as a de facto urethra.

A mention of Orlando often conjures up images of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, or Pluto, but a visit to this family-friendly Sunshine State destination can certainly appeal to interests beyond the famed Walt Disney World and any of its theme parks.

Despite advances in surgical technique and the recent advent of laparoscopy and robotic assistance, urinary incontinence remains a real and potential problem for patients after radical prostatectomy.

Treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms using an 80-watt laser prostatectomy system showed a significant decrease in IPSS and post-void residual urine, among other positive indicators.

Study demonstrates that laparoscopic and robotic surgical training can be applied to a new private practice setting.