Best of AUA, Anaheim 2007

Anaheim, CA-The 102nd AUA annual meeting honored AUA's tradition of offering excellent science in a widening array of clinical and socioeconomic topics. Nearly 2,000 abstracts and videos were presented to the 12,000 physicians in attendance. Potential new indications for existing drugs (phosphodiesterase type-5 inhibitors to treat lower urinary tract symptoms, to name one), the growth of minimally invasive procedures, and stem cell research in urology were among the hot topics. Research on using the body's natural orifices to perform surgery offers an intriguing possibility for nearly noninvasive urologic procedures.

Overshadowing the scientific presentations somewhat were real concerns about the fast-approaching pay for performance movement, maintenance of certification, and other non-clinical practice issues, many of which were addressed at this year's meeting.

These topics and hundreds of others were highlighted during the meeting's closing session-the popular take-home messages. On this page and inside this issue of Urology Times, we present our annual coverage of these messages in 27 topic areas. Messages have been edited for space and clarity, and those of particular interest to practicing urologists have been highlighted by the editors.