The Medical clinics of North America
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This article discusses prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and screening for prostate cancer. Topics explored include the history of PSA testing, the biology of PSA, clinical uses of PSA testing, improving the accuracy of PSA testing, and controversies in prostate cancer screening.
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Genitourinary emergencies are commonly seen in the emergency room, and the primary care physician plays a vital role in the initial evaluation and treatment of each. Although genitourinary trauma is rarely life threatening, it may be the cause of significant long-term morbidity. Key clinical indicators outlined in this article (eg, inability to urinate, gross hematuria) combined with judicious use of imaging help stage the injury and allow a safe and rational approach to treatment. ⋯ The conditions of the penis outlined require urgent treatment to preserve potency (priapism) and restore normal function (eg, penile amputation). Acute urinary retention has a myriad of underlying etiologies, and treatment must be individualized. Urgent bladder decompression by urethral or suprapubic catheterization provides initial relief until urologic consultation is available.
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Med. Clin. North Am. · Mar 2004
ReviewApplications of laparoscopic surgery in urology: impact on patient care.
From its first use as a diagnostic tool, urologic laparoscopy has developed into a complex therapy for both benign and malignant disease. Most procedures are still performed at large centers with experienced laparoscopists but nonacademic urologists are starting to gain the necessary training and skills. With the clear advantage that laparoscopy shows over open procedures in terms of decreased perioperative morbidity and quicker recovery times, patients are increasingly asking for this approach. The urologic community must meet this challenge and train future urologists to meet the expected demand.
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Even well-conducted randomized controlled trials can only reduce uncertainty, not eliminate it. The trials presented in this article all have gaps, and like many studies, some raise more questions than answers. A summary of the current trials, however, can be presented as follows. ⋯ Regardless of the choice between an ACE or ARB, however, post hoc analysis of clinical trials [21,47] and observational data clearly indicate that patients with chronic kidney disease, even if considered mild (ie, serum creatinine greater than or equal to 1.4 mg/dL) are at significantly greater risk of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality compared with those with better kidney function. As stated in a recent review by the authors of the HOPE trial [50], "the frequent practice of withholding ACE [or ARB] in patients with mild renal insufficiency is unwarranted," because not only are these patients precisely those who might benefit most from their use, but safety and tolerability are generally excellent. Based on the results of the AASK trial, the authors add the same for the use of ACE inhibitors in African Americans.