Current opinion in urology
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Urolithiasis is a common urological problem, often requiring efficient workup, accurate diagnosis, and treatment. The purpose of this review is to summarize the imaging modalities employed for the diagnosis of calculi and the caveats of different clinical situations. ⋯ Considering the well supported accuracy and relative ease of use of noncontrast computed tomography, it has become a logical choice for the urologist to use the technique as a diagnostic tool for stone disease. The future of imaging for intervention and surveillance of stone disease lies in the continued progress of noncontrast computed tomography in terms of patient safety. This will need to be done by developing low-dose radiation computed tomography that can replicate the efficacy of current noncontrast computed tomography.
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Researchers have recently sought out pharmacologic means of increasing rates of urinary stone passage. We outline the current understanding in medical expulsive therapy. ⋯ Medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones provides a nonsurgical option for patients with ureteral stones. In view of the available clinical trials and meta-analysis, patients with distal ureteral stones measuring less than 1 cm who are candidates for observation warrant a trial of medical expulsive therapy.
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Review
Evidence-based clinical practice guidelines for prostate cancer: the need for a unified approach.
Clinical practice guidelines are being increasingly recognized as critically important to an evidence-based practice. This article reviews the different approaches used by leading urological organizations to the development of prostate cancer guidelines. It further introduces the recommendations of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) working group as a unified approach to guideline development. ⋯ There is an urgent need to standardize processes used to develop clinical guidelines for the management of patients with prostate cancer by leading urological organizations. Adoption of the GRADE approach would offer considerable rewards in terms of efficiency, guideline credibility and optimal clinical decision-making.
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The use of robotics in urologic surgery has seen exponential growth over the last 5 years. Existing surgical robots operate rigid instruments on the master/slave principle and currently allow extraluminal manipulations and surgical procedures. Flexible robotics is an entirely novel paradigm. This article explores the potential of flexible robotic platforms that could permit endoluminal and transluminal surgery in the future. ⋯ Flexible robotics is on the horizon. It has potential for improved scope-tip precision, superior operative ergonomics, and reduced occupational radiation exposure. In the near future, in urology, we believe that it holds promise for endoluminal therapeutic ureterorenoscopy. Looking further ahead, within the next 3-5 years, it could enable transluminal surgery.
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Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a powerful diagnostic tool for the imaging of the pediatric genitourinary tract. The aim of this review is to familiarize the reader with the current applications and basic techniques utilizing magnetic resonance imaging in pediatric uroradiology. ⋯ Magnetic resonance imaging has emerged as a powerful tool for the diagnosis of pediatric genitourinary anomalies. It provides functional and anatomic assessment with a single procedure that in most cases is superior to conventional procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging will probably become the modality of choice for the imaging of pediatric genitourinary tract anomalies.