Journal Reviews
Botox® instillation into the bladder
Patients with refractory overactive bladder (OAB) may be offered OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox®) as one of the third-line options. Given the invasive nature of requiring cystoscopy, injections via a needle and local anaesthesia, it would be simpler, more convenient and more accessible...
Homo digitalis during COVID-19?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of our lives. We have seen huge changes in the health service, medical practice and hospital working. Many urology meetings – national and international – were cancelled and seminars and courses have become...
Onabotulinum toxin A (BTX) not helpful for chronic scrotal pain
It is refreshing to read a report on negative outcomes as it reinforces the honesty that is often lacking with the well-known publication bias in medical publications. It is also not common to come across surgical randomised controlled trials (RCTs)...
Ulcerative colitis has a positive association with prostate cancer risk
This large-scale meta-analysis, incorporating studies from several population-based studies, evaluated the association between inflammatory bowel disease (IBC) and prostate cancer (Pca). Emerging evidence has suggested that IBD is a risk factor for extra-intestinal malignancies which may be due to an...
Guideline of guidelines – testosterone therapy for testosterone deficiency
The authors conducted an internet search and analysed guidelines for testosterone therapy (TTh) produced by the American Urological Association (AUA), European Association of Urology (EAU), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), British Society of Sexual Medicine (BSSM), Endocrine Society (ES),...
Is routine renal tumour biopsy associated with lower rates of benign histology following nephrectomy for small renal masses?
There has been a considerable increase in the detection of small renal masses (SRM). Approximately 20% of these turn out to be benign lesions on final histopathological analysis. Therefore upfront surgery can be overtreatment in such a group of patients....
Serum cholesterol and risk of high-grade prostate cancer: results from the REDUCE study
This study examined a cohort of non-statin using patients who participated in the REDUCE study. The REDUCE study included men who had an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a negative baseline prostate biopsy who then underwent year two and...
Testosterone and erectile function – the debate goes on!
The most common causes of erectile dysfunction (ED) as per European Association of Urology (EAU) guidelines are: psychogenic, vasculogenic, neurogenic and hormonal. The EAU 2017 guidelines recommend measuring total testosterone (TS) level. This study is a meta-analysis of 14 randomised...
Non-antibiotic options for recurrent UTI
Recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) imposes a heavy burden on health services. By definition recurrent UTI is two infections in six months or three in one year. The annual incidence of single UTI is 30 per 1000 women. The Scottish...
Urologists beware!
This article recounts the story of a Californian urologist who was shot dead two decades later by a patient who was diagnosed with stricture of the urethra. The patient underwent surgery for urethral stricture in 1992 by a team (ironically,...
Solifenacin for children and adolescents with overactive bladders
Solifenacin (VESIcare®) is the second-line anti-muscarinic medication of choice for my patients with overactive bladder (oxybutynin being my initial choice). However, currently, it remains unlicensed for use in children. Newgreen et al. have evaluated the long-term safety and efficacy of...
Nomograms – is it hide and seek?
Everyday new decision-making aids are being developed due to various advances in software technology. This article from the UK makes very interesting reading. The word ‘nomogram’ is derived from the Greek word translated as ‘law line’ or ‘alignment chart’. The...
