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Male urethrograms

An ascending urethrogram is the best initial radiographic technique to image a male patient’s urethra and is indicated for strictures, fistulae, trauma and urethral obstruction [1]. It is quick and straightforward to perform and is performed using an 8Fr Foley...

The microbial syndicate: dysbiosis and origins of recurrent UTIs

Traditional dogma held that urine was sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed an underground microbial community, known as the urinary microbiome or ‘urobiome’ [1]. Far from being harmful, this community of microorganisms helps modulate immune responses, regulate inflammation, and...

The doctor as the patient: receiving bad news

This article, written by a GP working in the NHS, gives a unique insight into the experience of being a urology patient and some thoughtful advice on ‘breaking bad news’. Day 1 Alarm bells ring. It’s spotting an email from...

Mesh in urological surgery in the UK – background, reviews and current status

All UK urologists, unless they have been on a 10-year silent retreat, are by now aware of the controversy surrounding surgical use of mesh in general and urological / urogynaecological use of mesh for the surgical treatment of stress urinary...

Urology around the world: India: past, present, and future

Past India has the largest population in the world, standing at 1.43 billion as of September 2023. This vast population across a huge geographical area brings unique healthcare challenges, including the full range of urologic conditions. Urology is a relatively...

An introduction to research governance

Research is the process of acquiring new generalisable knowledge and should be fully integrated into healthcare work. There is a growing drive to encourage and further develop evidence-based practice in medicine so that staff and patients benefit from improved healthcare...

Shared decision-making – minimising the mismatch

In Western countries, we are spoilt for choice in almost every aspect of our lives, but does that reflect also in healthcare? While we have taken some big strides towards shared decision-making with our patients, the age-old physician dominance remains...

Burnout: an increasing problem in urology

“What we mean, man,” said Chuck forcefully, “is this: how can we care for patients if nobody cares for us?” – Samuel Shem, The House of God, 1978. Samuel Shem’s (Steven Bergman, MD) satirical novel The House of God, has...

Prostate cancer survivorship: a new path for uro-oncology

Over two million people in England have a diagnosis of cancer [1]. Of this figure, over 250,000 have been diagnosed with prostate cancer [2]. However, during the next decade, a rapid increase in the number of new cancer diagnoses, as...