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Systematic reviews and meta-analysis – a stepwise approach

As per Cochrane definition (2013), a systematic literature review (SR) attempts “to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a given research question” [1]. A meta-analysis (MA) is a statistical assessment of...

Radiology quiz

We are delighted to introduce something new for the Uroradiology Focus – our very own Jane Belfield has put together a urology imaging quiz with 10 cases designed to grab your interest and test your knowledge. Good luck and let...

Priapism

Priapism is defined as an abnormally persistent erection lasting greater than four hours, not associated with sexual desire [1]. Although relatively uncommon with an incidence of 1.5 per 100,000 [2], priapism has a risk of complications which can have a...

Male infertility

Definitions Infertility is the inability of a sexually active, non-contracepting couple to achieve spontaneous pregnancy in one year [1]. About 15% of couples do not achieve pregnancy within one year and seek medical treatment for infertility. Semen parameters are standardised...

Penile fracture

Traumatic rupture of the tunica albuginea with either one or both corpora cavernosa of the penis is known as penile fracture. This may be associated with corpus spongiosum or urethral injury. Incidence Penile fracture was reported for the first time...

Urinary incontinence in women – part 1: terminology and diagnosis

Introduction Urinary incontinence (UI) is the involuntary and often embarrassing leakage of urine. It is a condition that is both under-reported and under-diagnosed, and when reported it is, unfortunately, often not assessed and managed adequately. Incontinence of urine is encountered...

Ejaculatory dysfunction – too swift, too slow and the no-show

Timing is everything.’ Although an expression most frequently linked to comedy, timing also seems just as critical in the business of sexual climax. Indeed, many men worry about ejaculating. Too soon is embarrassing. Too slow is frustrating. And not ejaculating...

The role of PET-CT imaging in prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common cancer in the UK, with 43,000 cases in 2017-18 [1,2]. Accurate primary staging and the detection of suspected recurrence following treatment is vital for directing management and predicting prognosis. This has conventionally...

Cutting-edge or over-hyped? Evaluating the role of robotic surgery in the management of renal cell carcinoma

The quest for a minimally-invasive approach to major abdominal surgery finds its roots at the start of the previous century, when Georg Kelling first described the technique of ‘ceolioscopy’ to inspect intraabdominal organs in 1901 [1]. Since those early days,...

Medical statistics for urologists: part 1

Part 2 of this article is available here, and Part 3 here Clinicians often consider statistics to be a dry and challenging subject. However, an understanding of the basics of statistic methods underpins the interpretation and use of current best...