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The emerging role of physician associates in urology

The physician associate (PA) is a new role in the NHS which has expanded across medical and surgical specialties to include urology. In the USA, it has long been an established field of practice where physician assistants work autonomously within...

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...

A report from the second laparoscopic urology workshop in Dakar, Senegal

Hôpital Général Idrissa Pouye (HOGIP), formerly Hôpital Général de Grand Yoff – HOGGY), in Dakar, Senegal, is one of the most well-regarded teaching hospitals in West Africa. It has over 300 beds, a urology team of six consultants and attracts...

The bulbocavernosus reflex

Despite its first discovery predating the early-1940s, clinical application of the bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR) has been limited to date. The BCR traditionally involves contraction of the bulbo- and ischiocavernosus pelvic floor muscles, often referred to as the ‘bulbocavernosus muscle’, in...

Post-orgasmic illness syndrome

Introduction Disorders of ejaculation are a rare and poorly understood subsection of male sexual dysfunction. A paucity of evidence has hindered advances in definitions, epidemiology, pathophysiology and management. The licensing of a specific medication for premature ejaculation signalled the research...

Introduction to prostate cryotherapy

Introduction Cryotherapy was first described by Dr James Arnott in 1850 where he used crushed ice and salt to get temperatures as low as -24oC, in the treatment of cervical and breast tumours [1]. The literature on prostatic cryotherapy dates...

Sexual dysfunction following prostate cancer treatment

Prostate cancer is common with over 52,300 new cases diagnosed annually in the UK; this is expected to rise by 15% between 2023-2025 and 2038-2040 [1]. Radical prostatectomy continues to be the most common form of radical treatment for men...

Obesity and Urologic cancers: A student’s perspective on risk, systems and surgical implications

During my clinical placements, I began to notice that some patients did not fit neatly into the scenarios we learned about in lectures. One patient in particular had a raised PSA and several comorbidities, including obesity. What stood out was...