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Metabolic screening and stone-prevention in urolithiasis patients

The incidence and prevalence of kidney stones is increasing [1,2]. Significant recurrence rates are noted with 14% of patients experiencing a further episode at one year, 35% at five years, and 52% at 10 years [3]. Over 10% of stone...

Fournier’s gangrene

Introduction Fournier’s gangrene (FG) is a rare but fulminant form of infective necrotising fasciitis affecting the perineum and external genitalia, which can rapidly progress along fascial planes. It most commonly affects men, but can occur in women and children, with...

Emphysematous pyelonephritis: a review

Introduction Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is an acute, severe, necrotising, bacterial infection of the renal parenchyma and surrounding tissues, with gas in the renal parenchyma, collecting system or perinephric tissue. Although it is rare, it is potentially life threatening and early...

Metastatic spinal cord compression – a review

Introduction Metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) is an oncological emergency that, unless diagnosed early and treated appropriately, can lead to significant morbidity and mortality, including paralysis and bladder and bowel dysfunction. MSCC can be defined as spinal cord or cauda...

Artificial penile pearls: what every Urologist should know!

Penile implants are inert objects placed beneath the skin of the penis through an incision. These are variously referred to as Yakuza beads, pearls, ball bearings, speed bumps, penile marbles, inserts, etc. The term ‘penile implant’ described here should not...

Delivering a laparoscopic urology workshop in West Africa: our initial experience in Senegal

Despite universal adoption and significant technological innovation since its inception around 30 years ago, access to laparoscopic surgery remains lacking in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Whilst some progress has been made in recent years to bridge the gap with the developed...

Supporting return to clinical practice

There are many reasons for a clinician to take time away from clinical practice. These include parental leave, research, a period of ill health, a career break, or the opportunity to spend time pursuing other interests. At any one time,...

Use of MRI in the evaluation of prostate cancer: part 2

Diffusion weighted imaging and contrast enhanced imaging Introduction Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used in localisation, staging and post-treatment follow-up of prostate cancer. In the previous issue, we discussed the usefulness of MRI in depicting prostate anatomy and pairing...

Conservative management of pelviureteric junction

Background Pelviureteric junction obstruction (PUJO) is defined as a functionally significant impairment of urine flow from the renal pelvis into the proximal ureter. For more than a century, surgery was considered the first-choice approach to management. However, the widespread use...

An update on lower pole stone management for 2015

Introduction Urolithiasis is an increasing healthcare problem, with an estimated lifetime prevalence of up to 15% [1]. The number of interventions undertaken for stone disease has increased dramatically over recent years, particularly with respect to ureteroscopy and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)...

Can dogs smell prostate cancer?

For centuries we have known that man’s best friend has an exceptional sense of smell. ‘Sniffer’ dogs are found in a wide range of roles, including drug and explosive detection as part of airport security, helping emergency services locate survivors...