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Ablative modalities are gaining currency as viable treatment options in selected renal cancer patients, but outcome data remain relatively premature. In this Viewpoint, John Pattaras and Fray Marshall discuss the limitations and uncertainties surrounding one of the most studied modalities for renal tumor ablation.
In this article by André Naudé and Chris Heyns the controversial issue of management of urethral strictures is tackled. The authors review the relative efficacy and suitability of internal urethrotomy, dilation and urethroplasty for treatment of different types of stricture. An algorithm for the initial management of strictures and treatment of recurrent strictures is included.
There is growing evidence that interstitial cells play a functional role in the urinary tract. This review by Alison Brading and Karen McCloskey focuses on what is known about specialized interstitial cells, their underlying physiology and their possible roles in regulating smooth-muscle activity and neural control in the urinary tract. The involvement of these cells in bladder pathology is also discussed.
When seeking a diagnosis in patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms there is a bewildering variety of questionnaires, symptom scales, measurements and urodynamic tests that can be utilized. The appropriate use of these different diagnostic tools and their associated strengths and weaknesses are discussed in this primer review by Christopher Chapple.
