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Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy is an emerging technique that potentially provides advantages over conventional laparoscopic approaches. A retrospective multi-institutional study suggests that robotic technology offers improved outcomes in this setting, even in hands experienced with laparoscopic surgery; however, additional data validating these findings and evaluating complication rates and surgical margins are needed.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors delay tumor progression and have a favorable adverse effect profile in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma; however, the impact of these treatments on objective clinical outcomes remains unknown. Updated results from two landmark phase III randomized trials now demonstrate the effect of sunitinib and sorafenib on survival.
A bladder preserving protocol comprising combined external-beam radiotherapy and interstitial brachytherapy for the treatment of bladder cancer has been reported as a viable alternative to cystectomy. However, we have concerns regarding the oncological efficacy of this approach and believe important quality of life issues need to be addressed.
Knowing when to request invasive urodynamic tests in children can be difficult, but persisting with nonbeneficial treatment is a serious failure of care. In this concise Review, authors from The Netherlands provide straightforward guidance on appropriate use of urodynamic studies in pediatric patients with overactive bladder, underactive bladder, neurogenic bladder and dysfunctional voiding.
The extracellular matrix has a critical role in modulating the structure and function of the urinary bladder. In this Review, Aitken and Bägli discuss how matrix properties affect bladder development and pathology, focusing on their role in the pathogenesis of strain-induced injury in bladder outlet obstruction.
In the second part of their Review on the extracellular matrix, Aitken and Bägli focus on its role in bladder regeneration. The authors describe how the composition and physical properties of matrix scaffolds can affect the growth of bladder tissue, and highlight the importance of stem cells in this emerging field.
Ancient practitioners were cognizant of the insight that would be gained by examining the interior of a patient's body. It was not until 1806, however, that Bozzini's candle-illuminated 'Lichtleiter' made this aim feasible. Here, Natalin and Landman trace the origins and development of endoscopic technology, from Bozzini's 'Lichtleiter' through Stern's 'resectoscope' to modern devices for virtual and capsule endoscopy.
