Year in Review in 2014

The past year has yielded multiple key studies on the underpinnings of, and optimal treatment of kidney stones. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of stones, and the optimal medical and surgical treatments improves, we will be able to optimize the quality and cost-effectiveness of care available to patients.

In response to the demand for reconstructive options that preserve quality of life after cystectomy, 2013 saw considerable advances in biocompatible meshes and stem cell preparations that might recapitulate the urinary bladder. With increasing strength and functionality of these substitutes, what challenges remain?

In 2013, data began to emerge that shed light on several longstanding issues in female urology, from the safety of adrenergic receptor agonists and onabotulinumtoxinA for overactive bladder to the use of physical therapy and mesh suburethral slings for stress urinary incontinence.

Considerable developments in prostate cancer in 2013 have emerged from the imaging field. Hyperpolarized ¹³C-MRI can monitor metabolic activity to identify high-grade disease and treatment response, and novel PET radiotracers might identify distinct subsets of patients with advanced disease. These examples highlight the progress made at all stages of care.