The Journal of urology
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Leading organizations increasingly recognize clinical practice guidelines as an important approach in promoting an evidence-based clinical practice of urology. In light of their considerable clinical, economic and medicolegal impact, guideline users should be confident that the guidelines were rigorously developed and address relevant patient questions. In this article we outline a practical approach for critically appraising a clinical practice guideline. ⋯ The systematic approach presented in this article will allow urologists to critically appraise clinical practice guidelines. Determining the validity of the recommendations, understanding the recommendations and assessing their applicability to patients are 3 fundamental steps toward an evidence-based approach to using clinical practice guidelines.
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The Journal of urology · Feb 2009
Comparative StudyRadical cystectomy for bladder cancer: morbidity of laparoscopic versus open surgery.
We compared the morbidity and mortality of laparoscopic vs open surgery in radical cystectomy for bladder cancer. ⋯ Laparoscopic radical cystectomy for bladder cancer has a lower morbidity rate than cystectomy by open surgery. It allows more rapid resumption of oral fluid and solid intake as well as return to normal bowel function and shorter hospital stay.
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The Journal of urology · Feb 2009
Comparative StudyDoes previous extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy affect the performance and outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy?
ESWL and percutaneous nephrolithotomy are the primary treatment modalities for kidney stones. Furthermore, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is first line treatment when ESWL fails. We assessed how previous ESWL affects the performance and outcome of percutaneous nephrolithotomy. ⋯ Although similar success and complication rates were achieved with percutaneous nephrolithotomy after failed ESWL, percutaneous nephrolithotomy is usually more difficult with prolonged operative time and fluoroscopic screening time per cm(2) stone due to the tissue effects of ESWL and scattered stone fragments in the pelvicaliceal system.
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The Journal of urology · Feb 2009
Simultaneous bilateral native nephrectomy and living donor renal transplantation are successful for polycystic kidney disease: the University of Maryland experience.
Patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease have significant morbidity due to large kidney size and the resultant compression of adjacent organs. Surgical extirpation is limited to the most severe cases due to the risk of complications. Typically surgical extirpation of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease kidneys and renal transplantation are performed in staged fashion. The additive risks of these 2 procedures have been a barrier to a simultaneous surgical approach. The risks include transplant compromise due to cyst rupture, bleeding, adjacent organ injury and anti-HLA antibody sensitization from transfusion in cases of pretransplant nephrectomy. We reviewed the results of and graft survival data on bilateral nephrectomy for autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease with simultaneous live donor renal transplantation. ⋯ Bilateral nephrectomy and immediate transplantation in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease can be done with minimal morbidity. Preliminary studies show that patients may have significant improvement in quality of life from this procedure and graft viability is not compromised.
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The Journal of urology · Feb 2009
Estimating the risk of cancer associated with imaging related radiation during surveillance for stage I testicular cancer using computerized tomography.
Computerized tomography has a critical role in the surveillance of stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis. Some protocols call for up to 16 computerized tomography scans over 5 years, thereby exposing young patients to a significant amount of radiation. We estimated the lifetime risk of cancer incidence and cancer death from imaging related radiation received during surveillance of stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor. ⋯ Computerized tomography used in testicular cancer surveillance protocols imparts large radiation doses and is associated with a significant risk of cancer. This risk should be factored into counseling patients with stage I nonseminomatous germ cell tumor.