Results of a previously unreported extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique without ureteral stenting in 500 consecutive kidney transplant recipients.

Urologic complications can still occur following kidney transplantation, sometimes requiring multiple radiological and/or surgical procedures to fully correct the problem. Previously proposed extravesical ureteral reimplantation techniques still carry non-negligible risks of the patient developing urologic complications. About 10 years ago, a new set of modifications to the Lich-Gregoir technique was developed at our center, with the goal of further minimizing the occurrence of urologic complications, and without the need for initial ureteral stent placement. It was believed that an improvement in the surgical technique to minimize the risk of developing urologic complications was possible without the need for stent placement at the time of transplant. In this report, we describe the advantages of this technique (i.e., mobilized bladder, longer spatulation of the ureter, inclusion of bladder mucosa with detrusor muscle layer in the ureteral anastomosis, and use of a right angle clamp in the ureteral orifice to ensure that it does not become stenosed). We also retrospectively report our experience in using this technique among 500 consecutive (prospectively followed) kidney transplant recipients transplanted at our center since 2014. During the first 12mo post-transplant, only 1.4%(7/500) of patients developed a urologic complication; additionally, only 1.0%(5/500) required surgical repair of their original ureteroneocystostomy. Five patients(1.0%) developed a urinary leak, with 3/5 having distal ureteral necrosis, and 1/5 subsequently developing a ureteral stricture. Two other patients developed ureteral stenosis, one due to stricture and one due to ureteral stones. These overall results are excellent when compared with other reports in the literature, especially those in which routine stenting was performed. In summary, we believe that the advantages in using this modified extravesical ureteroneocystostomy technique clearly help in lowering the early post-transplant risk of developing urologic complications. Importantly, these results were achieved without the need for ureteral stent placement at the time of transplant.

Association between Neospora caninum seropositivity and reproductive disorders in girolando cows / [Associação entre a soropositividade para Neospora caninum e distúrbios reprodutivos em vacas girolando]

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies in Girolando cows, in order to evaluate the association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders. Blood samples were collected from 40 dairy cows in their reproductive phase from the cranial superficial epigastric vein. The blood samples were tested using the Indirect Fluorescence Antibody Test (IFAT) to detect anti-N.caninum antibodies. The serological results were used to verify whether there was any association with the manifestation of reproductive disorders based on data from the records of reproductive history from 2017 to 2018 as well as the clinical observations of the herd throughout this study. The Fisher exact test was used to verify the existence of an association between the serology and reproductive disorders, adopting a 95% confidence level. The serological results showed a 27.5% seroprevalence in the herd for N. caninum, however, after statistical analysis, no association between seropositivity and reproductive disorders was found in the evaluated herd. Although the studied population is infected with Neospora caninum, we can infer that anti-Neospora caninum antibodies present in Girolando dairy cows at the UFRRJ Dairy Cattle Facility are not associated with the occurrence of reproductive disorders.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a presença de anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum em vacas Girolando, avaliando-se a associação entre a soropositividade e os distúrbios reprodutivos. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue da veia epigástrica superficial cranial de 40 vacas leiteiras em fase reprodutiva, sendo as amostras testadas pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) para detecção de anticorpos anti-N. caninum. A partir dos resultados sorológicos, foi realizada a verificação de associação, ou não, com a manifestação de distúrbios reprodutivos, coletados nos registros de histórico reprodutivo entre 2017 e 2018 e observações do rebanho no transcorrer do estudo. O teste exato de Fisher foi utilizado para verificar a existência de associação entre a sorologia e os distúrbios reprodutivos, adotando-se nível de confiança de 95%. O resultado do estudo demonstrou uma soroprevalência no rebanho de 27,5% para N. caninum, contudo, após análise estatística, não foi confirmada a associação entre soropositividade e distúrbios reprodutivos no rebanho avaliado. Apesar de a população estudada estar infectada com o Neospora caninum, pode-se inferir que anticorpos anti-Neospora caninum presentes em vacas leiteiras Girolando do Setor de Bovinocultura de Leite da UFRRJ não estão associados à ocorrência de distúrbios reprodutivos.(AU)

[Total mesorectal excision with preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia (iTME) based on membrane anatomy].

Total mesorectal excision (TME) has been advocated as the golden standard of mid-low rectal cancer surgery for nearly 30 years. However, the complication of postoperative urinary and sexual dysfunctions due to intraoperative nerve injury has yet to be improved. Based on the concept of membrane anatomy, we carried out a systematic study on the important membrane anatomical structure anterior to the rectum--Denonvilliers' fascia. From multiple aspects including anatomy, physiology, histochemistry and surgical practice, we verified the importance of Denonvilliers' fascia for TME surgery in prevention of intraoperative nerve injury and postoperative urogenital dysfunction. Moreover, based on anatomical study of the surgical marker line of Denonvilliers' fascia (Wei's line) and surgical plane, we proved that total mesorectal excision with preservation of Denonvilliers' fascia (iTME) was feasible and practical. Therefore, we conducted a large multicentric randomized controlled trial (RCT). The mid-term result demonstrated that compared with traditional TME surgery, iTME was more effective in reducing the incidence of postoperative urinary and sexual dysfunctions in male patients with mid-low rectal cancer, without sacrifice of short-term tumor radical outcome. We believe that the final RCT result of iTME, based on membrane anatomy, will provide solid evidence for the update of concepts of rectal cancer surgery.

Impacts of exercise intervention on various diseases in rats.

BACKGROUND: Exercise is considered as an important intervention for treatment and prevention of several diseases, such as osteoarthritis, obesity, hypertension, and Alzheimer's disease. This review summarizes decadal exercise intervention studies with various rat models across 6 major systems to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms behind the effects that exercise brought. METHODS: PubMed was utilized as the data source. To collect research articles, we used the following terms to create the search: (exercise [Title] OR physical activity [Title] OR training [Title]) AND (rats [Title/Abstract] OR rat [Title/Abstract] OR rattus [Title/Abstract]). To best cover targeted studies, publication dates were limited to "within 11 years." The exercise intervention methods used for different diseases were sorted according to the mode, frequency, and intensity of exercise. RESULTS: The collected articles were categorized into studies related to 6 systems or disease types: motor system (17 articles), metabolic system (110 articles), cardiocerebral vascular system (171 articles), nervous system (71 articles), urinary system (2 articles), and cancer (21 articles). Our review found that, for different diseases, exercise intervention mostly had a positive effect. However, the most powerful effect was achieved by using a specific mode of exercise that addressed the characteristics of the disease. CONCLUSION: As a model animal, rats not only provide a convenient resource for studying human diseases but also provide the possibility for exploring the molecular mechanisms of exercise intervention on diseases. This review also aims to provide exercise intervention frameworks and optimal exercise dose recommendations for further human exercise intervention research.

Prophylactic Ureteral Stenting in Laparoscopic Colectomy: Revisiting Traditional Practice.

BACKGROUND: Prophylactic placement of ureteral stents is performed during open colectomy to aid in ureteral identification and to enhance detection of injury. The effects of this practice in laparoscopic colectomy are unknown. This study compares outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic colectomy with and without prophylactic ureteral stenting. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study at a tertiary academic medical center was performed. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of ureteral injury. Secondary outcomes evaluated included mortality, length of stay, procedural duration, and new-onset urinary complication (hematuria, dysuria, and urinary tract infection). RESULTS: In 702 consecutive patients undergoing elective laparoscopic colectomy from 2013 to 2016, prophylactic stents were placed in 261 (37%) patients. Two ureteral injuries occurred (0.3%), both in patients who underwent ureteral stent placement (P = 0.07) and were found and repaired intraoperatively. There was no in-hospital mortality. When accounting for age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity score, procedural indication, gender, BMI, and extent of resection, no difference in hospital length of stay (P = 0.79) was noted comparing patients with and without stenting. However, stent placement prolonged operating time (P = 0.03) and increased the risk of new-onset urinary complications (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, ureteral injuries only occurred in those with stent placement. Prophylactic ureteral stents in laparoscopic colectomy are associated with increased operative time and urologic morbidity. Owing to the low prevalence of ureteral injury in the elective setting and the increased risk of urinary complications, use of prophylactic ureteral stenting should be highly selective.

Manejo postoperatorio de cistectomía radical. Revisión de la evidencia sobre la prevención y el tratamiento de las complicaciones urológicas / Postoperative management of radical cystectomy. Review of the evidence on the prevention and treatment of urological complications

Introducción y objetivos: Este artículo de revisión se ha focalizado en la prevención y manejo de las complicaciones urológicas más frecuentes en el postoperatorio de la cistectomía radical. Se revisó la literatura actual y se realizó un análisis de frecuencia, prevención y tratamiento de las complicaciones. Adquisición de la evidencia: Se realizó una búsqueda en Medline para identificar artículos originales, revisiones de la literatura y editoriales, focalizándose en las complicaciones urológicas de cistectomía radical durante los primeros 90 días postoperatorios. Se identificaron aquellas series que incluyeron un número mayor de 100 pacientes. Síntesis de la evidencia: La literatura en relación con la prevención y el tratamiento de complicaciones en el postoperatorio de cistectomía es en general retrospectiva y no estandarizada. En general el grado de evidencia es bajo y es difícil realizar recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia. Conclusiones: En los últimos años se han hecho progresos para reducir la mortalidad y prevenir complicaciones en cistectomía. Las complicaciones más frecuentes son las gastrointestinales, para las que se ha realizado un esfuerzo importante implementando protocolos ERAS y fast track. Las complicaciones que potencialmente pueden alterar más la calidad de vida del paciente son las del estoma urinario

Introduction and objectives: This review article focuses on the prevention and management of the most common postoperative urological complications of radical cystectomy. We reviewed the current literature and conducted an analysis of frequency, prevention and treatment of complications. Acquisition of evidence: We conducted a search on Medline to identify original articles, literature reviews and editorials focusing on the urological complications of radical cystectomy during the first 90 days after surgery. We identified those series that included more than 100 patients. Synthesis of the evidence: The literature regarding the prevention and treatment of complications after cystectomy is in general retrospective and nonstandardised. The level of evidence is generally low, and it is difficult to make evidence-based recommendations. Conclusions: Progress has been made in recent years in reducing mortality and preventing the complications of cystectomy. The most common complications are gastrointestinal, for which significant efforts have been made to implement ERAS and Fast Track protocols. The complications that can most significantly change patients’ quality of life are urinary stoma

Postoperative management of radical cystectomy. Review of the evidence on the prevention and treatment of urological complications. / Manejo postoperatorio de cistectomía radical. Revisión de la evidencia sobre la prevención y el tratamiento de las complicaciones urológicas.

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: This review article focuses on the prevention and management of the most common postoperative urological complications of radical cystectomy. We reviewed the current literature and conducted an analysis of frequency, prevention and treatment of complications. ACQUISITION OF EVIDENCE: We conducted a search on Medline to identify original articles, literature reviews and editorials focusing on the urological complications of radical cystectomy during the first 90 days after surgery. We identified those series that included more than 100 patients. SYNTHESIS OF THE EVIDENCE: The literature regarding the prevention and treatment of complications after cystectomy is in general retrospective and nonstandardised. The level of evidence is generally low, and it is difficult to make evidence-based recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: Progress has been made in recent years in reducing mortality and preventing the complications of cystectomy. The most common complications are gastrointestinal, for which significant efforts have been made to implement ERAS and Fast Track protocols. The complications that can most significantly change patients' quality of life are urinary stoma.

Expectant use of CIC in newborns with spinal dysraphism: Report of clinical outcomes.

PURPOSE: Report urologic outcomes among newborns with spinal dysraphism managed within an expectant clean intermittent catheterization (CIC) program. METHODS: Newborns were followed clinically and with serial ultrasound (US). Urodynamics (UD) and dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal scan were obtained at 3-6 months, 1 year, 3 years, then as needed. Patients with initial evaluation after 6 months were excluded. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 3.2 years. 11/102 began catheterization for continence (median 4.0 years) and 47/102 did not start CIC. Of these, 2/58 developed a DMSA abnormality. 44/102 began CIC early, often for elevated storage pressures and febrile urinary tract infection (UTI). Of these, 20/44 developed a DMSA abnormality including 9 who had abnormality detected prior to starting CIC. Being on CIC or starting immediately upon recognition of new hydronephrosis, reflux, elevated filling pressures, or febrile UTI was associated with lower chance of DMSA abnormalities (4/17, 24%) compared to delaying CIC (16/27, 60%) (p= 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: CIC can be deferred until continence in select infants with a low risk of significant DMSA abnormality. However, immediate initiation of CIC upon recognition of risk factors is recommended as this was associated with fewer DMSA abnormalities than delaying CIC. Recommendations for expectantly-managed patients include close follow-up, serial US and UD, and prompt initiation of CIC upon recognition of new hydronephrosis, reflux, elevated storage pressures, or febrile UTIs.

European Association of Urology - 32nd Annual Congress (March 24-28, 2017 - London, UK).

The European Association of Urology (EAU) Congress is Europe's biggest urological event and this year's meeting, in London, UK, brought together more than 13,000 participants from over 100 countries to discuss the latest research in this field. With 5 days' worth of lectures, debates, learning courses, presentations and live surgeries the congress provided plenty of opportunity to learn from the 1,400 experts presenting, as well as to network with international peers.

[Side effects of pain therapy : Sufficient analgesia without unnecessary complications]. / Nebenwirkungen der Schmerztherapie : Suffiziente Analgesie mit vermeidbaren Komplikationen.

Interventions of acute and chronic pain treatment are associated with risks. Therefore, it is important to know about treatment side effects in order to avoid unnecessary complications and therapy interruption. This knowledge, however, is not to prevent/abandon this treatment altogether. Rather, it is intended to use pain treatment interventions rationally. The following article is to deepen the knowledge of unintended effects of analgetic treatments. Moreover, it will help find an optimal pain therapy in terms of efficacy and tolerable risks as well as limitations. Nonopiates have organ toxic side effects. It is imperative to observe the maximum daily dose and comorbidity. Opioids can have either central or peripheral side effects. Patients suffer, among others, from addiction, breath depression, and tolerance as well as from obstipation, concentration disorders, and an increased risk of falling. Psychiatric drugs, corticosteroids, ketamine, bisphosphonates, and lidocaine are co-analgetics. Besides adverse effects connected to their specific substances, these drugs have partially additive effects on complications of classic analgetics (e. g., gastrointestinal ulceration, renal insufficiency, constipation, and concentration deficits). Invasive procedures (such as epidural catheter) call for an interdisciplinary collaboration. To know about unintended effects helps to avoid dramatic complications (e. g., paraplegia). A sufficient pain therapy, therefore, is more than sufficient analgesia. It also includes the reduction of side effects and complications.

Preoperative assessment of the ureter with dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for lateral lumbar interbody fusion procedures.

BACKGROUND: Performing the minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LIF), such as the extreme lateral interbody fusion (XLIF) and oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF), through a retroperitoneal approach has become increasingly popular. Although urological injury is a major complication of LIF, the anatomical location of the ureter and its risk of injury have not been assessed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual-phase contrast-enhanced computed tomography for assessing the location of the ureter and risk of its injury in consecutive LIF cases. METHODS: 27 cases (12 men and 15 women) were enrolled in the study. Dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT was performed preoperatively, and the risk of ureteral injury was assessed. The location of the ureter was classified using the psoas muscle and vertebral body as reference structures for OLIF and XLIF procedures, respectively. During the OLIF procedures, the location of the ureter was additionally assessed with direct vision and manual palpation in all cases. Simultaneously, potential vascular anomalies were assessed with both 3D and axial images of CT. RESULTS: A total of 125 among 162 ureters, excluding 13 with insufficient enhancement and 24 (44.4%) within the kidney at the L2-L3 level, were assessed preoperatively; 113 ureters (90.4%) were classified as anatomically close to the surgical corridor for OLIF, and 20 ureters (16.0%) as having a potential risk of injury during XLIF. In one case, OLIF was converted to a conventional posterior procedure because of a vascular anomaly. Intraoperative findings showed that ureters moved anteriorly with the peritoneum in all cases, as assessed by manual palpation under direct vision. CONCLUSIONS: Dual-phase contrast-enhanced CT is useful in assessing the location of the ureter, kidney, and vascular structures simultaneously. Both OLIF and XLIF have a potential risk of urological injury.

Enfermedad urológica y el tabaco. Una revisión para la concienciación del urólogo / Urological disease and tobacco. A review for raising the awareness of urologists

Contexto: El tabaquismo es la primera causa de muerte prevenible en nuestro entorno. Su relación con la enfermedad urológica está bien documentada. Objetivo: Mostrar una revisión actualizada sobre la relación entre enfermedad urológica y consumo del tabaco, y sobre la importancia de la implicación de los urólogos en la prevención del tabaquismo. Adquisición y síntesis de la evidencia: Se ha realizado una revisión de la bibliografía actual utilizando fundamentalmente la búsqueda en PubMed, y tomando como base principal el informe sobre las consecuencias de fumar en la salud realizado por The Surgeon General. Conclusión: Los urólogos desempeñan un papel fundamental para informar de la relación entre el tabaquismo y la enfermedad urológica. Es un deber de cada urólogo asumir un papel más activo en la educación de los pacientes para promover la abstinencia tabáquica

Context: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in our community. Its relationship with urological disease is well documented. Objective: To present an updated review on the relationship between urological disease and tobacco consumption and the importance of involving urologists in smoking prevention. Acquisition and synthesis of evidence: We conducted a review of current literature, primarily by searching PubMed and using as the main base the report on the consequences of smoking on health performed by the Surgeon General. Conclusion: Urologists play an essential role in informing patients of the relationship between smoking and urological disease. It is the duty of every urologist to play a more active role in educating patients and promoting smoking cessation

Stent Removal in 200 Kidney Transplant Recipients: Nonoperative Versus Endoscopic Removal.

OBJECTIVES: Inserting a double J stent during kidney transplant has reduced the rate of urologic complications. Traditionally, a double J stent is removed via endoscopic intervention. Here, we assessed the safety and efficacy of a nonoperative method for double J stent removal. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our study group included 200 consecutive patients who underwent kidney transplant from January 2013 to April 2014. Group A consisted of 100 recipients who had a double J stent that was tied to a Foley catheter with 2-0 silk suture. The stent was simply removed by taking out the Foley catheter after 3 weeks. Patients in group A were compared with a second group of 100 kidney transplant patients whose stents were removed endoscopically 3 weeks later (group B). RESULTS: Patients were matched between the 2 groups regarding age distribution, male-to-female patient ratio, deceased versus living donor graft, prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and body mass index. The incidence of urinary fistula (3% in group A and 4% in group B; P = .7), ureteral stenosis (1% in group A and 2% in group B; P = .56), wound infection (1% in group A and 2% in group B; P = .56), and positive urine culture (20% in group A and 29% in group B; P = .14) after stent removal were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that nonoperative removal of a double J stent is a safe and effective method. This approach is simple, and there is no need for a surgical procedure or any outpatient surgical intervention.

The Impact of Minimally Invasive Surgery on Major Iatrogenic Ureteral Injury and Subsequent Ureteral Repair During Hysterectomy: A National Analysis of Risk Factors and Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for ureteral injury during hysterectomy and to assess outcomes of concurrent minimally invasive vs converted to open repairs. METHODS: We queried the American College of Surgeons-National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database between 2005 and 2013 to identify abdominal hysterectomy (AH), minimally invasive hysterectomy (MIH), or vaginal hysterectomy. Ureteral injury was identified based on intraoperative or delayed management. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess the effect of hysterectomy approach on risk of ureteral injury while controlling for covariates. For patients with ureteral injury during MIH, we compared 30-day outcomes following minimally invasive vs converted open repairs. RESULTS: There were 302 iatrogenic ureteral injuries from 96,538 hysterectomies, with 0.18%, 0.48%, and 0.04% from AH, MIH, and vaginal hysterectomy, respectively. Patients who underwent MIH were younger and had decreased comorbidities compared to patients who underwent AH (all P < .001). MIH resulted in lower overall complications (6.6% vs 14.8%, P < .001) but higher ureteral injury rate (0.48% vs 0.18%, P < .001) compared to AH. On multivariate analysis, the minimally invasive approach was associated with increased risk of ureteral injury (odds ratio 4.2, P < .001). Patients undergoing minimally invasive ureteral repairs (89%) during MIH had shorter operating room time and length of stay but similar overall perioperative complications compared to those with converted open repairs (11%). CONCLUSION: Using a large national series, we show that the minimally invasive approach for hysterectomy is an independent risk factor for iatrogenic ureteral injuries. During MIH, concurrent minimally invasive ureteral repairs resulted in comparable 30-day outcomes compared to converted to open repairs.

Profile and costs of secondary conditions resulting in emergency department presentations and readmission to hospital following traumatic spinal cord injury.

INTRODUCTION: People with traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) face complex challenges in their care, recovery and life. Secondary conditions can develop to involve many body systems and can impact health, function, quality of life, and community participation. These secondary conditions can be costly, and many are preventable. The aim of this study was to describe the type and direct costs of secondary conditions requiring readmission to hospital, or visit to an emergency department (ED), within the first two years following traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study using population-level linked data from hospital ED and admission datasets was undertaken in Victoria, Australia. The incidence and direct treatment costs of readmission to hospital and ED visit within 2-years post-injury for secondary conditions related to SCI were measured for the 356 persons with traumatic SCI with a date of injury from 2008 to 2011. RESULTS: Of the 356 cases, 141 (40%) experienced 366 (median 2, range 1-11) readmissions to hospital for secondary conditions. 95 (27%) visited an ED at least once, within two years of injury for a secondary condition. The cost of hospital readmissions was AUD$5,553,004 and AUD$87,790 for ED visits. The mean±SD cost was AUD$15,172±$20,957 per readmission and AUD$670±$198 per ED visit. Urological conditions (e.g. urinary tract infection) were most common, followed by pressure areas/ulcers for readmissions, and fractures in the ED. CONCLUSIONS: Hospitalisation for complications within two years of traumatic SCI was common and costly in Victoria, Australia. Improved bladder and pressure area management could result in substantial morbidity and cost savings following SCI.

Prevention and management of urologic injury during gynecologic laparoscopy.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article provides an update on the best practices for the prevention, recognition, and management of urinary tract injuries that may occur during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery. RECENT FINDINGS: Higher surgical volume is directly associated with improved surgical outcomes, denoted by consistently lower rates of complications for commonplace procedures such as hysterectomy. As a result, expert opinion on prevention of iatrogenic urologic injury suggests a real need for improved education and training of gynecologic surgeons. Discontinued manufacturing of indigo carmine has led to the utilization of alternative methods to assess ureteral patency during cystoscopy, such as phenazopyridine or sodium fluorescein. Intraoperative cystoscopy has been shown to detect approximately 50% of urinary tract injuries during hysterectomy, but has limited accuracy and does not necessarily decrease delayed postoperative complications. When identified, most urologic injuries can be managed in a minimally invasive fashion. SUMMARY: A thorough understanding of pelvic anatomy and early recognition of urinary tract injuries can significantly reduce surgical morbidity for women undergoing laparoscopic surgery.

Urological disease and tobacco. A review for raising the awareness of urologists. / Enfermedad urológica y el tabaco. Una revisión para la concienciación del urólogo.

CONTEXT: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in our community. Its relationship with urological disease is well documented. OBJECTIVE: To present an updated review on the relationship between urological disease and tobacco consumption and the importance of involving urologists in smoking prevention. ACQUISITION AND SYNTHESIS OF EVIDENCE: We conducted a review of current literature, primarily by searching PubMed and using as the main base the report on the consequences of smoking on health performed by the Surgeon General. CONCLUSION: Urologists play an essential role in informing patients of the relationship between smoking and urological disease. It is the duty of every urologist to play a more active role in educating patients and promoting smoking cessation.

[Influence of drugs on urological diseases]. / Einfluss von Medikamenten auf urologische Krankheiten.

A number of drugs prescribed for the treatment of various diseases can induce urological symptoms as side effects. Antihypertensive drugs (particularly alpha blockers) can result in stress incontinence, whereas selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can cause urge incontinence and estrogen promotes both forms. A wide range of drugs with anticholinergic activity, among them neuroleptics, tricyclic antidepressants and certain drugs used in airway disorders are associated with urinary retention. Only very few drugs bear a relevant risk for urolithiasis, i. e. the diuretic triamterene and protease inhibitors, such as indinavir; however, the widely used combination of calcium and vitamin D supplementation for prevention of osteoporosis may be an underdiagnosed cause of renal calculi. Drug-induced sexual dysfunction is a frequent side effect of antihypertensive treatment, particularly with beta adrenoceptor blockers and diuretics. The SSRI and some neuroleptics can also impair sexual function.