Author(s) Jabbar T.; Mills S.; Simpson R.; Jones A.; Campbell I. et al.
Source Journal of Endoluminal Endourology; 2020; vol. 3 (no. 3)

Aims The principal aim of this multicentre, international cohort study is to explore the safety concerns of clinicians when performing urodynamic studies (UDS) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study will also assess provider preference on personal protective equipment (PPE) during UDS and awareness of relevant international guidelines. The outcome is to offer a practical means of reducing the risk of aerosol transmission during UDS, to include a protocol for screening patients, and to consider safer methods of inducing urethral leak-point pressure. 

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Author(s) Mahoney C.; Bryant A.; Smith A.; Reid F.; Myers J. et al.
Source Neurourology and Urodynamics; Feb 2020; vol. 39 (no. 2); p. 778-784
Introduction: Women with pelvic organ prolapse describe vaginal laxity and poor sensation of vaginal tone that does not correlate with anatomical findings. This discrepancy could be explained by altered vaginal sensation and a test that could measure sensation of vaginal tone, transmitted via Aalpha and Abeta nerve fibers, would further our understanding of the pathophysiology of vaginal laxity. 

• Available in full text at Neurourology and urodynamics from Wiley Online Library Medicine and Nursing Collection 2019 - NHS

Author(s) Hosny K.; Clark J.; Srirangam S.J.
Source Translational Andrology and Urology; Sep 2019; vol. 8
DOI 10.21037/tau.2019.07.08
Flexible ureteroscopy is an important therapeutic and diagnostic procedure and has seen rapid rise in its utilisation in recent years. There have been numerous developments in flexible ureteroscope (fURS) technology but scope fragility, and the associated high maintenance costs, remains a concern. A comprehensive Medline search for related publications from the last 20 years was undertaken to identify common causes of fURS damage and ascertain practices to minimise this. Flexible ureteroscopy can be due to intraoperative causes (loss of the deflection mechanism, damage to the working channel due and fibreoptic bundle injury) and non-operative damage which occur during cleaning, sterilisation and handling of the fURS. The review summarises the available literature to help highlight common mechanisms of scope damage, and outlines evidence-based measures to reduce the risk of damage and maximise durability. Scope fragility remains a problem with significant associated cost implications. In a culture of rising fURS use and reducing re-imbursement for endourologists, prolonging the longevity of the fURS is imperative for maintaining profitability. There are simple and inexpensive practices which can be immediately adopted to maximise fURS use and reduce the need for repairs.Copyright © Translational Andrology and Urology. All rights reserved.

• Available in full text at Translational andrology and urology from Europe PubMed Central - Open Access