Urological Tests in Clinical Practice

As this book was going to press, the Editor-in-Chief of the British Journal of Urology International introduced an interesting and timely phrase “? nger tip urology”. He has rightly pointed out that medical knowledge base is expanding so rapidly that no urologist can keep pace. The implication is that there is a desperate need for an easy reference source in many areas of urology. We think that this book is “spot on”! Urological diagnosis is rarely possible without tests. And there are several tests to request. What investigation to order in which patient is always in the mind of those who care for urolo- cal patients. We hope that this book helps to resolve some of that dilemma. The book is in two parts. Part one details the tests urologists today need to do, ranging from simple dipstix testing of urine to MR spectroscopy. No test is of value if one does not know when to apply it. Part two therefore outlines common urological con- tions and the tests that need to be performed to reach a diagnosis. There is also a wealth of other information too; to give an example, TNM classi? cation of tumors. We hope that you as a busy resident in urology, newly appointed urologist, specialist urological nurse or other health professional allied to urology, will ? nd this “? nger tip infor- tion” of value in the management of common urological problems.

This concise pocket guide to urological investigative procedures reviews the indications and pitfalls of tests before they are requested and suggests which tests should be performed in individual urological conditions.

Part I describes the principles, methodology, advantages and disadvantages of each of the investigations and covers all urological investigations/tests. Part II gives advice on the choice of investigations for individual urological conditions. For each investigation in Part I and urological condition in Part II, important bullet points are highlighted in a ‘box’ – useful during a busy ward round, out-patient clinic, or for last-minute consultation prior a viva examination.

This comprehensive yet user-friendly handbook will be useful for medical students and residents in urology, as well as a solid review for already-practicing urologists.