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The FDA granted tentative approval to generic versions of two popular urology drugs, one for BPH and the other for overactive bladder.

Investigators at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center are using new MRI and CT techniques to target the prostate more precisely during radiation therapy and lower the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction in men with prostate cancer, according to a report in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics (2005; 61:20-31).

Investigators at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center are using new MRI and CT techniques to target the prostate more precisely during radiation therapy and lower the risk of postoperative erectile dysfunction in men with prostate cancer, according to a report in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics (2005; 61:20-31).

Ashutosh Tewari, MD, has been named director of robotic prostatectomy and prostate cancer outcomes in the Brady Urologic Health Center of the department of urology and the department of public health at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

A leading ophthalmology group has issued a physician advisory about a possible link between the alpha-blocker tamsulosin and a new small pupil syndrome known as intraoperative floppy iris syndrome.

Women with bladder control disorders believe they would benefit from more communication or interaction with their physician or nurse, according to a survey published in the December issue of Urologic Nursing.

The American Medical Association, American Medical Group Association, and Medical Group Management Association recently sent letters to their memberships urging physicians and physician groups to submit claims for the CIGNA Corp. managed care litigation settlement.

The risk of bone fractures increases for those prostate cancer patients on androgen-deprivation therapy by more than 40%, according an article in last week's New England Journal of Medicine (2005; 352:154-64).

Urology Times has added two leading urologic experts to its Editorial Council.

Prostate cancer patients receiving androgen deprivation therapy are frequently not screened nor treated for osteoporosis, according to an article in the online edition of Cancer (Dec. 13, 2004).

Urinary calcium influences the formation of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate kidney stones, according to two studies by researchers from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

The FDA has received a new drug application from ALZA Corp. for dapoxetine hydrochloride, a possible new treatment for premature ejaculation.

The FDA has approved extended-release darifenacin (Enablex, 7.5 mg and 15 mg) for the treatment of overactive bladder.

A combination of brachytherapy and external radiation plus androgen deprivation gives prostate cancer patients with high-risk disease a better chance of survival than patients treated with radiation alone, according to a study in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics (2005; 61:32-43).

MRI/MRSI is best suited for patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer who are at high risk of extracapsular extent and who are considering various forms of local therapy.

Washington--Efforts by urologists and other specialists to modify a costly new Medicare drug payment policy may face a significant roadblock as a result of an investigation by a federal watchdog agency.

Please discuss how you treat IC, starting with what you tell patients and when you initiate oral therapy.

Philadelphia--Men being treated with radiation therapy for testicular cancer should be encouraged to cryopreserve sperm, say authors of a small study presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine annual meeting.

Philadelphia--Treatment for testicular cancer caused the rates of severe oligozoospermia and azoospermia to rise from 7% to 27% and 0% to 12%, respectively, in a study that suggests a need for sperm banking in men treated for the disease.

The year 2005 will portend a significant decrease in income for nearly every American urologist. Most will be impacted by Medicare's slashing the reimbursement for LHRH agonists and certain other drugs administered in the office. Solo practitioners can anticipate annual losses of income in the thousands of dollars, and larger group practices can expect over a $1 million shortfall this year.

Creating a fully automated office costs a significant amount of money and required a lot of time and hard work. For our practice, it was worth it.

Toronto--Although few published studies exist on the prevention of thromboembolic disorders in urologic surgery, the risk of such disorders appears to be similar to that seen in other major surgical procedures.Therefore, urologists should concentrate on identifying patients at sufficient risk to warrant routine thromboprophylaxis, said the co-author of a new set of antithrombotic guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians.

Philadelphia--A new study shows that fertilization rates with cryopreserved sperm are not inferior to those with "fresh" sperm, although it will be several more years before researchers can determine whether the rates are equal in nature.

Thinking about adopting an electronic medical record system? You're not alone. According to a recent AUA survey, just 7% to 10% of urology practices are currently using EMR systems, but another 24% to 30% indicated that they are starting to make decisions on a system now.

Thinking about adopting an electronic medical record system? You're not alone. According to a recent AUA survey, just 7% to 10% of urology practices are currently using EMR systems, but another 24% to 30% indicated that they are starting to make decisions on a system now.

Philadelphia--Vasectomy reversal is a viable option for men who desire restoration of fertility despite obstructive intervals exceeding 14 years, according to the results of a study by Cleveland Clinic researchers.

Philadelphia--The birth rate for all U.S. men increased for fathers aged 30 to 39 years and decreased for fathers aged 20 to 29 years between 1993 and 2002. For fathers aged 40 and above, the rate remained stable, according to a new analysis of the federal National Vital Statistics Report.

Philadelphia--Vitamin D may play a role in sperm physiology and male infertility, according to findings from new basic research presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine 60th annual meeting.

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