Partial nephrectomy is the standard of care for smaller renal masses. A recent review studies the different approaches of open surgery compared to laparoscopic surgery. It finds no cancer outcome differences, but supports the laparoscopic approach for reducing morbidity. However, it points out that the laparoscopic approach is a tremendously difficult technique, which limits its use to surgeons proficient in the technique.

The reference for this article is: Ranjith Ramasamy. (February 2013), Laparoscopic vs open partial nephrectomy for T1 renal tumours: evaluation of long‐term oncological and functional outcomes in 340 patients. BJU International, 111: 189.

Interstitial cystitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a difficult condition to treat, with few good treatments. A recent study of the scientific literature reviews the limited evidence for using intra-vesical GAG analogues and concludes that the benefits are marginal. However, in the absence of other good alternatives it remains an important treatment option.

The reference for this article is: Costin L. Chintea, Mohammed Belal. (February 2013), Is there enough evidence for the use of intravesical instillations of glycosaminoglycan analogues in interstitial cystitis?. BJU International, 111: 192 – 193.