This review gives an overview of morphological and functional characteristics in the human prostate. It will focus on the current knowledge about transient receptor potential (TRP) channels expressed in the human prostate, and their putative role in normal physiology and prostate carcinogenesis. Controversial data regarding the expression pattern and the potential impact of TRP channels in prostate function, and their involvement in prostate cancer and other prostate diseases, will be discussed.
Objective
To evaluate Thiel‐embalmed cadavers (TEC) as a training model for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), more specifically for ultrasound (US)‐guided supine endoscopic combined intrarenal surgery (ECIRS).
Subjects and Methods
Thirteen urologists (nine experienced endourologists, four fellows/residents) performed an US‐guided supine ECIRS procedure on a TEC. The model was evaluated by way of a questionnaire (5‐point Likert scale). Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and results were graphically presented using divergent bar graphs.
Results
US images were appreciated as lifelike in all aspects. Although distention of the collecting system was not ideal in one out of three TEC, US visualisation of the distended calyces during puncture was good. Skin penetration was more difficult and less realistic in TEC, while kidney puncture and dilatation were deemed very realistic. Ureteric and collecting system anatomy and consistency were similar to real life, although the mucosa appeared paler. US needle guidance was perceived as excellent. Overall, needle puncture assessment was realistic and useful as a training tool. Overall quality and satisfaction of TEC in US‐guided supine ECIRS was good to excellent and comparable to a real‐life procedure. Overall appropriateness of the TEC model was considered excellent for both initial and advanced supine PCNL training.
Conclusion
Despite the minor drawbacks of tough skin and non‐ideal collecting system dilatation during ureteroscopy, the TEC model was considered good to excellent as a training model for US‐guided PCNL, in particular, US‐guided needle puncture of the kidney during supine ECIRS.
A symposium on kidney stones and mineral metabolism held on December 2017 in Brussels, Belgium was the first international multidisciplinary conference of the International Collaborative Network on Kidney Stones and Mineral Metabolism. This meeting addressed epidemiology, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, genetics, pathological, as well as clinical and research topics. The participants included clinicians and recognized experts in the field from Europe and the United States interacted closely during the symposium which promoted a chance to explore new frontiers in the field of kidney stone disease. This manuscript summarizes some of the major highlights of the meeting.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.