Decision-making in urology

BOOK REVIEWS Decision-Making In Urology by Martin I. Resnick B. C. Decker Inc., Toronto, Canada, and C. V. Mosby, St. Louis, Missouri, 1985, $36.00. “Decision Trees” are a form of algorithm, a diagrammatic presentation of a step-by-step decision process which proceeds logically and in an organized format. Such schematic sequences are of course applicable to many parameters, from urologic symptoms and signs like flank pain and hematuria, to plans of therapy, clinico-uropathologic problems, diagnostic work-up, etc. The book contains 104 “Decision Trees” with an accompanying text on the opposite side. The text is comprehensive and condensed, often and excellently illustrated, and lists the most relevant publications at the end. The idea of the book is unique and original. The editors believe that the importance of the algorithm lies in its interpretation and its influence on clinical decisions: “If by reading and reviewing an algorithm a clinician is better able to develop a specific plan of action, then our goal has been achieved.” The book should be of interest to every urologist. HS Microsurgery in Urology by L. V. Wagenknecht, and L. Guiliani (Eds) Thieme-Stratton Inc., New York, 1985, $65.00 Microsurgery in urology has developed with some delay, however, urologists trained in microsurgery are not a rarity anymore. Soon microvascular techniques and microsurgical procedures along the genitourinary tract will be an integral part of every major urologic residency training program. This book is written by 15 authors from Italy, France, and Germany. There is one contribution each from Korea, Russia, and Switzerland. The book is divided into five separate sections of microsurgery on the kidney, ureter, penis, testicle, and reproductive ducts. Both experimental as well as clinical aspects are outlined. There is an introductory section at the beginning with detailed descriptions of magnifying devices, loupes, instruments, sutures and needles, and anatomy and care of laboratory animals. The section ends with an interesting and stimulating chapter on training in microsurgical urology. The book closes with a section on microsurgical perspectives, e.g., relationship of cost and advantages of microsurgery as well as microsurgery in urology today and tomorrow. The book is well written and is instructive and stimulating. The illustrative material is of excellent HS quality.

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FEBRUARY

1986

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VOLUME

XXVII,

NUMBER

The Urinary Tract and The Catheter by N. Slade and W. Gillespie (Eds) John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, 1985, $32.00 This book is all about the catheter and is written for physicians and nurses of many specialties, In his foreword, Thomas A. Stamey reminds us of the role of the catheter in the pathogenesis and prevention of hospital-acquired urinary tract infections, of the potential morbidity of the urinary catheter in the hospitalized patient, and the importance of minimizing the morbidity. The authors outline these problems and discuss catheter-associated urinary tract infections and their consequences, microbiology, resistance, and laboratory investigation. Chapters on the consequences of infections and the prevention of infection in urologic and gynecologic surgery follow, and the last presentations deal with management, practical aspects, ward hygiene, and care of the patient at home. A valuable contribution is the article on the use of antibiotics. The book has only 120 pages but covers the important and essential issues very well. It emphasizes the responsibility of both physician and nurse to prevent infections and thus to improve the patient’s condition. HS

Computed Tomography of the Pelvis, (vol. 6) by James W. Walsh Longman, Inc., Chicago, 1985, $39.00 Computed Tomography of the Pelvis is the sixth volume of a series called Contemporary Issues in Computed Tomography. Fourteen radiologists have contributed to the book which covers in nine chapters different aspects of CT of the pelvis. The book starts with an excellent review of normal pelvic anatomy accompanied by reproductions of CT scans and sketches to familiarize the reader with the anatomic landmarks and their CT appearance. The next chapters deal with different approaches to pelvic masses and abscesses, diagnostic presentations of pelvic and acetabular fractures, as well as pelvic skeletal tumors. Of particular interest to the urologist is the chapter on staging of bladder and prostate cancer. After a brief discussion and classification of these cancers, CT scans of different stages are presented and described. The controversies about the specificity and accuracy of pelvic CTs in regard to staging are clearly outlined. Although the book is basically intended for the radiologist, it might be just as useful and valuable for the urologist. Alone the presentations of CTs of gynecologic cancer, recurrent pelvic malignancies,

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