Setting a new course for ESUI: A manifesto

New Chair shares aspirations for the Section

Prof. Francesco Sanguedolce Fundació Puigvert Dept. of Urology Barcelona (ES)

fsanguedol@ fundacio-puigvert.es

The EAU Section in Urological Imaging (ESUI) is among the most challenging Sections of the EAU. From one side, urological imaging is a field in rapid expansion; on the other, imaging is at a crossroads of different medical and technological specialisations whose interaction might require special balance and extra effort. In fact, urological imaging involves radiological and nuclear medicine expertise, as well as software innovation for augmented/virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and deep learning.

The role of urologists is evolving in a way to better interact with imaging specialists and optimise the use of technology for the best clinical applications and outcomes. Urological imaging does not merely

EAU Section of Urological Imaging (ESUI) mean “to see something”, it also means information (real or predicted) and it is up to us as clinicians and surgeons to make proper use of this information. How this will be realised is the current challenge.

Words from the previous and new Chairs thank the board members for their continuous support and what would the sections and the EAU be without the hardworking and dedicated staff such as Mrs. Claudia Van Ijzendoorn, Mrs. Angela Terberg, Mrs. Sabrina Van Scherpenseel and Mrs. Soňa Lukačovičová, to name a few. Imaging in urology has changed significantly in recent years, both from a diagnostic and therapeutic point of view, and will change immensely in the near future. Throughout these changes, I’m sure ESUI will continue to be a reliable platform and channel of vital updates on imaging under the leadership of Francesco.”

When Prof. Georg Salomon (DE) named me as his successor to leading the ESUI, I felt honoured and thrilled about my new role. I would like to express my gratitude to him, as well as to the ESUI Board members who have provided support and approved my candidature. Although this new role brings challenges, the inherent structure of the section is the perfect platform to undertake new and ambitious initiatives.

Among the new initiatives, there will be the need to strengthen the collaboration with the natural “specialist partners” such as the urological working groups of the European associations of imaging (e.g. EAU Section of Urological Research, European Association of Nuclear Medicine, etc.). These strategic alliances will help identify those aspects of urological imaging worth of public debate and interaction, both in research and clinical practice.

Management of these patients may be quite intricated due to the lack of information in the literature and the inconsistency of patients being lost during treatment or follow-up for different reasons such as: shame, financial restrictions, unbalanced psycho-emotional environment, or dissatisfaction with cosmetical or functional results. Therefore, young urologists should be aware of the implications of such practices and manage the patients in a psychological supportive manner for the best compliance with minimal complications and optimal results.

References

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3. Kadouch JA, van Rozelaar L, Kanhai RJC, Sawor JH, Karim RB. Complications of penis or scrotum enlargement due to injections with permanent filling substances. Dermatol Surg [Internet] 2012;38(7):1244–50. Available from: www.dx.doi. org/10.1111/j.1524-4725.2012.02479.x

4. Ahmed U, Freeman A, Kirkham A, Ralph DJ, Minhas S, Muneer A. Self injection of foreign materials into the penis. Ann R Coll Surg Engl [Internet] 2017;99(2):e78–82. Available from: www.dx.doi.org/10.1308/ rcsann.2016.0346 guidance); with the EAU Section of Uro-Technology (e.g. imaging simulation for focal therapy); and/or with the EAU Robotic Urology Section (e.g. augmented reality for surgical guidance during robotic surgery). ESUI will be committed to strengthening these collaborations such as promoting Joint Sessions in the relevant meetings, for example.

ESUI is already actively working with the European School of Urology and sharing the challenging task of taking to a new (upper) level the courses involving urological imaging. This new approach will allow the trainee to go through a standardised stepwise process to achieve proficiency in undertaking a complex intervention by using different sources of urological imaging.

Prof. Georg Salomon shared the following parting words: “It was my pleasure to contribute as Chair of the ESUI. I am pleased to hand the office over to Prof. Francesco Sanguedolce and I am sure that the activities of the ESUI will be expanded further under his leadership. I would like to take this opportunity to

As part of the Sections Office, ESUI will promote transversal collaborations. Nowadays most of innovation in urological imaging is applied in uro-oncology, clearly making the EAU Section of Oncological Urology a strategic partner, but other fields of interest will be shared with the EAU Section of Urolithiasis (e.g. new imaging modalities for stone characterisation, or augmented reality for PCNL

We will also welcome new and fresh forces, from the Young Academic Urologists working groups as well as any other enthusiastic youngsters who share the aims and the vision of our Section. We strongly believe that our Section is the perfect podium for those talented people who desire to emerge from the crowd.

Join the Section

Interested in contributing your knowledge and skills to ESUI? You are highly encouraged to apply. Please send an email to Mrs. Terberg (a.terberg@uroweb. org). We look forward to welcoming you.