Exploring the Frontiers of Urological Science

Article information

Int Neurourol J. 2024;28(3):169-170
Publication date (electronic) : 2024 September 30
doi : https://doi.org/10.5213/inj.2424edi04
Digital Health Industry Team, National IT Industry Promotion Agency, Jincheon, Korea
Corresponding author: Sung-Jong Eun Email: sjeun@nipa.kr

The field of urology continues to expand as new insights, treatments, and technologies redefine our understanding and management of urinary conditions. To address these changes within neurourology, we are publishing this issue under the theme “Exploring the Frontiers of Urological Science.” The nine articles presented in this issue reflect the diversity of research and tools and techniques in urology while highlighting the interplay between clinical practice and scientific discovery.

In this issue, first, Quaghebeur et al. [1] discusses the biomechanics of the pelvic floor in order to emphasize the role of muscles and ligaments in maintaining continence and pelvic organ function. Wright et al. [2] studied on periurethral botulinum toxin injections for women with chronic urinary retention and they demonstrated the long-term safety and efficacy of this treatment. Meanwhile, Kingsley et al. [3] reviewed that alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists and found limited evidence of their impact on cognitive function and confirmed their safety in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia. In addition, Bellucci et al. [4] demonstrated that the PIEZO2 gene is linked to bladder dysfunction in bladder outlet obstruction patients, suggesting it as a potential therapeutic target. Further, a study on neurogenic detrusor overactivity identifies urinary incontinence episodes and involuntary bladder contractions as predictors of resistance to anticholinergic treatment [5].

This issue also introduces various tool and techniques on lifecycle support with urinary disorders. In the study, Kuroda et al. [6] applied the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form questionnaire as a useful alternative to the 1-hour pad test for evaluating urinary incontinence in patients undergoing pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Also, Kang et al. [7] revealed that the use of holmium laser in prostate surgery shows how the distance between the laser tip and tissue affects the degree of tissue destruction. This offers insights for optimizing surgical techniques. For a new innovation or therapeutic techniques, Park et al. [8] explored serious games as promising tools for managing pediatric urological conditions, such as bedwetting, by providing long-term symptom management. For the public perceptions of enuresis, Yu et al. [9] revealed differences between South Korea and the United States online communities, with Koreans more likely to rely on nonprofessional opinions.

As we move forward, these studies exemplify the dynamic nature of urological research. By pushing the boundaries of knowledge, exploring novel therapies, and refining diagnostic tools, the field continues to offer hope for improved patient outcomes and quality of life. We encourage readers to engage with these articles and consider the broader implications of these advancements in their own practice and research.

Notes

Conflict of Interest

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

References

1. Quaghebeur J, Petros P, Wyndaele JJ, De Wachter S. The integral theory, pelvic floor biomechanics, and binary innervation. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:181–4.
2. Wright SL, Ananthavarathan P, Simeoni S, Malladi P, Pakzad M, Panicker JN. Long-term outcomes of periurethral sphincter botulinum toxin in female chronic urinary retention. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:207–14.
3. Kingsley R, Tyree S, Jarsania D, Edquist C, Palmer A, Gerberi D, et al. Association between alpha-1 adrenoreceptor antagonist use and cognitive impairment: a systematic review. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:171–80.
4. Bellucci CHS, Hemerly TS, de Albuquerque LRT, Pimenta R, Schreiter VG, dos Reis ST, et al. Downregulation of PIEZO2 in the detrusor of men with bladder outlet obstruction and its association with urinary retention. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:225–31.
5. Akarken I, Tarhan H, Sahin H. Urodynamic and frequency-volume chart parameters influencing anticholinergic resistance in patients with neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:232–8.
6. Kuroda K, Hamamoto K, Kawamura K, Masunaga A, Kobayashi H, Horiguchi A, et al. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form as a substitute for 1-hour pad weight testing in the evaluation of urinary incontinence in patients with pelvic organ prolapse undergoing surgery. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:215–24.
7. Kang D, Kwon O, Kim SC, Kim K, Seo Y, Oh SJ, et al. Morphological characterization of tissue destruction according to the distance between holmium:YAG laser tip and tissue surface. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:196–206.
8. Park HJ, Kim EJ, Kim JY. Serious games as a therapeutic tool in pediatric urology: a review of current applications and future directions. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:185–95.
9. Yu JE, Ko KJ, Kim JY. Public perceptions of enuresis: insights from online communities in South Korea and the United States. Int Neurourol J 2024;28:239–49.

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