Urology Beyond Europe: opinion leaders stress closer collaboration

Closer collaboration and renewed exchange of knowledge and best practices were emphasized yesterday by the chairmen and officers of national and regional urology associations during the Urology Beyond Europe sessions.

"We have common goals, a common direction and a close friendship,” said Prof. Walter Artibani who spoke during the Joint Session of the EAU-Iranian Urological Association (IUA). Artibani co-chaired the session, together with the IUA chairman, Prof. Seyed Jalil Hosseini. The session covered high-risk prostate cancer, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, female urology and reconstructive surgery. Hosseini himself presented on the latter topic and discussed posterior urethral strictures management.

Regional particularities, regional expertiseWhen asked about the preparations for the Urology Beyond Europe session, Hosseini said: “We select the topics based on the needs of our audience, and ask them what topics they are particularly interested in. Topic selection is also based on the unique experiences that we have, and the incidence of particular disease or injuries in the region.”

He added: “In my experience in Iran, 70% of patients with urethral strictures are cases of trauma, due to car accidents. This is much higher than in Europe. Combined with diseases unique to the region, which also includes Turkey, Pakistan and the Middle East, you can say that we have a lot to learn from each other.”

Speaker Dr. Alberto Briganti (IT) discussed the management of high-risk prostate cancer. He highlighted findings from the EMPaCT study group to show the extremely heterogeneous nature of high-risk prostate cancer patients. In his view, it is the combination of risk factors (including PSA, Gleason score and biopsy results) that determines whether a patient is low-, moderate- or high risk. A multimodal approach remains key for optimal treatment.

The Urology Beyond Europe sessions bring together urologists from national societies, and European urologists on behalf of the EAU. As such, they present a unique opportunity for interaction and audience discussions.

Hosseini: “I certainly prefer shorter lectures. In my experience, audiences stay for the entire duration if there is enough interaction. Should the audience not be involved so much, we prepare case discussions, which gives everyone a chance consider their experiences.”

EAU-IUA relations"I would characterise our ties as friendly and deep,” said Hosseini. “EAU representatives come to our national congresses, and we communicate on matters with the EAU very regularly. Young Iranian urologists and residents make a lot of use of the EAU’s journals, and actively participate in specialized meetings for residents like EUREP. I am very happy with the nature of our working relationship.”