Perspectives on Protection of Deep Groundwater

Most of the groundwater that supports rivers and abstractions in England derive from aquifers lying no more than 400 m below the surface. However, deeper groundwater, including springs that have their sources at depth, may also have value as a resource (for example, the hot springs at Bath) and potentially could be abstracted for other purposes. It is important to develop a better understanding of these waters and the volumes available so that they can be protected, where necessary, from activities that take place at depth such as the exploitation of onshore oil and gas. This project looked at deep subsurface activities and whether we need constraints in order to protect deep groundwaters. These constraints would depend on the value of the groundwater and the risks posed by the activities

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake

Global Variations in the Mineral Content of Bottled Still and Sparkling Water and a Description of the Possible Impact on Nephrological and Urological Diseases

Kidney stone disease (KSD) is a complex disease. Besides the high risk of recurrence, its association with systemic disorders contributes to the burden of disease. Sufficient water intake is crucial for prevention of KSD, however, the mineral content of water might influence stone formation, bone health and cardiovascular (CVD) risk. This study aims to analyse the variations in mineral content of bottled drinking water worldwide to evaluate the differences and describes the possible impact on nephrological and urological diseases. The information regarding mineral composition (mg/L) on calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, sodium and sulphates was read from the ingredients label on water bottles by visiting the supermarket or consulting the online shop. The bottled waters in two main supermarkets in 21 countries were included. The evaluation shows that on a global level the mineral composition of bottled drinkable water varies enormously. Median bicarbonate levels varied by factors of 12.6 and 57.3 for still and sparkling water, respectively. Median calcium levels varied by factors of 18.7 and 7.4 for still and sparkling water, respectively. As the mineral content of bottled drinking water varies enormously worldwide and mineral intake through water might influence stone formation, bone health and CVD risk, urologists and nephrologists should counsel their patients on an individual level regarding water intake

Simulation in urological training: Where are we in 2017?

Traditional Halstedian principles are no longer compatible with modern day urological training. Changing patterns of healthcare provision and the advanced nature of minimally invasive urological surgery have resulted in trainees receiving reduced exposure to independent operative experience. The drive towards consultant-delivered care, coupled with the introduction of the European working time directive, necessitate the urology trainee to meet end-of-training competencies with fewer learning opportunities compared with previous generations. Simulation provides an opportunity to compensate for reduced operative experience by augmenting both technical and non-technical skills development. A variety of simulation models can be used from cadaveric, synthetic and animal models to advanced virtual reality to aid surgical training. Whilst simulation is not without limitations, it has the potential to significantly enhance procedural competency and non-technical skills in a risk-free environment. Clear benefits, including equipment familiarity and trainee confidence have been demonstrated. However, direct transferability of these benefits to an operating-theatre is not clearly evident. Whilst not a substitute for clinical practice, simulation is likely to prove itself as a valuable adjunct to urological training. In this narrative review, we examine the current literature on simulation training in relation to urological surgery

‘Mini, ultra, micro’ – nomenclature and cost of these new minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques

New minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques have changed the management of renal stones. We discuss the technological advances in PCNL and explain the meaning, requirements and set up costs for each of these ‘newer’ techniques

'Mini, ultra, micro' - nomenclature and cost of these new minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques

New minimally invasive percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) techniques have changed the management of renal stones. We discuss the technological advances in PCNL and explain the meaning, requirements and set up costs for each of these 'newer' techniques.</p

Worldwide survey of flexible ureteroscopy practice : a survey from European Association of Urology sections of young academic urologists and uro-technology groups

Introduction To understand the current practice of flexible ureteroscopy (fURS), we conducted a worldwide survey among urologists with a special interest in endourology. Material and methods A 42-question survey was designed after an initial consultation with European Association of Urology young academic urologists (YAU) and uro-technology (ESUT) groups. This was distributed via the SurveyMonkey (R) platform and an ESUT meeting to cover practice patterns and techniques in regard to ureteroscopy usage worldwide. Results A total of 114 completed responses were obtained. A safety guidewire was reportedly used by 84.5% of endourologists, an access sheath was always or almost always used by 71% and a reusable laser fibre was used by two-thirds of respondents. While a combination of dusting and fragmentation was used by 47% as a preferred mode of intra-renal stone treatment, some used dusting (43%) or fragmentation with basketing (10%). Disposable scopes were only used by 40% and three quarters of them used it for challenging cases only. Antibiotic prophylaxis was limited to a single peri-operative dose by two-thirds (67%) of respondents. The procedural time was limited to between 1-2 hours by two-thirds (70%) of respondents and very rarely (7.4%) it exceeded 2 hours. The irrigation method varied between manual pump (46%), mechanical irrigation (22%) or gravity irrigation (27%). Conclusions Our survey shows a wide variation in the available endourological armamentarium and surgical practice amongst urologists. However, there seems to be a broad agreement in the use of peri-operative antibiotics, access sheath usage, method of stone treatment and the use of post-operative stent