[Interdisciplinary education in urology: innovations for better training]

The current version of the urology training program will concentrate on the mediation of competences and skills in various fields of action for outpatient urology instead of persisting on the minimum and reference numbers of surgical and diagnostic procedures. However, the following fields of action must be fulfilled: microbiology, andrology and systemic cancer therapy. There is justifiable concern that various institutions will lose their permission for a complete 5‑year residency program based on the above-mentioned demands since not all institutions have all subspecialties in urology. Those institutions need to define new ways of residency training such as interdisciplinary programs within their own institution between disciplines like pediatric surgery, gynecology and medical oncology. Other options are combined training programs between regional urology departments with different main focuses or training programs between institutions and urologists in private practice. There is an unmet need to improve residency training as well as board examinations by new structures and a reliable curriculum. Based on the changed main focuses of the new version of urology training, we need to discuss the future of residency programs. It might be helpful to discuss two different types of urology training with a common trunk for the first three years followed by a more outpatient-based residency training for the general urologist and a more specialized training for the inpatient urologist to be educated in complex treatment modalities. An open mind to broadening our own horizon, respectful discussion with other departments and the development of common, reliable and interdisciplinary contents represent indispensable prerequisites to realize such an innovative future training program.

[Metal objects of the head and neck region in magnetic resonance imaging : Survey among radiologists]

CONTEXT

Although in recent times more research has been done on interactions of metallic dental objects in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radiologists are often uncertain whether the objects should be removed or can be retained prior to an impending examination. On the one hand, they want to avoid unnecessary material removal which is associated with costs and potential damage of the dental object. On the other hand, they fear material-induced susceptibility artefacts will impair the diagnostic workup so that examinations will have to be repeated. The lack of information complicates adequate decision making for radiologists.

AIM

The aim of this survey was to evaluate the information that is currently available to radiologists regarding orthodontic appliances of the head and neck region in the MRI and determine how to handle these situations in a radiologist's every day routine. Therefore, this study can reveal the need for further research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The questionnaire was published in the 9/2017 issue of the journal Der Radiologe and sent as an electronic version by the BDR (Professional Association of German Radiologists) to their approximately 1800 members. In addition, the radiological institutes of 55 German university and maximum care clinics were contacted.

RESULTS

In all, 74 evaluable responses were received within a period of 16 weeks, representing a response rate of 3.7%. Altogether, the participants rate the risks of a detachment or heating of orthodontic appliances as too high. The interviewed radiologists categorize the available data as insufficient and they almost unanimously (97.3%) demand a declaration requirement for the manufacturers. There is a clear need for further education (78.3%). Intraoral measurement of the magnetic permeability is considered as a useful tool to determine possible interactions with the MRI by 40.5%.

[Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) for primary rectal cancer : Video article]

Transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) is a new surgical technique in the treatment of selected patients with rectal cancer. This manuscript and the accompanying video report with commentary, which is available online, outlines various equipment requirements and step by step aspects of the surgical technique. With respect to the implementation of TaTME particular attention should be paid to the topography and surgical education.