What ' s known on the subject? and What does the study add?The oncological success of partial nephrectomy in the treatment of small renal masses is well established. However, partial nephrectomy has largely supplanted the radical approach. In the last decade, laparoscopy has been adopted as the new surgical approach for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma. Laparoscopy offers the advantage of lower analgesic use, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery time. More recently, ablative technologies have been investigated as an alternative to laparoscopic partial nephrectomy. These techniques can often be performed percutaneously in the radiology suite, or laparoscopically without the need for hilar clamping. However, only the cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation modalities have had widespread use with several series reporting short to intermediate results.This review shows that both cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation are promising therapies in patients with small renal tumours ( < 4 cm), who are considered poor candidates for more involved surgery. OBJECTIVE• To determine the current status of the literature regarding the clinical effi cacy and complication rates of cryoablation vs radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of small renal tumours. METHODS• A review of the literature was conducted. There was no language restriction. Studies were obtained from the following sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE and LILACS.• Inclusion criteria were (i) case series design with more than one case reported, (ii) use of cryoablation or radiofrequency ablation, (iii) patients with renal cell carcinoma and, (iv) outcome reported as clinical effi cacy.• When available, we also quantifi ed the complication rates from each included study.• Proportional meta-analysis was performed on both outcomes with a random-effects model. The 95% confi dential intervals were also calculated. RESULTS• Thirty-one case series (20 cryoablation, 11 radiofrequency ablation) met all inclusion criteria.• The pooled proportion of clinical effi cacy was 89% in cryoablation therapy from a total of 457 cases. There was a statistically signifi cant heterogeneity between these studies showing the inconsistency of clinical and methodological aspects.• The pooled proportion of clinical effi cacy was 90% in radiofrequency ablation therapy from a total of 426 cases. There was no statistically signifi cant heterogeneity between these studies.• There was no statistically signifi cant difference regarding complications rate between cryoablation and radiofrequency ablation. CONCLUSIONS• This review shows that both ablation therapies have similar effi cacy and complication rates.• There is urgency for performing clinical trials with long-term data to establish which intervention is most suitable for the treatment of small renal masses. KEYWORDScryoablation , radiofrequency ablation , small renal tumours , meta-analysis of cases series studies Study Type -Therapy (systematic review)

Salvage prostatectomy for localized radiation failure is a good option in the patient with a life expectancy of at least 10 years, preradiation and preoperative prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml, and localized preoperative stage with the understanding that complication risks are higher. Salvage cryotherapy is a valid option in patients with preoperative prostate specific antigen less than 10 ng/ml and Gleason score less than 8, clinical stage less than T3 who are hormonally naive. Salvage cryotherapy is especially suited for older patients with some comorbidities who are still considered to be at reasonable anesthetic risk. The study of brachytherapy remains in its infancy and the efficacy of this modality remains to be determined.

The results of serial biopsies have improved our understanding of the histopathological changes as well as the capabilities and limitations of salvage cryoablation. The biopsy positivity rate is acceptable, although the finding of persistent viable prostatic tissue in a substantial proportion of patients implies that vigilant long-term followup is mandatory.

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Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the study habits of Canadian urology residents throughout their residency training. Methods: A survey was administered to all final-year Canadian urology residents over a two-year period. Sixty-seven respondents answered a survey consisting of 54 questions scored on a 10-point Likert score. The survey addressed study habits throughout training, motivations for studying, and preferred resources used. Results: Dedication to studying was directly correlated with proximity to the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) exam. Ninety-six percent of residents reported studying over 10 hours per week during their chief year compared to 0% during their junior year. As residents progressed in their training, preparation for the Royal College exam became the greatest motivator for studying. There was considerable variability in study methods and study resources used throughout training. In their chief year, residents found such resources as the textbook Campbell-Walsh, AUA updates, CUA and AUA guidelines, and the study notes of former trainees to be valuable for their preparation. Teaching rounds, journal clubs, and reading current urological literature were found to be les helpful. Forty-six percent of all residents surveyed indicated that they would prefer writing their RCPSC exam one year earlier than the current timing. Conclusions: This study provides insight into study habits of Canadian urology residents. This data may be helpful in shaping the future of urology training programs and examinations within Canada and elsewhere.