We have demonstrated a significant condom perforation rate (9%) amongst patients undergoing prostate biopsies. This raises the serious issue of hygiene and cross infection, particularly with blood borne communicable diseases such as hepatitis and HIV unless strict disinfection and sterilization protocols are followed between patients. Perforation of the condoms used during TRUS guided prostate biopsy and hence faecal and blood contamination of the biopsy equipment could potentially have far-reaching implications for urologists and the infection control community. Although the risk of cross infection is probably small this serious issue needs addressing.

Background: We present a case of a symplastic or "bizarre" leiomyoma of the scrotum. Isolated cases of leiomyomas have been reported arising from the renal pelvis, bladder, spermatic cord, epididymis, prostate as well as the glans penis. However such mesenchymal lesions of the scrotum are very rare.

This article on low dose rate (LDR) prostate brachytherapy reviews long-term results, patient selection and quality of life issues. Mature results from the United States and United Kingdom are reported and issues regarding definitions of biochemical failure are discussed. Latest data comparing brachytherapy with radical prostatectomy or no definitive treatment and also the risk of secondary malignancies after prostate brachytherapy are presented. Urological parameters of patient selection and quality of life issues concerning urinary, sexual and bowel function are reviewed. The position of prostate brachytherapy next to surgery as a first-line treatment modality is demonstrated.

We present a rare case of a hydatid cyst involving the seminal vesicle of a 48-year-old man. Urinary retention was the initial symptom. Both imaging and clinical evaluation revealed a substantial retrovesical cystic mass. The histopathological report was 'hydatid cyst of the seminal vesicle'.

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