Interview
Q: What do you see as the prospects and direction for urology in China, and what are the current challenges?
Jia: With social development and a changing disease spectrum, the incidence of disease has risen markedly. Urinary tract tumors and stones, prostatic hyperplasia in older men, end-stage renal disease and male-related conditions have become major threats to people's health.
In recent years, new techniques, equipment and drugs have greatly advanced clinical research and the standard of medical care. Continually improving treatments and caring for patients with methods that cause less injury, allow faster recovery and cost less – that is the outlook and direction for urology in China today.
Q: What challenges and opportunities does the specialty face as it develops?
Jia: Urology in China is developing very rapidly. Endoscopic techniques – led by robotic surgery systems, laparoscopy, percutaneous nephroscopy and transurethral surgery – are advancing quickly. New techniques bring new demands: we must innovate boldly while keeping our traditional strengths, and keep bringing these new treatments into clinical practice. This is an important opportunity for urology, and also a serious challenge for us.
Q: Could you also tell us about your experience with the Richard Wolf uterine manipulator with integrated illumination?
Wang: Using a uterine manipulator is a really good approach in surgery, especially in gynecology, and I greatly admire the engineers who invented it. The manipulator cup is very important in our clinical work. In gynecological procedures such as total hysterectomy, myomectomy and the treatment of malignant tumors, being able to lift the uterus with the cup and move it in different directions is a great help to the surgeon. For beginners, however, identifying the boundary is very difficult, because the bladder is attached in this area and there are other important organs. Being able to identify this boundary clearly is a great help for safe and smooth surgery. The Richard Wolf illuminated manipulator cup has a light band at its rim once it is switched on during surgery. Seeing this light band – especially for beginners – makes surgery very safe and helps it go smoothly.
About the expert
