Editor's Comment

Abstract

I am pleased to present this second edition of the USANZ Supplement to BJU International. The format developed for the previous edition has been retained and I believe provides a range of papers of interest to urologists in Australia and New Zealand. The education section has been expanded to include a section on urodynamics which will complement those on diagnostics and pathology. With these sections, as well as the commissioned review articles, being written by Australian and New Zealand clinicians they are directly applicable to local urologists and hopefully provide useful study material for trainees including those preparing for examinations. It has been pleasing to see an increased number of original manuscripts being submitted. In this edition papers cover a range of topics including urolithiasis, prostate cancer and surgery as well as training. I believe that with these we have begun to achieve one of the fundamental goals of the supplement. All of these papers are based upon local practice and focus on specific issues that would not be covered in other journals. One example is the article by Pinnock et al. which raises important questions about the applicability of tools derived from series in other western countries, where the pattern of disease may not parallel that seen in Australia. This edition also contains a randomized controlled trial (Giovanni et al.) – a type of publication rarely seen in surgical journals related to procedures yet regarded as the most valid form of clinical evidence. An important feature of the supplement is the peer-review process, which will ensure that the papers published are of an appropriate standard. The Editor is dependent in this process on the advice provided by reviewers with sub-specialty expertise in determining suitability for publication. Unfortunately a number of submissions will be rejected as part of this process which is a decision made with significant regret realizing the considerable work undertaken by the authors. Several papers in this category have been excellent case series with outcomes matching those of major international institutions. Whilst surgical outcomes are important, publication of such papers requires either a significant message that may influence practice or the generation of questions challenging accepted practice to stimulate others to provide answers in future work. I also recognize that readers may disagree with conclusions made by authors or have specific comments and perspectives on published papers. At times, hopefully rare, they may also identify flaws that have been overlooked in the review process. It is important that these opinions and observations are disseminated to provide an appropriate balance to what is published. I therefore invite submission of letters from readers, which may be published, if they wish to comment on specific papers. The first two editions have reinforced my view that USANZ can achieve a regular and significant scientific publication reflective of its maturation within world urology. I am grateful for the many people who have provided the contributions that have made this possible and encourage your ongoing support.