Emergencies in medicine are difficult on two fronts: they may challenge both the
health of the patient and the skills of the doctor in charge. If the latter, the former
may deteriorate rapidly. Thus, the definition of an emergency indeed depends on
who is facing it. As we mature along our clinical pathways of education, training, and
experience, the risk of going through a personal professional emergency is continuously
reduced. Nevertheless, throughout our medical career, accurate self-assessment
and subsequent control of our actions remain our most important qualities.
This is true especially for anybody who endeavors into a surgical field.
This book focuses on both kinds of emergencies. It works to facilitate anticipation
of potential situations, and therefore allow their competent management. This aim
has only become possible with the support of some of themost distinguished urologists
for this project. They contributed their rich experience not only in the classical
form of textbook chapters but also by narrating their personal Armageddons as
open-styled vignettes. These short stories are an impressive proof that persistent
awareness and education are essential elements of a successful professional life. They
also relay a golden rule to all of our readers, who still have the privilege to call somebody
if needed: if in doubt – just do it. The so-called four big Cs: climb, communicate,
confess, and comply are the basic actions for any pilot in distress and theymay
just be as applicable for any doctor facing a difficult situation thatmay exceed his experience
and abilities. Our pride must be to consistently achieve the same result: salus
aegroti suprema lex – only the best for our patients.
At this point, we want to extend our sincere thanks to the authorswho have participated
in this book. All of them are extremely busy, internationally renowned clinicians.
Nonetheless, their effort and dedication to make Emergencies in Urology possible
have surpassed all expectations, not only by the superb quality of the manuscripts
but also by the timeliness and enthusiasm of their cooperation.
Special thanks are also extended to Stephan Spitzer, whose outstanding art and
understanding of the author’s picturesque suggestions created many of the ever-socrucial
illustrations.
The editors wish to thank the publishers at Springer-Verlag for a fantastic job.We
are especially indebted to our Desk Editor, Meike Stoeck, who was in nearly daily
contactwithus for years. She helpedus immeasurably to stay on time,onthe job, and
on focus. The final result has been inestimably improved by her efforts.
Markus Hohenfellner
Richard A. Santucci