Samir S. Taneja, MD, Consulting Editor

The management of urologic disease requires consideration of infections pre-existing within the urinary tract, those emerging from urologic disease (obstruction, stones, and stasis), and those introduced through urologic procedures. With the widespread use and overuse of antibiotics in medicine, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria and fungi has further complicated the management of our patients. In particular, recently, the performance of routine procedures, such as cystoscopy, prostate biopsy, or nephrostomy placement, utilizing recommended antibiotic prophylaxis, has resulted in near-fatal infectious complications.

The rate of infectious complications in the United States is rising, resulting in a need for standardized approaches to antibiotic prophylaxis and individualized approaches to address antibiotic resistance. In this issue of Urologic Clinics , Drs Sarah C. Flury and Anthony J. Schaeffer have created a comprehensive overview of antibiotic strategies in contemporary urologic practice, including anticipating and dealing with drug resistance. Each of the authors has done a fantastic job in presenting the latest recommendations for managing infectious problems in a variety of settings. This is one issue that I have no doubt will be of value to every practicing urologist as there are topics that impact every type of urologic practice. I am deeply indebted to our guest editors and authors for a fantastic issue.