This book provides the latest recommendations for ultrasound examination of the entire urogenital system, particularly in the male. The coverage encompasses the role of ultrasound in imaging of disorders of the kidneys, urinary tract, prostate, seminal vesicles, bladder, testes, and penis, including male infertility disorders. In addition, detailed consideration is given to intraoperative and interventional ultrasound and recently developed ultrasound techniques. Each chapter defines the purpose of and indications for ultrasound, identifies its benefits and limitations, specifies the technological standards for devices, outlines performance of the investigation, establishes the expected accuracy for differential diagnosis, and indicates the reporting method. Most of the recommendations are based on review of the literature, on previous recommendations, and on the opinions of the experts of the Imaging Working Group of the Italian Society of Urology (SIU) and the Italian Society of Ultrasound in Urology, Andrology, and Nephrology (SIEUN). The book will be of value for all physicians involved in the first-line evaluation of diseases of the renal/urinary system and male genital disorders.

The English Edition contains a few differences from the first ItaHan Edition, which require an explanation. Firstly, some imag es, especially some 3D reconstructions, have been modified in order to make them clearer. Secondly, in agreement with the Publisher, we have disowned one of our statements in the preface to the Italian Edition. Namely, we have now added a brief introductory text for each section, by way of explanation to the anatomical and physiological notes. This should make it easier for the reader to understand and refer to this Atlas. These differences derive from our experience with the previous edition and are meant to be an improvement thereof Hopefully, there will be more editions to follow, so that we may further improve our work and keep ourselves busy on lone some evenings. Finally, the improvements in this edition are a reminder to the reader that one should never purchase the first edition of a work. UAquila, January 2006 The Authors Preface to the Italian Edition I have been meaning to publish an atlas of neuroradiologic cranio-encephaHc anatomy for at least the last decade. Normal anatomy has always been of great and charming interest to me. Over the years, while preparing lectures for my students, I have always enjoyed lingering on anatomical details that today are rendered with astonishing realism by routine diagnostic ima ging.

Incisional hernia surgery has witnessed important advances over recent years, not only as far as the pathophysiological and etiopathogenetic aspects are concerned, but also from a technical point of view. This book provides an update on incisional hernia surgical techniques. It includes chapters on synthetic prostheses, biomaterials and robotics. Surgeons, surgical residents, and medical students will find the information in this volume very useful in their daily practice.