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I enjoyed the article on the doctor with asymptomatic hematuria. I
was concerned that he put so much reliance on
the literature without considering his examination. I didn't see that he
had a rectal examination (hard to do on oneself!) or a serum creatinine.
It wasn't clearly stated, but I assume that he isn't or wasn't a smoker,
as asymptomatic hematuria in someone with a history of smoking would make
me want to have a cystoscopy, personally. I have been amazed at how
unhelpful "the literature" can be when faced with a patient with a
specific problem. However, I think that starting out with the context is
key.
Context matters
I enjoyed the article on the doctor with asymptomatic hematuria. I
was concerned that he put so much reliance on
the literature without considering his examination. I didn't see that he
had a rectal examination (hard to do on oneself!) or a serum creatinine.
It wasn't clearly stated, but I assume that he isn't or wasn't a smoker,
as asymptomatic hematuria in someone with a history of smoking would make
me want to have a cystoscopy, personally. I have been amazed at how
unhelpful "the literature" can be when faced with a patient with a
specific problem. However, I think that starting out with the context is
key.
Competing interests: No competing interests