The role of intraoperative consultation.

The urologist who has completed an approved residency training program and has been certified by the American Board of Urology is well prepared to meet the daily challenges presented by the practice of urologic surgery. In spite of this careful preparation, there are times in the operating room when intraoperative consultation is needed and will be of great help in managing the surgical problem encountered. Although intraoperative consultation is probably not used as often as it should be, it is the author's hope that the reader of this symposium will be a better consultant in the operating room when called and will also feel more comfortable about calling for help when it is needed.