A randomised trial comparing transurethral to percutaneous cystolithotripsy in boys.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and morbidity of transurethral cystolithotripsy (TUCL) and percutaneous CL (PCCL) in the management of bladder stones in male children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 100 boys, aged <14 years with a single bladder or urethral stone of <30 mm, were randomised into two equal groups. Initial diagnostic urethro-cystoscopy and push back of urethral stones were done for patients in both groups. Patients in Group A had TUCL, while those in Group B had PCCL through a 20-F sheath using a 12-F nephroscope. The two groups were compared regarding preoperative criteria, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: The patients in this study had a median (range) age of 36 (4-144) months and stone size of 10 (5-26) mm. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups for preoperative criteria. The assigned procedure was successful in 48 (96%) patients in Group A and 49 (98%) in Group B (P = 1). Complications were encountered in 11 (22%) patients in Group A and five (10%) in Group B (P = 0.171). The median (range) operative time was 21.5 (4-90) min in Group A and 13 (5-70) min in Group B (P < 0.001). In all, 47 (94%) stones needed disintegration in Group A vs 22 (44%) in Group B (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both techniques have comparable success and complications rates. However, PCCL has a shorter operative time and less need for stone disintegration.

Is Tamsulosin Effective after Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Pediatric Renal Stones? A Randomized, Controlled Study.

PURPOSE: We assessed the effect of tamsulosin as an adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 children with a unilateral single renal pelvic stone were included in a prospective randomized, controlled study. All children were randomized to 2 equal groups. Group 1 received tamsulosin (0.01 mg/kg once daily) as adjunctive therapy after shock wave lithotripsy in addition to paracetamol while group 2 received paracetamol only. Stone clearance was defined as no renal stone fragments or fragments less than 3 mm and no pelvicalyceal system dilatation. RESULTS: Our study included 69 boys and 51 girls with a median age of 3.5 years and a median stone size of 1.2 cm. There was no statistically significant difference between groups 1 and 2 in stone or patient criteria. Of the children 99 (82.5%) achieved stone clearance after the first session, including 50 in group 1 and 49 in group 2. All children in each group were cleared of stones after the second session. The overall complication rate was 14.2%. There was no statistically significant difference between single session stone clearance rates (p = 0.81) and complications rates (p = 0.432) in either group. On multivariate analysis using logistic regression smaller stone size (p = 0.016) and radiopaque stones (p = 0.019) were the only predictors of stone clearance at a single shock wave lithotripsy session. Tamsulosin therapy did not affect stone clearance (p = 0.649). CONCLUSIONS: Tamsulosin does not seem to improve renal stone clearance. Smaller and radiopaque renal stones have more chance of clearance after shock wave lithotripsy for pediatric single renal pelvic stones.

Current evidence for transurethral en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Despite today's standard procedure for staging and treating non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer by transurethral resection via a wire loop (TURBT), several other publications have dealt with a different concept of en bloc resection of bladder tumors using different energy sources. MATERIAL AND METHODS: MEDLINE and the Cochrane central register were searched for the following terms: en bloc, mucosectomy, laser, resection, ablation, Neodym, Holmium, Thulium, transitional cell carcinoma. RESULTS: Fourteen research articles dealing with en bloc resection of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer could be identified (modified resection loops: six, laser: six, waterjet hydrodissection: two). CONCLUSION: En bloc resection of bladder tumors >1 cm can be performed safely with very low complication rates independent of the power source. By using laser, complication rates might even be decreased, based on their good hemostatic effect and by avoiding the obturator nerve reflex. A further advantage seems to be accurate pathologic staging of en bloc tumors. Randomized controlled trials are still needed to support the assumed advantages of en bloc resection over the standard TURBT with regard to primary targets: First-time clearance of disease, accurate staging and recurrence rates.

N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 can promote vasculogenic mimicry and angiogenesis in urothelial carcinoma.

Urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the bladder is a common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a process by which the malignant cells can generate vascular-like structures formed of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) positive/CD31 negative extracellular matrix independent of angiogenesis and thus promotes tumor progression. N-myc downstream-regulated gene 1 (NDRG1) is a protein that can modulate tumor angiogenesis; however, its role in regulating tumor angiogenesis and VM formation has not been previously investigated in UC. This study aims to evaluate the role of intra-tumor microvessel density (MVD) (as a surrogate measure of angiogenesis), VM, and NDRG1 in UC and their correlation with different clinicopathologic features, then assess the correlation between them in UC. Sixty specimens of UC of the bladder were included. PAS-CD31 immunohistochemical double staining method was used to evaluate the intra-tumor MVD and VM. Immunohistochemical expression of NDRG1 was also examined. VM and NDRG1 expression were detected in 41.7% and 83.3% of UC specimens respectively. The mean of intra-tumor MVD, VM area, and NDRG1 was significantly higher in tumors with higher grade, lymphovascular invasion, and higher T stage. NDRG1 expression was positively correlated with MVD and VM. We can suggest that MVD, VM, and NDRG1 may serve as poor prognostic markers for UC. The positive correlation between NDRG1 and both MVD and VM may provide the first evidence that NDRG1 can induce tumor angiogenesis and VM in UC which may offer a novel pathway for further therapeutic strategies.

Isolated ventral congenital penile curvature treated by incisionless plication of tunica albuginea in adults: A prospective case series.

Background: Numerous surgical techniques are available for the correction of isolated ventral congenital penile curvature (IVCPC). This study aimed to assess the outcomes and predictors of IVCPC treatment in adults using an incisionless plication technique. Materials and methods: This prospective case series examined patients with IVCPC who were treated in our hospital between October 2017 and February 2020 using incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea (Essed-Schroeder technique) with a covering pair of absorbable sutures. The primary outcomes were successful correction (defined as a residual curvature ≤15 degrees) and patient satisfaction. Postoperative follow-ups were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: A total of 23 patients were treated for IVCPC with a mean (range) age of 25.3 (18-31) years. Eighteen patients (78.3%) were single with cosmetic complaints, whereas the other 5 patients (21.7%) were married and presented with a difficult vaginal intromission. The mean (range) curvature, length, and operative time were 40 (30-50) degrees, 15 (10-19) cm, and 82 (65-100) minutes, respectively. Postoperative penile pain and numbness occurred in 13 patients (56.5 %) and 7 patients (30.4%) only within the first month, respectively. Palpable suture knots were reported in 15 patients (65.5%) without being bothersome up to 12 months. The postoperative means (ranges) of penile curvature and length were significantly different from that of the preoperative values at 3 (5 [0-20] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm), 6 (5 [0-20] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm), and 12 months (5 [0-30] degrees and 14.5 [9-18.5] cm; all p < 0.001). Age, preoperative penile curvature, penile length, postoperative pain, wound infections, and knot palpation insignificantly affected curvature recurrence. Seventeen patients (73.9%) were very satisfied with their surgical outcomes. Conclusions: Incisionless plication of the tunica albuginea is effective and safe for the correction of IVCPC in adults with high success and patient satisfaction rates.

Thulium Fiber Laser vs Pulse-Modulated Holmium MOSES Laser in Flexible Ureteroscopy for the Management of Kidney Stones: A Single-Center Retrospective Analysis.

Introduction and Objective: The study's primary objective was to compare the laser efficiency and clinical outcomes of two widely used systems, the holmium MOSES laser and the thulium fiber laser (TFL), in managing kidney stones. The secondary outcomes were to evaluate the impact of stone composition on laser efficacy. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patients who underwent flexible ureteroscopy (f-URS) for solitary renal calculi between December 2020 and August 2022 at our institution and had a 3-month postoperative CT scan. Patient demographics and stone parameters were recorded, including stone site, size, volume, and density. Intraoperative data were collected and analyzed, including total operative time, ureteroscopy time, lasing time, technique, total energy delivered, and stone composition. All patients underwent a CT scan at 3 months follow-up. We recorded the presence of residual stones and the percentage of stone volume reduction. Ablation efficiency was calculated by dividing the energy utilized (J) by the stone volume (mm3). The ablation speed was calculated by dividing the stone volume (mm3) by the lasing time (seconds). Patients with a stone size <4 mm were deemed stone-free. Results: The MOSES and TFL groups comprised 62 and 49 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences between groups for baseline patient demographics or stone characteristics. The two modalities had comparable total energy, laser time, efficacy, and ablation speeds. No differences were detected in stone-free rates or complications between both groups. When dealing with calcium phosphate stones, we observed that the lasing time was significantly shorter with MOSES than TFL (7.95 vs 10.85 minutes, respectively [p = 0.01]). Conclusions: MOSES and TFL laser systems had comparable efficacy for lithotripsy of renal calculi during f-URS; however, calcium phosphate stones had a longer lasing time with TFL. REB Number: 100210.

Predictors of successful emergency shock wave lithotripsy for acute renal colic.

The role of emergency shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in persistent pain control in patients with ureteral stones is not well established. The aim of this study is to evaluate efficacy as well as the predicting variables for successful early SWL patients with symptomatic ureteral stones. Eighty-six patients with a persistent renal colic secondary to single ureteral stone (6-12 mm) were prospectively enrolled in this study. SWL was performed within 24 h of the onset of flank pain. Pain control and stone-free rate after emergency SWL session were 58.1% and 44.2%, respectively. Seven patients required post-SWL ureteroscopy and ureteral stent placement for uncontrolled pain. The overall 3-month stone-free rate after SWL monotherapy was 83.7%. On multivariate analysis, predictors for pain relief after emergency SWL were lower Hounsfield (HU) stone density, mild hydronephrosis (HN) at presentation and presentation during the first colic episode. Lower HU stone density was the single predictor of successful stone clearance after single emergency SWL session on multivariate analysis. In conclusion, early SWL is feasible and effective in management of ureteral stones presented by renal colic with low HU.

Bladder preservation versus radical cystectomy in transitional cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma muscle invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Randomizing patients to bladder preservation or radical cystectomy (RC) for the treatment of bladder cancer has not been practical, due to patient and physician preferences. Therefore, continually comparing the 2 treatment modalities is needed, in order to make the proper choice for each patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The records of T1-4N0M0 bladder cancer patients, who presented to the South Egypt Cancer Institute between 2007 and 2017 and were treated by either bladder preservation or RC were reviewed. RESULTS: Out of the 166 included patients, 81 (48.8%) patients were treated by bladder preservation and 85 (51.2%) patients had RC. For the patients treated by bladder preservation and the patients treated by RC, the 5-year overall survival (OS) was 56% and 60% (p = 0.67), the 5-year local recurrence-free survival was 69% and 73% (p = 0.69), and the 5-year disease-free survival was 45% and 53% (p = 0.16), respectively. After propensity matching analysis, the mean 5-year OS was 58% for the bladder preservation patients and 61% for the RC patients (p = 0.51). It is notable that among the bladder preservation group, 8 patients (10%) had squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) pathology and refused RC. Their OS was 56% compared to 53% for the SCC patients treated by RC (p = 0.6). CONCLUSION: Bladder preservation is a safe alternative to cystectomy in transitional cell carcinoma stages T1-4aN0M0, and its use in SCC bladder cancer should be further studied, as it could be feasible to spare them from initial cystectomy.

Transmembrane and Tetratricopeptide Repeat Containing 4 Is a Novel Diagnostic Marker for Prostate Cancer with High Specificity and Sensitivity.

The histopathologic diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) from biopsies is a current challenge if double or triple staining is needed. Therefore, there is an urgent need for development of a new reliable biomarker to diagnose PCa patients. We aimed to explore and compare the expression of TMTC4 in PCa cells and tissue specimens and evaluate its sensitivity and specificity. The expression of TMTC4 in PCa and normal prostate epithelial cells was determined by real-time PCR and Western blot analyses. Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of TMTC4 was performed on tissues collected from PCa and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our results show a high expression of TMTC4 on mRNA and protein levels in PCa versus BPH1 and normal cells (p < 0.05). IHC results show strong cytoplasmic expressions in PCa cases (p < 0.001) as compared to BPH cases. The overall accuracy as measured by the AUC was 1.0 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of the protein were 100% and 96.6%, respectively. Taken together, we report a high TMTC4 expression in PCa cells and tissues and its ability to differentiate between PCa and BPH with high sensitivity and specificity. This finding can be carried over to clinical practice after its confirmation by further studies.

Critical Application of Adult Nephrolithometric Scoring Systems to Children Undergoing Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy.

Objective: To evaluate and compare the ability of the Guy's stone score (GSS), the S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry, and the Clinical Research Office of the Endourology Society (CROES) nomogram to predict the outcome of mini-percutaneous nephrolithotomy (MPNL) in children, and to identify which of the predictors involved in these scoring systems can separately affect this outcome. Patients and Methods: All children younger than 14 years who had MPNL in our center over a period of 3 years were included prospectively. Bivariate analyses were done to evaluate the associations of the three scoring systems and the predictors composing them with single-session stone clearance and complications. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses of the three scoring systems were conducted to evaluate and compare their abilities to predict the outcomes. Decision curve analyses for the three scoring systems were conducted to evaluate the clinical benefit of using each of them to predict stone clearance. Results: We consecutively enrolled 92 renal units in 89 children with a median age of 9.5 years. Single-session stone clearance was achieved in 76 (82.6%) renal units. Complications occurred with 19 (20.7%) procedures. Stone multiplicity (p = 0.043), staghorn stone (p = 0.007), prior stone treatment (p < 0.001), number of calices involved (p = 0.006), stone burden (p = 0.003), GSS (p < 0.001), S.T.O.N.E. nephrolithometry (p = 0.012), and CROES nomogram (p < 0.001) had significant associations with stone clearance. Only stone attenuation was significantly associated with complications (p = 0.031). For prediction of stone clearance, CROES nomogram demonstrated the greatest area under the ROC curve and the greatest net benefit on decision curve analyses. Conclusions: For children undergoing MPNL, CROES nomogram is the best to predict stone clearance. However, none of the studied scoring systems predicted complications efficiently.

Comparative Application of Different Substaging Techniques for Non-Muscle Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma.

To evaluate the diagnostic performance and clinical significance of 4 systems of substaging cases with non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder carcinoma. In addition 4 cutoff measures were evaluated for prediction of muscularis-mucosa invasion. Four substaging systems were applied to 57 NMIBC cases to assess which of these reported methods correlates best with recurrence and progression. On univariate regression analysis patients having tumor size more than 3 cm, solid tumor architecture, high grade, substage B, substage T1e, substage ROL 2 and Tumor depth more than 1 mm were associated with higher recurrence. On multivariate analysis all the four substaging systems, tumor size, grade and tumor type had significant prognostic value for recurrence. Regarding progression only the metric substaging method was associated with tumor progression (p = 0.04). However, on univariate and multivariate regression analysis none of the substaging systems showed prognostic significance and only solid tumor architecture and CIS had significant prognostic value for tumor progression. The ROC curve analysis showed that 1 mm depth of invasion had the best accuracy for detection of muscularis-mucosa invasion (80.2%). Using 1 mm cutoff in measuring the depth and 0.5 mm for the diameter of infiltration may provide clinically relevant information to guide a more personalized therapy for NMIBC. Inclusion of both measures in addition to other histopathologic variables may aid in the development of a scoring system.

Experience of a Tertiary-Level Urology Center in Clinical Urological Events of Rare and Very Rare Incidence. V. Urological Tumors: 1. Adrenal Myelolipoma.

OBJECTIVES: To present our center's experience in the management of adrenal myelolipoma in the context of shifting from the open to the laparoscopic adrenalectomy approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective search of our center's records was done for reported cases of adrenal myelolipoma during the period July 2001-June 2016. All the cases with histopathologically-documented adrenal myelolipoma diagnosis were included. Relevant demographic and clinical variables were studied with a comparison between the open and laparoscopic approaches. RESULTS: Of more than 82,000 urological surgeries, 238 adrenalectomies were done with only 22 cases of myelolipoma that had a mean age and body mass index of 52.4 ± 10.3 years and 30.23 kg/m2, respectively. The main clinical presentation was accidental discovery. The largest dimension of tumors varied from 6 to 16 cm. Computed tomography described a characteristic picture of hypodense heterogeneous adrenal tumors in all cases, while magnetic resonance imaging was indicated for malignancy suspicion in only 5 cases. Adrenal tumor markers were normal in all cases. Open and transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were used in 14 and 8 cases, respectively. The latter approach was insignificantly advantageous in the need for blood transfusion, postoperative pain degree, need for analgesia, and hospital stay duration (p = 0.22). Histo-pathological examination revealed benign adipose tissue and myeloid cells and confirmed the diagnosis of adrenal myelolipoma in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenal myelolipoma is a rare non-functioning benign tumor. Laparoscopic excision seems to be a promising alternative approach to the traditional open adrenalectomy, even in the context of large tumors and obesity.

Multiparametric MRI in differentiation between muscle invasive and non-muscle invasive urinary bladder cancer with vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS) application.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate role of multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) in differentiation between invasive and non-invasive bladder cancer and accuracy of vesical imaging reporting and data system (VI-RADS) score. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 50 patients diagnosed as cancer bladder were enrolled in this study, mp-MRI including conventional (T1 weighted imaging and high resolution T2 weighted imaging) and functional sequences (diffusion-weighted imaging and dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI) were done, all data were regrouped to evaluate the accuracy of each separate sequence and mp-MRI in distinguishing non-muscle invasive from muscle-invasive tumors, with VI-RADS score application and comparison with pathological findings, then interobserver agreement for detection of muscle invasion according to mp-MRI and VI-RADS scoring system findings was calculated. RESULTS: Diagnostic accuracy of mp-MRI in differentiation between muscle invasive and non-muscle invasive bladder cancer was (84%) with highest sensitivity (78%), very good agreement between mp-MRI and histopathological data (k = 0.87), and highest area under curve (AUC) reaching 0.83, dynamic contrast enhanced-MRI sequence showed the highest accuracy in muscle invasion detection by (88%), with highest AUC 0.83. Diagnostic accuracy of VI-RADS score in detection of muscle invasion was 84%, with specificity and negative predictive value of 88% and AUC was 0.83. Interobserver agreement was strong as regard diagnostic performance of mp-MRI and VI-RADS scoring for detection of muscle invasion reaching (K = 0.82, p < 0.001) and (K = 0.87, p < 0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: mp-MRI is considered as comprehensive and effective tool for determination of muscle invasion in cases of urinary bladder cancer. Also VI-RADS scoring system can accurately differentiate between invasive and non-invasive bladder cancer. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: The VI-RADS system was recently suggested for the uniform evaluation of muscle invasion in cancer bladder by mp-MRI. In this paper, we applied this system to 50 cases to evaluate its ease and compared the results with the histopathological findings for evaluation of its accuracy.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy versus shock wave lithotripsy for high-density moderate-sized renal stones: A prospective randomized study.

CONTEXT: The management of renal stones of high density (>1000 Hounsfield units) on non-contrast computed tomography (NCCT), and moderate sized (15-25 mm) is still debatable. AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) for the high-density and moderate-sized renal stones regarding the stone-free rate (SFR), morbidity, and patients' quality of life. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a prospective randomized study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients with renal stones, excluding those with lower calyceal stones, were randomized to receive either PCNL or SWL (40 in each arm). Patients were followed up by abdominal ultrasound and plain X-ray (NCCT if indicated) till clearance of stone. Outcomes, complications, costs, and SF-8 Health Survey scoring were recorded for each group. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: We used Stata software, version 9.2 (Intercooled STATA®; StataCorp LP College Station, Texas, USA). Comparison of the two groups was made with regard to patient and stone criteria and the procedure details. Continuous variables were compared using the Mann-Whitney U-test with values shown as the median and interquartile range. Categorical variables were compared using the Pearson's Chi-square/Fisher's exact test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify variables independently associated with the stone clearance after two sessions of SWL. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The basic characteristics of both groups were comparable. After a single treatment session, the SFR was 80% and 27.5% for PCNL and SWL, respectively (P < 0.001). The overall 3-month SFR was 87.5% versus 90%, respectively (P = 0.723). The median number of the required maneuvers was 1 (range: 1-3) for PCNL versus 2 (range: 1-4) for SWL (P < 0.001). The complication rate was 10% and 7.5%, respectively (P = 0.692). The cost of SWL was significantly lower (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, a single stone was an independent predictor for stone clearance after two sessions of SWL (odds ratio: 7.26, 95% confidence interval: 1.13-46.62, P = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: PCNL for the dense, and moderate-sized renal stone provides higher initial success and lower re-treatment rates compared with SWL with comparable outcome after 3 months of therapy. However, SWL is an alternative, especially for a single stone.

Ureteral stricture after ureteroscopy for stones: A prospective study for the incidence and risk factors.

CONTEXT: A ureteral stricture is a serious complication of ureteroscopy (URS) that was reported in the literature in highly variable rates from 0.2% to 24%. AIMS: Our aims are to estimate the incidence and to detect the risk factors of ureteral stricture after URS. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a prospective, case-series study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from May 2015 to August 2016, 251 adult patients underwent 263 URS for the treatment of 304 ureteral stones. Postoperative regular follow-up was done for 12 months by ultrasound. Computed tomography urography and diuretic renogram were performed for the cases developed hydronephrosis to confirm and detect the level of the stricture. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 19.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. used for data analysis. Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were used to compare between qualitative variables. Mann-Whitney test was used to compare between two quantitative variables in case of nonparametric data. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to measure the risk factors. P value was considered statistically significant when <0.05. RESULTS: The mean age was 43.5 years (standard deviation [SD]: ±13.6), and the mean body mass index was 28.39 (±3.96). The mean total stone burden was 12.8 mm (SD: ±5.9). Bilateral URS was performed in 12 cases. The mean operative time was 54.8 min (SD: ±22.68). Initial and final stone-free rates were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. The overall complications rate was 28.1%. Stricture occurred in four cases (1.5%). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, the incidence of post-URS ureteral stricture is low. The impacted stone is the most common cause of URS complications and hence stricture formation.

A Simple Immunohistochemical Panel Could Predict and Correlate to Clinicopathologic and Molecular Subgroups of Urinary Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Although gene expression profiling provided a comprehensive molecular characterization of different subtypes of bladder urothelial carcinoma (UC), which are distinct in their biological features and prognosis, such a system is not yet applicable for routine clinical practice. This study aimed to examine the expression of these molecular classes of UC using simple panel of immunohistochemical markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tissue sections from 192 specimens of UC were stained with FGFR3, CK5, CCNB1, HER-2, and P53. The molecular classes identified were correlated with clinicopathologic characteristics and patient survival. RESULTS: The most frequent class in our cohort was urobasal B (UroB) (44.1%), followed by squamous cell carcinoma-like (SCCL) (22%), genomically unstable (GU) (20.3%), and urobasal A (UroA) (13.6%). Patients with SCCL were significantly younger (P < .0001). Both the SCCL and GU types were of significantly higher histopathologic grade (P < .0001). UroA tumors were mainly of the T1 stage (75%), whereas 61.5% of the SCCL and 58.3% of the GU types were of stage T2 (P < .001). Prognosis was significantly different among groups. The SCCL class showed the lowest overall survival (38.5%; P = .030) and metastasis-free survival (69.2%; P = .017). The best prognosis was for UroA, with an overall survival of 75% and no metastatic events. CONCLUSION: The distribution of UC subtypes in our study was uniquely different from other studies. This simple immunohistochemical panel could be suggested as a clinically applicable tool that has the potential to be used routinely in guiding individualized treatment of UC.

Is Concealed Epispadias a Rare Variant?

OBJECTIVE: To present our experience with concealed epispadias and to estimate its actual share in the isolated male epispadias cases and its effect on the surgical outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with isolated male epispadias treated in our center between 2008 and 2015 were classified into concealed and classic epispadias. The 2 groups were compared regarding age at presentation, meatal location, incontinence, dorsal curvature, success rate, and complications. RESULTS: Out of 51 patients with isolated male epispadias, 11 (21.6%) were concealed: 7 balanic and 4 penile shaft epispadias. Concealed epispadias cases were found to have significantly delayed age at presentation, more distal meatal location, and less incontinence rate than classic epispadias cases. None of the surgical outcome parameters showed significant difference between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Concealed epispadias represents about one-fifth of isolated male epispadias cases. Impediment and delay of diagnosis are its main clinical impacts, with insignificant effect on the surgical outcome.

Alterations of mTOR and PTEN protein expression in schistosomal squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: mTOR signaling pathway is commonly activated in cancer. PTEN, a tumor suppressor gene, is a potent inhibitor of this pathway. To date the expression pattern of mTOR and PTEN in schistosomal bladder squamous cell carcinoma and urothelial carcinoma was not investigated. Also, whether alterations of these proteins are associated with pathological parameters was not established. HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that "expression of mTOR and/or PTEN will be altered in schistosomal-related urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas". PATIENTS AND METHODS: To test our hypothesis we examined the expression pattern of mTOR and PTEN in normal and hyperplastic urothelium, squamous metaplasia, schistosomal urothelial carcinomas (70 cases) and squamous cell carcinomas (47 cases) using immunohistochemical methods. RESULTS: mTOR protein expression was absent in the normal, hyperplastic urothelium and metaplastic squamous epithelium. mTOR was over-expressed in muscle invasive urothelial and high grade squamous cell carcinomas. In contrast, PTEN protein expression was seen in the normal and hyperplastic urothelium. The expression was reduced (metaplastic squamous epithelium) or lost in muscle invasive urothelial and high grade squamous carcinomas. Alterations of these proteins were associated with some clinicopathological features. mTOR expression was negatively correlated with PTEN expression in urothelial carcinoma only. CONCLUSIONS: We report, for the first time, altered expression of mTOR and PTEN proteins in schistosomal urothelial and squamous cell carcinomas. Alterations of these proteins may contribute to the progression and aggressive behavior of schistosomal bladder carcinoma. Targeting mTOR, may be a promising therapeutic strategy in these tumors.

Expression of survivin in squamous cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder: a comparative immunohistochemical study.

PURPOSE: To compare the expression of survivin and its association with clinicopathological criteria in major types of urinary bladder carcinoma, specifically, transitional cell carcinoma with and without squamous differentiation and squamous cell carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for survivin and Ki67 was performed on paraffin-embedded sections of 104 carcinomas: 52 transitional cell carcinoma, 20 transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation, and 32 squamous cell carcinoma. Expression of survivin in >10% of tumor cells was described as altered survivin status. Ki67 staining in >20% of tumor cells was described as a high proliferation index. RESULTS: Altered survivin expression was detected in 60/104 specimens (58%) and was significantly more frequent in transitional cell carcinoma (78%) than in squamous cell carcinoma (38%) or transitional cell carcinoma with squamous differentiation (40%) (p<0.0001). In transitional cell carcinoma but not in squamous cell carcinoma, altered survivin status was associated with higher tumor grade, higher proliferation index, and recurrence. In the whole specimens, altered survivin expression was significantly associated with advanced stage (p<0.001), recurrence (p=0.005), distant metastasis (p<0.001), and death (p=0.001). In the multivariate analysis, altered survivin was an independent poor prognostic factor for recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike in transitional cell carcinoma, alteration of survivin expression in squamous cell carcinoma occurs less frequently and is not associated with features of tumor aggression or patient outcome. These findings raise a question: are urinary bladder carcinoma patients with squamous cell carcinoma type suitable candidates for survivin vaccine? This is an important question to be answered before approving the vaccine in management.