Neonatal Bladder-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Bladder Dysfunction in Diabetic Rat Models.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a new mesenchymal stem cell type derived from the neonatal bladder (nMSC-B) on diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: nMSC-B were harvested from neonatal male Sprague-Dawley rat's bladder and expanded in culture. nMSC-B were transferred to Type-1 diabetic rats which were induced by a single dose 45 mg/kg Streptozocin (STZ). Stem cells were transferred via intraperitoneally (IP) (DM-IP group, n:6) and by direct injection to the detrusor (DM-D group, n:6) at 12th week following diabetes and compared with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) injected diabetic rats (DM-PBS group, n:6) and age-matched PBS injected non-diabetic normal rats (NR-PBS group, n:6). All rats were evaluated histopathologically and functionally four weeks after the stem cell treatment. RESULTS: nMSC-B showed improvement in both voiding function and bladder structure. The maximum voiding pressure (MVP) values in the DM-PBS group were lower compare to DM-IP, DM-D and NR-PBS groups (13.27 ± 0.78 vs 16.27 ± 0.61, 28.59 ± 2.09, 21.54 ± 1.00, respectively, P < .001). There was a significant improvement for MVP values in stem cell-treated groups. Immunohistochemical examination revealed decreased bladder smooth muscle (SM), increased fibrosis and desquamation in urothelia in diabetic groups compared to normal group(P < .001). We detected recovery in the stem cell groups. This recovery was more evident in DM-D group.  No statistical difference was observed in SM and fibrosis between DM-D and NR-PBS groups (P = .9). CONCLUSION: It was shown that nMSCBs provided amelioration of DBD. We think that nMSC-B constitutes an effective treatment method in DBD.

Neonatal Bladder-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Bladder Dysfunction in Diabetic Rat Models.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a new mesenchymal stem cell type derived from the neonatal bladder (nMSC-B) on diabetic bladder dysfunction (DBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: nMSC-B were harvested from neonatal male Sprague-Dawley rat's bladder and expanded in culture. nMSC-B were transferred to Type-1 diabetic rats which were induced by a single dose 45 mg/kg Streptozocin (STZ). Stem cells were transferred via intraperitoneally (IP) (DM-IP group, n:6) and by direct injection to the detrusor (DM-D group, n:6) at 12th week following diabetes and compared with Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) injected diabetic rats (DM-PBS group, n:6) and age-matched PBS injected non-diabetic normal rats (NR-PBS group, n:6). All rats were evaluated histopathologically and functionally four weeks after the stem cell treatment. RESULTS: nMSC-B showed improvement in both voiding function and bladder structure. The maximum voiding pressure (MVP) values in the DM-PBS group were lower compare to DM-IP, DM-D and NR-PBS groups (13.27 ± 0.78 vs 16.27 ± 0.61, 28.59 ± 2.09, 21.54 ± 1.00, respectively, P < .001). There was a significant improvement for MVP values in stem cell-treated groups. Immunohistochemical examination revealed decreased bladder smooth muscle (SM), increased fibrosis and desquamation in urothelia in diabetic groups compared to normal group(P < .001). We detected recovery in the stem cell groups. This recovery was more evident in DM-D group.  No statistical difference was observed in SM and fibrosis between DM-D and NR-PBS groups (P = .9). CONCLUSION: It was shown that nMSCBs provided amelioration of DBD. We think that nMSC-B constitutes an effective treatment method in DBD.

Open prostatectomy is still a valid option for large prostates: a high-volume, single-center experience.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate, in a retrospective, single-center trial, our open prostatectomy outcomes and complications in the past 12 years to emphasize the feasibility of open prostatectomy for large prostates. METHODS: A total of 1193 patients underwent open prostatectomy from 1995 to 2007. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 664 patients who had preoperative, operative, and postoperative data available. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 67.5 years (range 52-86). The mean preoperative prostate-specific antigen value was 9.6 ng/mL (range 1.65-45.6). The mean prostatic weight was 88.7 g (range 45-324) and was significantly different for the 1995-2001 and 2002-2007 groups (73.6 vs 98.2 g, respectively). Of the 664 patients, 208 (31%) had had an indwelling catheter before surgery. The average International Prostate Symptom Score was 21.7 (range 13-32) preoperatively and 10.6 (range 8-18) postoperatively (P <.005). The average hospitalization was 6.74 days (range 4-14). Blood transfusion was required in 12.7% of the patients either intraoperatively or postoperatively. Postoperatively, 82 patients (12.3%) had urinary tract infections, 22 (3.2%) had bladder neck obstruction, 5 (0.7%) had urinary incontinence, and 15 (2.3%) had a ureteral meatus stricture. CONCLUSIONS: Open prostatectomy is a feasible treatment option for patients with a large prostate and also for patients with additional bladder pathologic findings such as bladder calculi or diverticula for whom endoscopic treatment modalities are not appropriate. Consequently, open prostatectomy is still the primary option for patients with a prostate greater than 100 cm(3) and preserves its importance in urology practice, even in the presence of endoscopic innovations.

A new parameter for staging bladder carcinoma: ultrasonographic contact length and height-to-length ratio.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of tumor-bladder wall contact length (CL), tumor height (H), and height-to-length ratio (H/CL) for preoperative staging of bladder carcinoma. METHODS: Fifty-seven patients with bladder tumors underwent suprapubic ultrasonography preoperatively, and the CL of the tumor with the bladder wall and H in the bladder lumen were measured. The CL, H, and H/CL values were correlated with the wall invasion determined by histopathologic analysis of the cystectomy material. Invasion was staged according to the TNM classification system. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were found for CL (P < .001) and H/CL (P = .001) between the superficial and invasive tumor groups. These parameters were also effective for differentiating superficial or deep muscle invasion. A CL of greater than 41.5 mm and an H/CL of less than 0.605 were calculated as cutoff values for differentiating superficial and invasive tumors. Height had no value for determining invasion. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasonographic measurements of CL of the tumor with the bladder wall and H/CL may be useful for staging bladder carcinoma by verification of these findings in larger groups of patients.

Effect of dimensions and volume of the prostate on cancer detection rate of 12 core prostate biopsy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate if volume or any of the three dimensions of prostate influences cancer detection rate by 12-core transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have searched our database for patients who underwent 12 core TRUS guided prostate biopsy with PSA values between 4.0 and 9.9 ng/ml, benign digital exam and no suspicious lesions at TRUS. The measurements of three dimensions and volume of the prostate of 99 patients were correlated with cancer detection rates of biopsy. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between patients with prostate cancer or with benign histopathologic result for mean age, PSA and % PSA. Patients without cancer had a significantly higher mean prostate volume (58.88 cc) than patients with cancer (48.85 cc) (P = 0.038). A volume of 48.5 cc was determined as a cut-off value above which cancer detection rate decreases. Of the three dimensions, only the difference for the craniocaudal dimension between benign and malignant groups was marginally significant (P = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: With 12 core biopsy, cancer detection rate is lower in patients with prostates larger than 48.5 cc. Further studies comparing biopsy results with prostatectomy specimens can clarify whether these results necessitates higher number of cores for such patients.

Microvessel density and regulators of angiogenesis in malignant and nonmalignant prostate tissue.

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between microvessel density (MVD), positive and negative angiogenic factors, and established prognostic factors in prostate cancer (PC), and, to clarify the effect of angiogenic factors to angiogenesis. The vascularization of neoplastic, non-neoplastic prostate tissue was determined by CD34 immunostaining. Angiogenetic mediators VEGF, bFGF, TSP-1, and p53 were studied by immunohistochemistry. Neovascularization and p53, VEGF, and TSP-1 expressions of tumorous tissue were higher than non-tumorous tissue. The bFGF expression in these tissues was not different. The p53 expression was not correlated with the expressions of VEGF, bFGF, and TSP-1 in PC. Our results demonstrate a significant increase in MVD, VEGF, TSP-1, and p53 expressions in prostate tumorigenesis. The pretreatment sPSA was the only parameter demonstrating significant correlation with tumor grade and may have a value in the prediction of aggressive tumor behavior in PC.

3-Dimensional computerized tomography in follow-up of patients with urinary diversion.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of 3-dimensional computerized tomography (3D-CT) in routine follow-up of patients who had undergone radical cystectomy and different kinds of urinary diversions and compare it with conventional CT. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nineteen patients (18 men, 1 woman) who had undergone radical cystectomy and different kinds of urinary diversions with diagnosis of invasive bladder cancer were enrolled into the study. The mean age of the patients was 55.5 (46-69) years. For all patients, conventional CT was performed, followed by 3D reconstruction of these images. RESULTS: Orthotopic ileal neobladder (Abol-Enein and Ghoneim procedure) was performed in 12, rectosigmoid pouch (Mainz pouch II) in 2 and ileal conduit in 5 patients. There were no pathological findings visible either on conventional CT or on 3D-CT, but the shape, configuration, and the relationships of the pouch with ureters, urethra and other adjacent organs were much better visualized on 3D-CT. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT did not have any advantages over conventional CT for showing pathological findings that were oncological origin, but as the anatomy of the lower urinary tract can be perfectly demonstrated, we think that it may be used for planning of a re-operation after urinary diversion and may help the urologist who has less experience with radiological studies to evaluate pouch configuration and indentations to the adjacent organs better.

Transrectal sonographic features of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia: correlation with pathologic findings.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to evaluate the transrectal sonographic (TRUS) features of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) by comparing the histopathologic results with TRUS findings in patients who had undergone TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. METHODS: From an initial set of 307 patients who underwent TRUS-guided prostate biopsy, TRUS findings for 44 patients whose pathologic results were consistent with PIN were reviewed retrospectively. Among these 44 patients, 12 had only PIN, 20 PIN associated with prostatitis, and 12 PIN associated with prostate cancer foci. After exclusion of the foci that included PIN associated with prostatitis and PIN associated with prostate cancer at the same site, the pathologic results for the core specimens from the 100 PIN foci were correlated with TRUS findings according to their location. The sonographic features sought were hypoechoic areas and regions of heterogeneous echogenicity. RESULTS: Positive TRUS findings were detected in 43% of PIN and 36% of high-grade PIN (HGPIN) focise. For the HGPIN foci with positive TRUS findings, the detected sonographic features were clusters of millimetric hypoechoic foci (CMHF) (53%), hypoechoic areas with well-defined borders (27%), and heterogeneous echogenicity (20%) (not significant). The sensitivity of the presence of CMHF for the diagnosis of HGPIN was only 19%. CONCLUSIONS: TRUS-detected CMHF may indicate HGPIN. Because of the limited sensitivity of this finding, TRUS detection of CMHF does not warrant biopsy, although these lesions warrant close monitoring.

Long-term results of Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty in 180 adults in the era of endourologic procedures.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the present study wasto evaluate the long-term results of adult open pyeloplasties performed by the Anderson-Hynes technique in the era of new endourologic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 180 adult patients who underwent Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty with a diagnosis of ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, were retrospectively reviewed. Pre- and postoperative results were compared with clinical, radiologic and radionuclide studies. The mean age of the patients was 33.2 (16-65) years. The minimum clinical follow-up time was 12 months and the mean time from the operation was 9.4 years (between 1 and 17 years). RESULTS: Success was defined as resolution of symptoms and decrease in pyelocaliceal volume and calicectasis. The overall success rate was 91.1%. The success rate was between 93.1 and 100% in patients with grades I-III and 62.5% in patients with grade IV hydronephrosis and contribute to renal function less than 25%. The pyelocaliceal volume returned to normal in 39 (21.7%) patients, significantly decreased in 82 (45.5%), and the flow of contrast media from renal pelvis to ureter improved in 43 (23.9%) and did not change or increased in 16 (8.9%). The failure happened in the first 3 months in 57% of patients and in long-term follow-up in 43% of patients. CONCLUSION: Despite newer endoscopic techniques, Anderson-Hynes pyeloplasty, with an over 90% success rate remains the gold standard in the treatment of primary UPJ obstruction.

Efficacy of transrectal ultrasonography in the evaluation of hematospermia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in the evaluation of hematospermia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included 54 patients with hematospermia. Patients age range was between 25 and 75 years (mean=49.7 years). All patients were evaluated by TRUS using a biplane transducer and a Toshiba SSA-270A device. RESULTS: TRUS revealed one or more abnormalities in 51 patients (94.5%). Prostatic calcifications were found in 23 patients, ejaculatory duct calculi in 21, dilated ejaculatory ducts in 18, benign prostatic hyperplasia in 18, dilated seminal vesicles in 12, calcifications in seminal vesicles in 11, ejaculatory duct cyst in 6, prostatitis in 6, and periurethral Cowper gland mass in 1. CONCLUSION: TRUS is a noninvasive, safe method for the investigation of causes of hematospermia. We believe that it should be the first radiological investigation to be performed in patients presenting with hematospermia.

Results of the ureteral reimplantation with serous-lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W-neobladder.

BACKGROUND: Our experience in uretero-ileal anastomosis using the serous-lined extramural tunnel in orthotopic ileal W-neobladder is presented. METHODS: Between June 1998 and November 2001, 42 patients (40 men and two women) underwent radical cystectomy and orthotopic ileal neobladder for invasive bladder cancer. The ureters were reimplanted into serous-lined extramural tunnels as described by Abol-Enein and Ghoneim. However, we made minor modifications during the ureteral reimplantation in cases that necessitated distal ureteral excision and with grossly dilated ureters. Evaluation included clinical and radiographic studies to determine functional and oncological outcomes. RESULTS: There was no operative mortality. The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 12-52). Early complications occurred in four patients (9.5%). An endarterectomy for acute popliteal arterial embolism, the excision of the pouchointestinal fistula and a temporary colostomy were performed in two of these four patients. The other two patients were treated conservatively. Late complications occurred in eight patients (19%). Reflux was observed in three renal units (3.7%), ureterointestinal strictures in another three renal units (3.7%) and urethroileal stenosis in two patients (4.8%). In all cases, stabilization or improvement of renal function was achieved. No metabolic complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Ileal W-neobladder with a serous-lined extramural tunnel is a safe, reliable form of lower urinary tract reconstruction. The method can be carried out with equal ease in grossly dilated ureters and in cases that necessitate distal ureteral excision.

Comparison of three different diuretic renal scintigraphy protocols in patients with dilated upper urinary tracts.

PURPOSE: To compare 3 different diuretic renal scintigraphy protocols in patients with dilated upper urinary tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three diuresis renography protocols were performed in 22 adult patients (28 kidneys) with upper urinary tract dilatation. The diuretic was given 20 minutes after (F+20), at the same time as (F+0), and 15 minutes before (F-15) radionuclide administration. The mean age was 29.8 years (range, 18-43 years). The 3 protocols were identical, except for the time of injection of furosemide. The F+0 protocol could not be performed in 1 and F-15 in 2 of the patients. Each of the 3 protocols was performed for the rest of the patients. The results were classified as nonobstructive, equivocal, and obstructive according to the renogram images and curves. RESULTS: None of the patients showed equivocal results in both F+0 and F-15 protocols. In the F+20 studies, 7 of the 28 kidneys were evaluated as equivocal. Of these, 5 kidneys showed nonobstructive and 2 kidneys revealed obstructive renogram patterns with the other 2 protocols (F+0 and F-15). Moreover, one kidney, which was evaluated as nonobstructive in the F+20 protocol, showed an obstructive pattern in both F+0 and F-15 protocols. All of the kidneys showing obstructive patterns in the F+20 study also revealed obstruction in the F+0 and F-15 investigations. We could not find any difference between the renogram patterns of F+0 and F-15 investigations. CONCLUSIONS: F+0 and F-15 protocols allow clarification in cases of equivocal F+20 studies. Because the F+0 study is more practical and shorter, we suggest the F+0 method when equivocal results are obtained by an F+20 study or as a single test when there is only one opportunity to confirm or exclude the presence of obstruction.

Gemcitabine plus vinorelbine chemotherapy in patients with advanced bladder carcinoma who are medically unsuitable for or who have failed cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine plus vinorelbine chemotherapy in patients with advanced bladder carcinoma who are unsuitable for or who have failed cisplatin-containing chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder were scheduled to receive gemcitabine and vinorelbine chemotherapy. Twenty-one patients had received no prior chemotherapy and their creatinine clearance was below 50 ml/min (group 1), and the remaining 10 patients did not respond to previous cisplatin-containing chemotherapy (group 2). RESULTS: In group 1, objective response rate was 47.6%, including 2 (9.5%) complete and 8 (38.9%) partial responses. In group 2, partial response was observed in 2 (20%) patients. The median survival time for patients in group 1 and 2 were 15 months (range 3-23) and 7 months (range 3-21), respectively. Grades 3 or 4 leukopenia developed in 16.1% of patients. Overall, 12.9% of the patients suffered from grade 3 nonhematologic toxicity. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary data indicate that the combination of gemcitabine and vinorelbine is active and well tolerated especially in patients with advanced TCC who are unsuitable for cisplatin-based chemotherapy.

Thrombospondin-1, vascular endothelial growth factor expression and microvessel density in renal cell carcinoma and their relationship with multifocality.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relevance of microvessel density (MVD) and the angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF, an important angiogenic factor in solid tumors) and thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1, a potent inhibitor of angiogenesis), to multifocality of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using immunohistochemistry the expression of CD34, TSP-1 and VEGF was assessed in 38 archival tissue specimens from 19 patients with unifocal RCC and 19 with multifocal RCC. Immunostaining results for VEGF was scored for the appropriate percentage of positive tumor cells and relative immunostaining intensity (score range 0-12). Only extracellular immunoreactivity was considered positive for TSP-1 and the same method was used to score the stromal staining. The microvessel density was measured by immunohistochemical staining with anti-CD34 monoclonal antibody. RESULTS: VEGF immunoreactivity> or =1% was detectable in all unifocal and multifocal tumors. TSP-1 immunoreactivity was detected in 14 (73.7%) of 19 unifocal RCCs and in 16 (84.2%) of 19 multifocal RCC specimens (p=0.69). There were no statistically significant differences in the immunostaining intensity, percentage of immunopositive cells and the staining scores of VEGF and TSP-1 among the two groups. Additionally, there was no difference in MVD in multifocal and unifocal tumors. CONCLUSION: As there is no difference in MVD count, and expression of angiogenic factors (VEGF and TSP-1) in multifocal and unifocal tumors, multifocality of RCC is not determined by VEGF/TSP-1 expression.

Isolated local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy: experience with 10 cases.

OBJECTIVES: Isolated local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy is very uncommon and the effect of aggressive surgical management of this clinical entity remains controversial. We report our experience with 10 such cases. METHODS: Between 1994 and 2002, 10 patients with isolated local recurrence of renal cell carcinoma without any evidence of metastatic disease after radical nephrectomy were treated at our department. The mean patient age was 51.7 years (range 26 to 74); 7 patients were men and 3 were women. All patients underwent extensive surgery for local recurrence. RESULTS: Only 3 patients were symptomatic, and the others were diagnosed during routine follow-up examinations. The mean time to local recurrence was 33.6 months (range 3 to 68), and the mean size of the recurrent tumor was 8.45 cm (range 3 to 12). An aggressive surgical approach was taken in all patients. One patient died in the postoperative period because of a surgical complication. Of the remaining 9 patients, 2 died of metastatic disease after a mean survival of 8.5 months (range 3 to 14). Seven patients were alive with a mean survival of 16.6 months (range 3 to 38+). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that patients with isolated local recurrence after radical nephrectomy may benefit from an aggressive surgical approach, but this kind of surgery may also have significant complications.

Value of selective upper tract cytology for recognition of upper tract tumors after treatment of superficial bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: The value of selective upper urinary tract (UT) cytology in patients who are asymptomatic and tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder carcinoma has not been studied. The present study was performed to evaluate the value of selective UT cytology in patients who are tumor free at control cystoscopy after being treated for superficial bladder cancer. METHODS: Forty-seven consecutive patients who had undergone definitive surgical treatment for superficial bladder cancer at least 24 months prior and were tumor free at control cystoscopy were evaluated with bladder wash for cytology as well as selective UT urine cytology by catheterization of both ureteral orifices. Of the 47 patients, disease was stage Ta in 30 (63.8%), T1 in 15 (31.9%) and Ta/Tcis in 2 (4.3%). Primary tumor was unifocal in 24 (51.1%) and multifocal in 23 (48.9%) patients. The time elapsed from the initial diagnosis to the last evaluation ranged from 2 to 21 years (mean 5.39). RESULTS: UT cytology was positive in 2 cases. Although, excretory urography (IVP) revealed mild pelvicalicectasis in 1 of these 2 patients, ureterorenoscopy (URS) revealed no abnormality. In the other patient with normal IVP and retrograde pyelography (RGP), URS revealed a ureteral tumor 5 mm in diameter. Although the UT cytology was normal in the remaining 45 patients, IVP revealed right hydronephrosis in 1 patient and URS revealed multiple ureteral tumors. CONCLUSION: Given the normal appearance of the UT, it is highly unlikely that these patients have tumor in the UT. Thus, during the follow-up of patients with superficial bladder cancer, it is not useful to perform UT select cytology in the absence of any identifiable filling defects in the upper urinary tract.

Use of percent free prostate-specific antigen density to improve the specificity for detecting prostate cancer in patients with normal rectal examinations and intermediate prostate-specific antigen levels.

INTRODUCTION: As prostatic volume influences percent free prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in patients with prostate cancer, we evaluated whether percent free PSA density, which relates the serum percent free PSA to the volume of the prostate determined by transrectal ultrasound, could increase the specificity of cancer detection in men with normal digital rectal examinations and intermediate PSA levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 105 consecutive men with normal digital rectal examinations and serum PSA levels of 4.1-10.0 ng/ml. All patients underwent at least sextant prostate biopsies to establish the diagnosis. For detection of total and free PSA we used an Immulite free and total PSA assay. We compared PSA density, percent free PSA and percent free PSA density for their utility in cancer detection. RESULTS: Overall, 20 of 105 patients (19%) had prostate cancer. The area under the curve (AUC) for percent free PSA density was 0.771, not significantly higher than the AUC of 0.75 for PSA density (p = 0.778), but significantly higher than the AUC of 0.604 for percent free PSA (p = 0.021). Of these three parameters, percent free PSA density yielded the highest specificity percentage (54.1%) at 95% sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Percent free PSA density is more specific than percent free PSA in distinguishing benign from malignant disease in men with a normal digital rectal examination and an intermediate PSA level. Further study is necessary to discover whether percent free PSA density is superior to percent free PSA or PSA density.

Urological complications in renal transplantation: long-term follow-up of the Woodruff ureteroneocystostomy procedure in 433 patients.

PURPOSE: The two major types of urologic problems after renal transplantation are urinary leakage and obstruction. In this study, we report the urological complications of renal transplantations performed in our hospital during a 22-year period. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 1978 and 2000, 433 consecutive patients underwent renal transplantation. Of those transplants, 50 were cadavers and 383 were living-related donor transplantation. All ureteroneocystostomies were performed with the same technique described by Woodruff. RESULTS: Urological complications developed in 19 (4.23%) recipients. Those complications were urinary leakage in 9 (2%), ureteral obstruction in 9 (2%) and ureteral necrosis in 1 patient (0.23%). All complications occurred during the 6-month postoperative period and after re-operation or conservative management no graft or patient was lost due to urological complications. CONCLUSIONS: The quoted overall rate of urological complications varies from 2.9 to 12.5%; our complication rate was 4.23%. This relatively low rate is probably due to the Woodruff ureteroneocystostomy technique.

A very unusual intravesical foreign body in a male.

We present a case of a battery as foreign body in the bladder in a 36-year-old man. Many kinds of foreign bodies in the bladder have been reported but to our knowledge this is the first case of a battery. The diagnosis and the treatment of the case is discussed.

The significance of random bladder biopsies in superficial bladder cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Today, there is no consensus about taking random bladder biopsies during transurethral resection of superficial bladder tumors for staging and to determine the urothelial abnormalities like dysplasia and carcinoma in situ. The aim of our study was to evaluate the results and indications of random bladder biopsies for primary superficial bladder cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Random bladder biopsies were taken from 84 patients with primary superficial bladder cancer after transurethral resection. 40 patients had Ta and 44 had T1 tumor. The random biopsies were taken from right and left bladder walls, anterior and posterior walls, dome, trigone and prostatic urethra. The incidence of urothelial abnormalities were evaluated according to the stage and grade of the tumor. RESULTS: None of the patients had carcinoma in situ or dysplasia with Ta tumor. In T1 group, 4 patients (9.1%) had carcinoma in situ and 3 patients (6.8%) had dysplasia. There was a statistically significant difference with regard to urothelial abnormalities between groups Ta and T1. The same difference was also seen between low and high grade tumors. CONCLUSION: In our study, only 7/84 (8.3%) of patients with primary superficial bladder cancer had urothelial abnormalities like carcinoma in situ or dysplasia. All of these pathologies were seen in T1 tumors. According to our results, we believe that random biopsies are not useful in superficial bladder cancers to detect urothelial abnormalities and also do not help for the planning of further treatment.