Style morphology and pollen tube pathway.

The style morphology and anatomy vary among different species. Three basic types are: open, closed, and semi-closed. Cells involved in the pollen tube pathway in the different types of styles present abundant endoplasmic reticulum, dictyosomes, mitochondria, and ribosomes. These secretory characteristics are related to the secretion where pollen tube grows. This secretion can be represented by the substances either in the canal or in the intercellular matrix or in the cell wall. Most studies suggest that pollen tubes only grow through the secretion of the canal in open styles. However, some species present pollen tubes that penetrate the epithelial cells of the canal, or grow through the middle lamella between these cells and subepithelial cells. In species with a closed style, a pathway is provided by the presence of an extracellular matrix, or by the thickened cell walls of the stylar transmitting tissue. There are reports in some species where pollen tubes can also penetrate the transmitting tissue cells and continue their growth through the cell lumen. In this review, we define subtypes of styles according to the path of the pollen tube. Style types were mapped on an angiosperm phylogenetic tree following the maximum parsimony principle. In line with this, it could be hypothesized that: the open style appeared in the early divergent angiosperms; the closed type of style originated in Asparagales, Poales, and Eudicots; and the semi-closed style appeared in Rosids, Ericales, and Gentianales. The open style seems to have been lost in core Eudicots, with reversions in some Rosids and Asterids.

The accuracy of renal tumor biopsy: analysis from a national prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess preoperative renal tumor biopsy (RTB) accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As part of the prospective NEPHRON study, data from 1,237 renal tumors were collected, including the use and results of RTB and final histology following nephrectomy. During the 6 months period of inclusion, 130 preoperative biopsies were performed. We used the kappa coefficient of the McNemar test to determine the concordance between the biopsy and the nephrectomy specimen (NS) regarding four parameters: malignant/benign status, histological subtype, Fuhrman grade and microscopic necrosis. RESULTS: Preoperative biopsies were performed in 9.7 and 11.4 % of the 667 radical and 570 partial nephrectomies, respectively. Tumor biopsy was inconclusive in 7.7 % of the cases. In 117 cases, a comparison between RTB and NS was available. Benign tumors accounted for three (2.6 %) and five (4.3 %) of the RTB and NS, respectively (κ = 0.769, good). With seven (6 %) discordant results in terms of histological subtype characterization between RTB and final pathology, RTB accuracy was considered excellent (κ = 0.882). In 33 cases (31.7 %), Fuhrman grade was underestimated at biopsy resulting in an intermediate concordance level (κ = 0.498). Tumor microscopic necrosis was identified in 12 RTB (10.4 %) versus 33 NS (28.4 %) (κ = 0.357, poor). CONCLUSIONS: RTB provides good to excellent diagnostic performance for discriminating malignancy and tumor histological subtype. However, its performance is intermediate or even poor when considering prognostic criteria like Fuhrman grade or microscopic necrosis. Thus, this possible inaccuracy should be taken into consideration when using RTB for accurate guidance of treatment strategy.

Is there a volume-outcome relationship for partial nephrectomy?

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the impact of hospital volume on partial nephrectomy indications and outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were extracted from the National Observational Registry on the Practice and Hemostasis in Partial Nephrectomy registry. Four groups were created according to the number of partial nephrectomy (PN) performed: very high (VH, ≥ 19 PN), high (H, 10-18 PN), moderate (M, 4-9 PN) and low (L, <4 PN) PN activity. Indications and surgical outcomes were compared among all groups. The effect of hospital volume on postoperative complications and positive margin rate was examined by a multivariable analysis. RESULTS: Fifty-three centers included a total of 570 PN. There were 9 VH, 13 H, 12 M and 19 L volume centers which performed 270 (47.4 %), 179 (31.4 %), 74 (13 %) and 47 (8.2 %) PN, respectively. Patients in higher volume centers were significantly younger (p = 0.008), had a lower BMI (p = 0.002) and decreased ASA score (p < 0.001). PN was more frequently performed in higher volume centers (p = 0.006) particularly in case of renal masses <4 cm (p = 0.005). Open surgery was the most common approach in all groups, but laparoscopic PN was more frequent in M volume hospitals (p < 0.001). Positive margin (p = 0.06) and complications (p = 0.022) rates were higher in M group. In multivariable analysis, renal chronic disease was an independent predictor of positive margin rate (p < 0.001, OR 3.91). CONCLUSIONS: PN is more frequently performed in high volume institutions particularly for small renal masses. We observed increase positive margin and complication rates in moderate volume centers that might be explained by an increased use of laparoscopy.

Kidney damage due to tuberous sclerosis complex: management recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: To deduce recommendations from the literature on the management of kidney damage caused by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Five practitioners have written up recommendations after reviewing the literature. They were evaluated by 14 experts using a 9 level scale (1: complete disagreement; 9: complete agreement), then reworded until each item received a median score of greater than or equal to 8. RESULTS: Forty-eight to 80% of patients with TSC have kidney disease with the presence of angiomyolipomas (AML), cysts, cancers and/or progression towards renal insufficiency. An abdominal ultrasound (and serum creatinine level if there is an abnormality) is recommended as soon as the TSC is diagnosed. The evaluation should be repeated every 3 to 5 years if it is normal. Numerous and voluminous cysts are suggestive of associated polycystosis. After 20 years of age, the monitoring should be based on CT scan or MRI, which are more precise in the monitoring of AML. The biopsy of a renal mass should be discussed if there are calcifications, central necrosis or rapid growth. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis should be screened for in women via pulmonary CT scan at 18 and 30 to 40 years of age. Haemorrhagic rupture of an AML should be treated in first-line by embolisation. Asymptomatic AMLs that cumulate risk factors for bleeding (size >80 mm, predominant vascular contingent, micro-aneurisms) should be preventively treated, if possible by embolisation. The role of mTOR inhibitors remains to be defined. CONCLUSION: Monitoring and a standardised treatment are necessary to improve the treatment of renal damage caused by TSC.

[Small renal masses: 10 years of treatment in a tertiary referral center in cancer research]. / Cancer du rein de moins de 4cm : traitement dans un centre de référence régional en cancérologie.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the impact of preoperative clinical data that could influence the undertaking of small renal masses (size<4cm) and to direct patients towards surgery or observance or radiofrequency. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2000 to December 2010, 253 small renal masses were included in a retrospective study. Renal masses less than 3cm were compared to the 3 to 4cm masses. Clinical data, pathological data and follow-up was noted prospectively on the database and we analyzed it according to the treatment done (surgery, radiofrequency or observation). RESULTS: Surgical treatment, radiofrequency and observation were performed for 214 (86.4%), 15 (5.9%), and 24 (9.5%) patients respectively. The treatments of the patients differed in the two groups (<3cm vs. 3-4cm) and the appeal to radiofrequency and observation was more frequent for elder patients (>65years old) and for those whom performance status (ECOG status) greater or equal to 1. Cancer specific survival was not statistically different for the two groups (average: 87.5% after 5years, mean 33months follow-up, P=0.7). Independent risk factors of recurrence were Fuhrman grade, synchronous tumors, noddles invasion and metastatic progression. Positive surgical margins were not a risk factor of recurrence (P=0.6). CONCLUSION: Age and performance status are the two main clinical data, which influence the treatment for patients with small renal masses. Radiofrequency and observation were undertaken more regularly for elder and altered ones. The use of scales as Charlson Index or Lee scale could help to choose more easily according to global morbidity and mortality.

[Guidelines for the management of tuberous sclerosis complex renal disease]. / Atteintes rénales de la sclérose tubéreuse de Bourneville : recommandations de prise en charge.

PURPOSE: To review existing literature and deduce guidelines for the management of renal disease in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). PATIENTS: After review of literature, a core panel of five physicians wrote a draft that was evaluated by 14 reviewers who used a 9-level scale (1: total disagreement; 9: total agreement). The guidelines were then reformulated until each item received a median score superior or equal to 8. RESULTS: Forty-eight to 80 % of TSC patients have significant renal involvement including angiomyolipomas (AMLs), cysts, malignant tumors and renal insufficiency. It is recommended to perform an abdominal ultrasound (and serum creatinine if abnormal ultrasound) when TSC is diagnosed. This work-up will be repeated every 3-5years if normal. Associated autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease must be suspected in case of numerous and large cysts. After the age of 20, follow-up should use computed tomography (CT) or MRI that are more precise than ultrasound for the measurement of AMLs. Biopsy of a renal mass should be discussed in case of calcifications, necrosis or rapid growth. Females with TSC should undergo screening for pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis by CT at the age of 18, and, if negative at the age of 30-40. Acute bleeding should be treated with percutaneous embolization. Asymptomatic angiomyolipomas with several risk factors (size>80mm, predominant vascular component, micro-aneurysms) should undergo prophylactic treatment, if possible using embolization. The role of mTOR inhibitors in the management of angiomyolipomas needs to be defined. CONCLUSION: Standardization of follow-up and treatment is necessary to improve the management of TSC renal involvement.

[Renal cell carcinoma of patients younger than 40 years old]. / Le carcinome à cellules rénales du sujet de moins de 40ans.

CONTEXT: Clinical and pathological characteristics of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) of patients younger than 40 years old are not well known. The objective of this study was to analyze these characteristics by comparison to a group of patients aged 58 to 62. METHODS: Retrospective study of a group of patients aged less than 40 years old (group 1, n=44) and a group of patients aged 58 to 62 years old (group 2; n=106) treated surgically for a renal mass from January 2000 to July 2009. A comparative analysis of clinical, pathological characteristics and of cancer-specific survival was performed. Specific survival was calculated with the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the Log-Rank test. Univariate and multivariable analysis were performed to assess and quantify the effect of age on cancer-specific survival. Covariates were gender, age group, tumor size, pT stage, histological sub-type and Fuhrman grade. RESULTS: Clinical and pathological characteristics were similar in both groups (P>0.05) except for histological sub-type (56% of clear cell RCC for group 1 versus 82% for group 2). In the group of patients younger than 40 years, translocation RCC represented 23% of all RCCs. Cancer-specific survival at five years was similar in both groups (80% and 76% for group 1 and 2 respectively, P>0.58). Fuhrman grade was the only independent prognostic factor of cancer-specific survival (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Patients younger than 40 years were more likely to have a translocation RCC than their older counterparts for who clear cell RCC represented the main histological sub-type. Cancer-specific survival was similar between both groups. Only a systematic specific immunostaining for TFE3 or TFEB will allow to assess the exact incidence and prognosis of this entity.

[Nephron-sparing surgery is superior to radical nephrectomy in preserving renal function outcome in tumors larger than 4 cm]. / Intérêt de la néphrectomie partielle pour la préservation de la fonction rénale des patients ayant une tumeur rénale de plus de 4 cm.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyse whether nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) was superior to radical nephrectomy (RN) in preserving renal function outcome in tumors larger than 4cm. METHODS: The data from 888 patients who had been operated upon at eight french university hospitals were retrospectively analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) pre- and post-surgery was calculated with the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. For a fair comparison between the two techniques, all imperative indications for NSS and all GFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were excluded from analysis. A shift to a less favorable DFG group following surgery was considered clinically significant. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty patients were suitable for comparison. Median age at diagnosis was 60 years (19-88). Tumors measuring more than 4cm represented 359 (49.2%) cases. NSS and RN were performed in 384 (52.6%) and 346 (47.4%) patients, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients undergoing NSS had a smaller risk than RN of developing significant GFR change following surgery. This was true for tumors≤4cm (P=0.0001) and for tumors>4cm (P=0.018). In multivariate analysis, the following criteria were independent predictive factors for developing significant postoperative GFR loss: the use of RN (P=0.001), decreased preoperative DFG (P=0.006), increased age at diagnosis (P=0.001) and increased ASA score (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: The renal function benefit offered by elective NSS over RN persists even when expanding NSS indications beyond the traditional 4 cm cut-off.

[Early evaluation of the feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopy in the surgical treatment of deep infiltrating endometriosis]. / Étude de faisabilité du traitement laparoscopique robot-assisté de lésions d'endométriose pelvienne profonde.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary study of the feasibility of robot-assisted laparoscopy for deep pelvic endometriosis nodule resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between May 2009 and February 2010, we collected medical and surgical data about deep infiltrating endometriosis resections performed in our institution, using robot-assisted laparoscopy (DA VINCI Intuitive Surgical System(®)). RESULTS: Six patients were included: four partial bladder and two uterosacral ligament resections. The median age was 29.5 years (24-48). All patients reported chronic pelvic pain, associated with urinary tract symptoms in case of bladder endometriosis. Before surgery, lesion mapping was performed using magnetic resonance imaging for all, and mechanical bowel preparation or double-j stenting were prescribed, depending on the endometriosis location. Surgical procedures median time was 173 minutes (156-244), and median length of stay was 3 days (2-5). Complete resection was possible in all cases. There was no conversion in classical laparoscopy or laparotomy, and no intraoperative complication. Pathology diagnosis of surgical pieces concluded to endometriosis lesion in all cases. CONCLUSION: This study shows the feasibility of the robot-assisted laparoscopy in the resection of deep pelvic endometriosis, without increasing of surgical timing, blood loss or intraoperative complications.

[Case report of kidney cancer from JOUM 2010]. / Cas cliniques de cancer du rein des JOUM 2010.

Three clinical cases have shown the superiority of sunitinib in first line therapy intermediate risk metastatic clear cell renal carcinoma and a best safety of bevacizumab plus interferon, the current lack of high level of evidence arguments for the neo-adjuvant treatment of kidney cancer, the importance to prevent mucositis during a mTOR inhibitors treatment and the diagnostic pitfalls of its pulmonary complications.

[Oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy: French validation of the D'Amico risk group classification]. / Résultats carcinologiques après prostatectomie totale pour cancer: validation française de la classification de D'Amico.

PURPOSE: To validate the D'Amico risk group classification in French consecutive series and to analyse recurrence risk factor after radical prostatectomy (RP) for prostate cancer. MATERIAL: We retrospectively analyzed data collected from 10/2000 to 05/2009 for 730 consecutive patients who underwent RP for clinically localized or locally advanced prostate cancer (cT1-cT3) in our institution. Biochemical recurrence (BCR) was defined by prostate-specific antigen (PSA) of greater than 0.1 ng/ml, with rising PSA at two consecutive dosages. Postoperative survival was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method after D'Amico's group stratification. The accuracy of the model was evaluated using the Harrell's concordance index. The impact on outcomes of preoperative PSA and pathological features was evaluated using a monovariate and multivariate Cox analysis. RESULTS: Median follow-up was 30 months [interquartile range: 13-51]. The overall 3-year and 5-year probability of freedom from BCR was 85% (95% Confidence Interval (CI), 81-88%) and 78% (95% CI, 74-83%), respectively. For low, intermediate, and high-risk group, the 5-year freedom from BCR was 92% (95% CI, 88-97%), 73% (95% CI, 65-81%) and 44% (95% CI, 28-59%), respectively (p<0.001). Harrell's concordance index was 0.71. Surgical margins were positive in 31% of all cases. In a multivariate analysis, preoperative PSA, pathological tumor stage, Gleason score and surgical margins status predicted BCR after RP. CONCLUSIONS: We externally validated the ability of the D'Amico's risk group stratification to predict disease progression following RP in European patients. Preoperative PSA, pathological stage, Gleason score and surgical margins status predicted BCR after RP in our series through a multivariate analysis.

[How radical nephrectomy compares to partial nephrectomy for the treatment of pT1a papillary renal cell carcinomas?]. / Comment se comparent néphrectomies partielles et élargies pour le traitement des carcinomes papillaires pT1aN0M0? Etude comparative rétrospective de 277 cas.

PURPOSE: Our objective was to compare oncologic results of nephron sparing surgery (NSS) versus radical nephrectomy (RN) in T1aN0-x M0 papillary renal cell carcinoma (PRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 277 patients treated for a pT1aN0M0 PRCC selected from an academic database from 12 centres. We compared the clinico-pathological features by using Chi-square and Student statistical analyses. Survivals analyses using Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank models were performed. RESULTS: The two groups were composed by 186 patients treated by NSS and 91 by RN. The TNM stage was fixed and the two groups were, in terms of age and Fuhrman grade, comparable. Median age at diagnosis was 59 years (27-85). Median tumor size was 2.7 cm (0.4-4). The average follow-up was 49 months (1-246). Very few events arose in both groups: two local recurrences were observed in the NSS group (1.07%), three patients died of cancer in the NSS treated group (1.6%) and five in the RN treated group (5.5%). The five and 10 cancer-specific survival rate were comparable in the two groups (98% vs. 100% and 98% vs. 97%). The specific survival curves were perfectly similar for both groups (log rank test, p=0.25). CONCLUSION: NSS is equivalent to RN as far as oncologic control of pT1aN0M0 PRCC is concerned.

The use of partial nephrectomy in European tertiary care centers.

PURPOSE: The objective was to define the trends of PN use over time at six tertiary care European centers. METHODS: Data were retrieved from institutional databases for patients treated with either PN or radical nephrectomy (RN) for stages T(1-2)N(0)M(0) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between 1987 and 2007. For purpose of temporal trend analyses patients were divided into five equally sized groups according to the date of surgery. Categorical and multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed predictors of PN use. RESULTS: Overall 597 (31.7%) patients were treated with PN. Overall, a 4.5-fold increase of PN was recorded. The absolute increases were 41.7-86.3%, 14.9-69.3% and 8.1-35.3% for lesions < or = 2 cm, 2.1-4 cm and 4.1-7 cm (chi-square trend test p<0.001), respectively. In multivariable logistic regression models, decreasing tumor size, younger age, more contemporary date of surgery, male gender and institutional PN rate represented independent predictors of the individual probability of treatment with PN. Lack of data from community hospitals limits the generalizability of our findings. CONCLUSION: Based on data from six tertiary care centers, the contemporary rate of PN ranges from 86 to 35% for renal masses < or = 2 cm to 4.1-7 cm and is indicative of excellent quality of care.

[Observational survey on variations of prostate cancer incidence by stage in the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region between 1998 and 2004]. / Enquête observationnelle sur les variations d'incidence par stade des cancers de la prostate dans la région Nord-Pas-de-Calais entre 1998 et 2004.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to study variations of prostate cancer incidence by stage as a function of time and place in a region of France. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Retrospective observational survey conducted in five private and public urology centres representative of the various demographic features of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais region. In each centre, the medical records of the first 25 cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in 1998, 2002 and 2004, identified from histology laboratory data, were studied by means of a case report form evaluating the circumstances of diagnosis, PSA level, grade, stage (TNM 97, classification) and initial management. RESULTS: This analysis was based on 123, 124 and 125 patients in five centres in 1998, 2002 and 2004, respectively. The age at diagnosis ranged from 71.14 to 68.9 years between 1998 and 2004 (p=0.054). Median PSA decreased over this six-year period from 18 to 10.8 ng/ml. Between 1998 and 2004, the percentage of patients with localized cancer (PSA<20 ng/ml) increased from 44.8 to 66.4% (p<0.05), the percentage of patients with locally advanced cancer (PSA between 20 and 50 ng/ml) decreased from 17 to 9.6% (p<0.05), the percentage of patients with regional or distant metastatic disease (N1 and/or M1 and/or PSA>50 ng/ml) decreased from 29.4 to 22.4% (p<0.05) and the percentage of patients receiving curative treatment increased from 30 to 54.4% (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: The prostate cancer incidence by stage varied between 1998 and 2004, with a significantly higher proportion of localized stages, which can be explained by the increased use of screening and diagnostic tests. Routine surveys can measure trends and the amplitude of incidence variations in the population of a region. A representative survey conducted in centres throughout France would allow evaluation of national trends between two publications of incidence by stage results in French registries.

Tumour necrosis in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma: clinical data to distinguish aggressive variants.

AIM: To assess correlation between necrosis on imaging and pathology reports and prognostic value of tumour necrosis in chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (CRCC). METHODS: Cases were extracted from a prospective renal cancer registry set up in January 2000 containing 470 patients who had surgery for renal cancer in our institution. We reported the outcome of this series and assessed prognostic significance of clinical and pathologic characteristics. Retrospectively, imaging results and histologic slides of CRCC were analyzed and looked for presence and extent of any tumour necrosis and histologic subtype (eosinophilic versus clear variant). Agreement between necrosis diagnosed by CT-scan and histologic necrosis was given by the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Of the 470 patients from the database, 21 (4.5%) had CRCC. Their mean age (+/-SD) was 56.4 +/- 11.4 years (range 34-73). Mean tumour size (+/-SD) was 5.6 +/- 4.2 cm. After a mean follow-up of 22.5 months (range 1-80), 4 patients (19%) developed metastases. Tumour size, Fuhrman nuclear grade and presence of necrosis on imaging and on histology were significant prognostic factors for disease progression of CRCC (P < or = 0.01). The histologic subtype was not a prognostic factor. Necrosis assessed preoperatively by spiral CT-scan agreed well with histologic coagulative necrosis (kappa = 0.88). Necrosis extent on imaging and on pathology was not a prognostic factor for disease progression. CONCLUSION: Preoperative detection of tumour necrosis is possible. Tumour necrosis on imaging and on pathology provides a clinically useful information for the clinician to distinguish aggressive variant of CRCC.

Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with right atrial thrombus: early experience and description of a simplified technique.

Operative management of patients presenting renal cell carcinoma's (RCC) with right atrial tumor thrombus extension is a technical challenge. It requires the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The aim of this study was to report our early experience and to describe a simplified CPB technique. 5 consecutive patients underwent surgical resection by a joint cardiovascular and urological team. The ascending aorta was canulated. The venous drainage was achieved using a proximal canula inserted in the superior vena cava and a distal canula inserted in the IVC below the renal veins. Right atrium thrombus extension was extracted under normothermic CPB without cross clamping or cardioplegic arrest. A cavotomy was performed at the ostium of the renal vein and an endoluminal occlusion catheter was introduced. The thrombectomy and the radical nephrectomy were then performed. The occurrence of gaseous or tumor embolism, operative time, perioperative bleeding, and post-operative complications were assessed. Mean patients age was 62.9 years. Atrial and caval thrombectomy were achieved successfully in all patients. Mean operative time was 206 min. Mean CPB time was 62 min. Mean hospital stay was 18.8 days. One death occurred, due to respiratory failure. An asymptomatic early thrombosis of the IVC was diagnosed by CT scan in 1 patient. The four remaining patients were alive 6 months after the surgical procedure. Minimally invasive CPB technique can be used to treat intra atrial thrombus tumor extension arising from renal cell carcinoma. It can be performed safely with acceptable complications rate.

[Pituitary apoplexy: a rare complication in the postoperative period]. / Apoplexie hypophysaire: complication postopératoire rare d'une chirurgie réglée.

Postoperative pituitary apoplexy is an exceptional but life-threatening complication. We report the case of a 62-year-old man who underwent a cystoprostatectomy under general anaesthesia. The immediate postoperative course was complicated by asthenia and an altered state of consciousness. A few days later, a homonymous followed by bitemporal hemianopia developed. A CT-scan and magnetic resonance imaging made the diagnosis o pituitary apoplexy. The treatment was a medical one, with rapid improvement in the patient's condition.

[Tissue engineering in urology]. / Ingénierie tissulaire et thérapie cellulaire en urologie.

Tissue engineering refers to the techniques that are aimed at regeneration of human tissues and organs. Two elements are necessary for these techniques: matrix and cells. Matrix is the scaffold where tissues may organise. Cells are either autologous cells stimulated to regenerate in vivo, aided by implantation of matrix ("guided tissue regeneration"), or autologous cells cultured outside the body (in vitro) and later returned as auto-transplants. All types of conventional tissue reconstructive surgery need tissue engineering. These techniques have been introduced recently into the clinical practice. One of the main limitations of reconstructive surgery in genitourinary tract is the lack of autologous tissue. Two autotransplants could be distinguished: coherent tissue structure or cell suspensions. The great number of studies published in this area emphasizes the importance of the future clinical implication in urology.

[Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome and multiple vesical hemangiomas: treatment with Neodymium:YAG laser]. / Syndrome de Klippel-Trenaunay et hémangiomes vésicaux multiples: traitement par laser Neodymium:YAG.

The authors report the case of a patient presenting with bladder haemangiomas in the context of Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome treated by Neodymium:YAG laser. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome consists of a combination of hypertrophy of a limb, cutaneous angiomas and varicose veins. Bladder haemangioma is a benign congenital vascular tumour associated with Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome in 3 to 6% of cases, especially affecting children and young adults. Its most frequent clinical manifestation is haematuria. The diagnosis is based on endoscopy. Endoscopic treatment by Neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser photocoagulation appears to be a satisfactory treatment option.

[Prostatic malacoplakia: report of 3 cases]. / La malacoplakie prostatique: à propos de trois observations.

Malakoplakia is a granulomatous inflammatory disorder occurring rarely in the prostate. We report our experience with three patients aged from 54 to 75 years old. Clinical presentations were unspecific. All patients presented with a past history of urinary tract infection. Ultrasound study revealed hypoechoic peripheral zone lesions. Histological examination showed a diffuse granulomatous inflammation with numerous histiocytes containing Michaelis-Gutmann bodies. In the prostate, malakoplakia is a histological variant of granulomatous chronic prostatitis following urinary infections. Clinically and radiologically, the differential diagnosis with adenocarcinoma is difficult. The symptoms disappear with a prolongated antibiotic treatment.