Mechanismus der Cyclotrimerisierung von Phenylvinylketonen und die Kristallstrukturen von 1-((1R*,2S*,3R*,5S*)-und 1-((1R*,2S*,3R*,5R*)- 3.5-Dibenzoyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylcyclohexylmethyl)-pyrrolidin-2-on/The Mechanism of Cyclotrimerisation of Phenylvinylketones and theCrystal Structures of 1-((1R*,2S*,3R*,5S*)-and1-((1R*,2S*,3R*,5R*)-3.5-Dibenzoyl-2-hydroxy-2-phenylcyclohexylmethyl)-pyrrolidin-2-on

The cyclotrimerisation of 1-phenyl-2-propyn-1-ol (1) with pyrrolidin-2-one (2) to the tribenzoylcyclohexanes 4 and 5 produced -with modifications of the reaction conditions -the phenylvinylketone adducts 17 and 18 as intermediates and additionally the cyclohexylmethyl-pyrrolidin-2-ones 8 and 9. Obviously the mechanism consists of a primary attack of pyrrolidin-2-onat (2a) to a phenylketone (7) followed by a series of consecutive Michael reactions, which give rise to 4 and 5 as well as to 8 and 9. The latter two have been identified by X-ray crystal structure analyses. They crystallize in the monoclinic space group P21/c, Z=4, with 8: a = 1786,8(6), b = 636.7(2), c = 2280.9(8) pm, β = 102.33(3)°; 9: a = 1119.9(7), b = 1165.1(3), c = 2198.6(5) pm, β = 118.24(4)°.

[19th annual conference of the working group on kidney transplantation of the academy of german urologists : mainz, 10-12 november 2011]

The 19th Annual Conference of the Working Group on Kidney Transplantation (KTX) of the Academy of German Urologists took place on 10-12 November 2011 in Mainz. The main topics at the meeting were surgical and technical aspects, immunosuppressive therapy, transplant rejection, pregnancy, sexuality, and psychological conflicts of kidney transplant recipients. The speakers documented the pertinence of interdisciplinarity for KTX and were not only from the field of urology but also from anesthesiology, gynecology, surgery, dermatology, nephrology, radiology, and psychosomatic medicine. The Bernd Schönberger Prize was awarded at the end of the event.

B domain containing Tenascin-C: a new urine marker for surveillance of patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder?

BACKGROUND

ECM remodelling during tumorigenesis entails the re-occurrence of different Tn-C(L) splicing variants. In patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder (UBC), B and C domain containing Tenascin-C (B(+) and C(+) Tn-C) urine levels were shown to be increased in case of muscle invasiveness. Thus, the present study was aimed at examining the ability of B(+) and C(+) Tn-C as potential urinary surveillance markers of UBC patients.

METHODS

Urine levels of B(+) and C(+) Tn-C were determined by ELISA in 35 UBC patients during a 2 year follow-up period after therapy and related to clinical diagnosis and histological stage in 4 defined groups representing typical courses of disease.

RESULTS

B(+) Tn-C levels showed significant differences between cases of tumour progression or regression. The urine levels of B(+) Tn-C could be used to discriminate between cases without tumour recurrence and such with tumour existence (cut-off value: 0.8 ng/ml) or between non-muscle invasive and muscle invasive tumour growth (cut-off value: 3.5 ng/ml).

CONCLUSIONS

Progression of UBC with time is accompanied by significant changes in urinary levels of B(+) Tn-C. Urinary B(+) Tn-C can therefore be suggested as a valuable urine surveillance marker in UBC follow-up care.

Measuring entanglement in condensed matter systems

We show how entanglement may be quantified in spin and cold atom many-body systems using standard experimental techniques only. The scheme requires no assumptions on the state in the laboratory, and a lower bound to the entanglement can be read off directly from the scattering cross section of neutrons deflected from solid state samples or the time-of-flight distribution of cold atoms in optical lattices, respectively. This removes a major obstacle which so far has prevented the direct and quantitative experimental study of genuine quantum correlations in many-body systems: The need for a full characterization of the state to quantify the entanglement contained in it. Instead, the scheme presented here relies solely on global measurements that are routinely performed and is versatile enough to accommodate systems and measurements different from the ones we exemplify in this work.

Measurement of diffusion and thermal diffusion in ternary fluid mixtures using a two-color optical beam deflection technique

We have developed a highly sensitive two-color beam deflection setup to measure diffusion and thermal diffusion in ternary fluid mixtures following a suggestion of Haugen and Firoozabadi [J. Phys. Chem. B 110, 17678 (2006)]. Simultaneous detection of two laser beams with different wavelengths makes it possible to determine the time dependent concentration profiles of all three components. By comparing the measured beam deflection signals to a numerical solution of the coupled heat and mass transport equations, the diffusion matrix, the thermal diffusion, and the Soret coefficients are obtained by a numerical model combined with a nonlinear least-squares fitting routine. The results can be improved by additional thermal diffusion forced Rayleigh scattering experiments, which yield a contrast-weighted average thermal diffusion coefficient. The three Soret coefficients can be obtained independently from the stationary beam deflection amplitudes. Measurements have been performed on the symmetric (equal weight fractions) ternary mixtures dodecane/isobutylbenzene/1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene and 1-methylnaphthalene/octane/decane. There is only partial agreement between our results and literature data.

Downsizing a tumor thrombus of advanced renal cell carcinoma with neoadjuvant systemic therapy and resulting histopathological effects

BACKGROUND

We report a treatment option in surgical therapy of locally advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

METHOD

A 63-year-old patient with locally advanced RCC including an atrial thrombus underwent 2 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy (Sutent 50 mg daily for 4 weeks followed by 2 weeks off) and then tumor surgery. Primary surgical therapy had to be delayed because of suspected bronchial carcinoma and additional diagnostics. After neoadjuvant therapy to downsize the tumor thrombus and exclusion of any additional malignant tumors, operation was done via abdominal access; no sternotomy was necessary.

RESULTS

Histopathological examinations of the primary tumor after tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy were evaluated and compared to tumor biopsy material taken before therapy.

CONCLUSION

Neoadjuvant therapy with Sutent may represent a favorable treatment option in cases of locally advanced clear-cell RCC with extended tumor thrombus.

[Laser-supported partial nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma]

To decrease the disadvantages of vascular hilar clamping, we tested the use of a laser for partial nephrectomy. We conclude that laser-supported partial nephrectomy without clamping of the renal vessels, particularly in carefully selected patients, is a safe alternative to classic partial nephrectomy.

[The German Renal Cell Tumor Network]

To provide complex experimental and clinical analysis of renal cell tumors, it is necessary to investigate this tumor entity interdisciplinarily. The aim of the German Renal Cell Tumor Network is to answer current problems through interdisciplinary cooperation among clinicians and basic researchers from different fields. It is thus now possible to analyze more than 500 well-characterized tumor samples using different techniques.

New Cut-Off Point between T1 and T2 Renal Cell Carcinoma – Necessary for a Better Discriminatory Power of the TNM Classification

PURPOSE

We evaluated the pathological features of tumor size, lymph node and distant metastases, cell type, growth pattern, infiltration pattern, histological grade, local invasion and venous involvement of organ-confined renal carcinomas. The aim of this study was the re-evaluation of the TNM classification and the tumor cut-off point between T1 and T2 for renal cell carcinomas from the 1987 to the 1997 versions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

(1) Patients with renal cell carcinoma who had been operated between October 1992 and August 2001 were evaluated. 437 of 691 patients showed T1 and T2 tumors. These organ-confined tumors have been divided into five groups: group 1: tumor-size of 20 mm or less (n = 16), group 2: 21-30 mm (n = 79); group 3: 31-40 mm (n = 83; group 4: 41-70 mm (n = 184), and group 5: more than 70 mm in diameter (only T2, n = 75). Follow-up ranged from 0 to 100 months (average 28.63 months). (2) Of 15,347 autopsies performed in Jena between 1985 and 1996, 272 renal cell carcinomas were revealed. In 145 of these 272 cases renal cell carcinomas were limited to the kidney. These 145 tumors were divided accordingly into 5 groups: group 1: 20 mm or less (n = 33), group 2: 21- 30 mm (n = 31); group 3: 31-40 mm (n = 29); group 4: 41-70 mm (n = 42), and group 5: T2 (n = 10). Clinicopathological criteria examined were lymph node and distant metastases, cell type, growth pattern, infiltration pattern, histological grade, local invasion and venous involvement. To identify the optimal cut-off point between T1 and T2 disease the chi2 test was used.

RESULTS

(1) In the clinical series only 1.8% (n = 8) of all cases showed lymph node metastases. Distant metastases were shown in 57 cases (13.04%); within group 1: 0%, group 2: 7.59%, group 3: 1.20%, group 4: 15.76%, group 5: 28%. The tumor grading was statistically correlated with tumor size. (2) In the pathological series 94 of the evaluated 145 patients were downstaged from T2(1987) to T1(1997). Lymph node and distant metastases were well correlated with tumor size. Lymph node metastases were seen in 0, 12.9, 31, 29.3 and 40% (group 1 to group 5) and distant metastases in 12.1, 25.8, 41.4, 47.7 and 60%. There were no statistically significant differences between T2(1997) and T1(3-7 cm). The tumor grading was statistically correlated with tumor size (grade 1: in 66.7, 25.8, 17.2, 9.5 and 0%).

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that the current cut-off diameter between T1 and T2 renal cell carcinomas (7 cm) is too high. Lowering the cut-off level will result in better discriminatory power of the TNM classification. From our data, we conclude that the cut-off diameter should be lowered to 3.5 cm (p < 0.001).

Endocrine alteration in the adrenal gland in kidney transplant patients

INTRODUCTION

Endocrine alterations associated with chronic renal failure have been reviewed recently. Some of these alterations are of clinical relevance. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of renal transplantation on the endocrine system of the adrenal gland of the transplant recipients.

METHODS

The serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (SACE), plasma renin (PR) and plasma aldosterone (PA) were examined in 30 patients before and after renal allotransplantation. Additionally measured parameters were blood pressure, serum creatinine, potassium, sodium, the duration of dialysis and immunosuppressive medication.

RESULTS

Six weeks after renal transplantation, serum creatinine decreased from 820.07 +/- 172.01 to 138.12 +/- 67.54 micromol/l. In the same period, serum potassium decreased from 5.42 +/- 0.89 to 4.17 +/- 0.42 mmol/l. PA and PR decreased from 1,150.84 +/- 976.06 to 233.52 +/- 217.07 micromol/l, and from 121.07 +/- 100.12 to 26.16 +/- 10.86 microU/ml, respectively. SACE decreased from 0.21 +/- 0.21 to 0.13 +/- 0.11 micromol/l. No significant correlation was seen with blood pressure, serum sodium, the duration of dialysis and immunosuppressive drugs. Additionally, 2 patients with acute renal graft dysfunction showed significant increases in PR and PA. After successful treatment both levels declined very quickly to prerejection levels. Patients after binephrectomy show no elevation in PR (5-47 microU/ml) or PA (21-416 micromol/l) neither before nor after renal transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that renal transplantation has profound effects on the recipient's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Because of the rapid depression after renal transplantation, it does not appear to be involved in the pathogenesis of post transplantation hypertension but may reflect a role for repair processes after renal allotransplantation.

Renal cell carcinoma in renal graft recipients and donors: incidence and consequence

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Numerous studies have reported an increasing incidence of small renal cell carcinoma (RCC). De novo RCC in a renal allograft is a rare event and has special implications in renal transplant recipients. The objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the incidence of RCC in renal graft recipients and donors and to determine a procedure in cases with newly detected small renal tumors at the time of kidney preparation before transplantation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We mailed a questionnaire to 38 German transplant clinics and received answers from 27 centers. A total of 10,997 renal graft recipients were included in the period of 1990-1998.

RESULTS

In 30 kidneys (0.273%) RCC was detected at the time of preparation before transplantation. There were 23 male and 3 female donors. No bilateral RCC was described. The mean age of the donors with RCC was 50.9 years (range 37-72 years). The tumors had a mean size of 2.2 cm (range 0.4-6 cm). 67% of the patients had a renal tumor smaller than 20 mm. In 26/27 centers the decision to transplant relies on the result of the immediate section for microscopic examination. 16 patients (0.145%) developed RCC 3-12 years after renal transplantation (mean 7.4 years). The mean tumor size was 2.5 cm (range 2-2.8 cm). In 50% a grade 1 and in the other 50% a grade 2 carcinoma was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the RCC incidence in donor candidates we recommend an ultrasound screening of the native kidneys before renal explantation and an immediate preparation of the kidney surface especially in donors older than 45 years. In cases with small renal lesions we recommend an immediate section for microscopic examination before transplantation to prevent tumor implantation into an otherwise healthy patient. The frequency of RCCs after renal transplantation necessitates careful clinical and instrumental examinations in organ-transplanted recipients both before and at regular intervals after transplantation, including the patient's kidneys.

Computerized contrast angiosonography: a new diagnostic tool for the urologist?

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the diagnostic potential of echo-enhanced ultrasonography (US) for depicting the vascularization pattern of renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and calculating the first-pass effect using harmonic imaging, against that obtained by triphasic helical computed tomography (CT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Sixty patients with surgically confirmed RCC underwent US using B-mode and power Doppler methods with or without an intravenous microbubble echo-enhancing agent. After depicting and defining the tumour extent by B-mode US, the first-pass effect/enhancement by the echo-enhancing agent within the lesion, and that of a reference area of unaffected renal cortex, were recorded on-line by calculating the mean pixel intensity. Time-intensity curves, i.e. the rise time and gradient of both the suspected tumour and reference areas, were constructed.

RESULTS

Using B-mode US, the extent of all tumours was delineated (mean tumour size 3.8 cm, SD 0.6). After applying the microbubble agent all tumours were enhanced, whereas the perfusion was decreased (in 48%), increased (in 16%) or similar (in 36%) compared with the cortical reference area. Using the Hounsfield classification, these results correlated well with the hypo/hypervascularity shown on CT.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasonography has considerable potential in diagnosing RCC, if combined with echo-enhancing methods, harmonic imaging and computer-based calculation of tumour vascularization. Dynamic US studies should provide a diagnostic yield similar to that of CT.

Fetal fibronectin: a new screening-marker for bladder cancer?

Early detection of transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the urinary bladder is essential for effective treatment. While several serum markers have been evaluated, none have been widely accepted for practical clinical use. Thus, urinary markers have been introduced and investigated to detect the evidence of bladder cancer. But sensitivity and specificity range around 80% respectively. In a prospective study we evaluated fetal fibronectin in the urine of patients with TCC of the urinary bladder. The positivity of oncofetal fibronectin was measured in morning urine samples by membrane immunoassay. This FFN membrane immunoassay is a qualitative test, a solid-phase immunogold assay. A positive sample will result in a single spot after binding of the oncofetal fibronectin-immunogold complex to the membrane containing a monoclonal antibody specific to oncofetal fibronectin (FDC-6, which specifically recognizes III-CS region). The morning urine samples were collected from patients with TCC before they underwent transurethral resection (n=40, 34 non-invasive and 6 invasive carcinomas) and healthy controls (n=20). Oncofetal fibronectin was investigated in the surgical samples by immunohistochemistry (antibody FDC-6, APAAP technique). We found a positive result for oncofetal fibronectin in 38/40 patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder. Two patients with a small pTaG1-TCC showed negative results. In the urine of healthy controls no positive results were detected. Thus, there is a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 100%. The TCC was demonstrated as a source of oncfn. To our knowledge this is the first study showing that patients with an evident TCC have a demonstrable amount of oncofetal fibronectin in the urine. We conclude that a positive result is common in TCC-patients. The sensitivity and specificity of this test seems to be extraordinarily high. Because of the small number of cases further studies are required.

Sacral nerve stimulation for pain relief in interstitial cystitis

A 60-year-old woman was treated for severe interstitial cystitis pain using sacral nerve stimulation. Pain and accompanying bladder dysfunction were improved by temporary and permanent sacral nerve stimulation. Six months after implantation of a sacral neuromodulator the patient is pain free and significantly improved on bladder dysfunction. Interstitial cystitis may be an indication for functional electrostimulation.

Bis(di-tert-butylthiophosphinic isopropylamidato-N,S)nickel(II)

The crystal structure of the title compound, [(t)Bu(2)P(S)N(i)Pr](2)Ni or [Ni(C(11)H(25)NPS)(2)], shows a dihedral angle of 82.27 (6) degrees between the two Ni/S/N planes and thus a distorted tetrahedral arrangement of the NiN(2)S(2) chromophore. The structure is in accordance with the observed paramagnetism and is contrasted with the oxo analogue, which is planar but also paramagnetic.

Preoperative simulation of partial nephrectomy with three-dimensional computed tomography

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate prospectively the accuracy of computer-aided three-dimensional (3D) volume-rendered computed tomography (CT) in determining the appropriate anatomical limits (tumour size, tumour location, multifocality and vascular supply) and as a potential tool in the preoperative simulation of nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in patients with small-volume renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The study included 36 patients who underwent transperitoneal radical nephrectomy for RCC of < 4 cm diameter. Helical CT was undertaken before surgery and the extent of the tumour, the course of major renal arteries and veins, and the relationship of the tumour to the collecting system were shown by 3D volume-rendered CT. The CT findings were compared with the pathological results of all kidney specimens, obtained using 3-mm step-sections.

RESULTS

Before nephrectomy, 39 renal tumours were identified in the 36 patients; three renal lesions of < 4 mm were not detected. All main venous branches and 42 of 43 arteries were identified by 3D volume-rendered CT. Knowing these features, a partial nephrectomy was simulated; a surgical lesion to the pelvicalyceal or vascular system which would have been produced by the simulated surgery was displayed in colour on the simulated surface of the section.

CONCLUSION

Computer simulation provided an excellent 3D reconstruction of all kidneys, including the tumour, vasculature and renal hilum, allowing a significantly better preoperative evaluation of the renal mass. Visualizing possible resection margins and predicting the operative risks seem to be major advantages of this new method, especially when preparing for complex surgery. Reconstructed 3D CT appears to be a useful tool for defining the indications for and limitations of NSS.

Bronchogenic cyst. A rare differential diagnosis of retroperitoneal tumors

Subdiaphragmatic bronchogenic cysts are rare, and those located retroperitoneally are exceptional. A review of the English-language literature revealed only 16 reported cases. We describe an additional case of a retroperitoneal cyst presenting as an asymptomatic adrenal mass and discuss clinical, radiographic, surgical and pathological findings as well as its embryological background.

Coincidence of induratio penis plastica and erectile dysfunction

There are still diverse management options in Peyronie's disease and diverse opinions about the coincidence of Peyronie's disease and erectile dysfunction (ED) as well. The connection between Peyronie's disease and ED has been proved by some articles, but on the other hand authors have refused this fact. We found ED in about 30% of our patients suffering from Peyronie's disease. We have investigated 61 patients with Peyronie's disease. A diagnostic pattern for evaluation of angulation and ED are proposed. The tunica albuginea plication technique was used in 35 patients with good results. In our investigation we cannot find any coincidence of Peyronie's disease with ED.

Increase of renal cell carcinoma incidence in central Europe

OBJECTIVE

In recent years the incidence of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) diagnosis has increased about 15-20%. It remains to be established whether this increase of incidence is reality or not. The main aim of this study was to analyze the reason for the increase of incidence.

METHODS

In the present study, 23, 247 autopsies performed in the years 1985-1995 in the area of Jena (Germany) (14,793 autopsies) and Hradec Králové (Czech Republic) (8,454 autopsies) were analyzed.

RESULTS

In this autopsy series comprising 23,247 autopsies, the percentage of patients who died of RCC is 1.76% in Jena and 1.55% in Hradec Králové (200,000 inhabitants each). Over this time the incidence of RCC in autopsies has increased.

CONCLUSION

In spite of the increased amount of incidentally found RCCs since beginning widespread use of ultrasonography, the percentage of clinically recognized RCCs in the total of all found RCCs in autopsies is nearly constant over the 11-year period in Jena and 10-year period in Hradec Králové. Thus, the increased number of radical nephrectomies is not only caused by widespread use of ultrasonography. The increasing trend of the incidence of RCC seems to be real.

Elevated plasma TGF-beta1 in renal diseases: cause or consequence?

We previously reported elevated levels of TGF-beta1 in patients with renal carcinoma. Certain aspects led us to ask whether they might be caused by chronic damage to the kidney(s). Here we report on an extended set of patients with various renal diseases, lung cancer, humoral immunodeficiency and controls. For latent TGF-beta1 in plasma, we find that the control, immunodeficiency, lung cancer and kidney transplant groups do not differ significantly (means, 7.0-8.8 ng/ml). Also, acute short-term renal stress (extracorporal lithotrypsy) does not lead to an increase of TGF-beta1. However, the pyelonephritis patients present with levels of 19.0 ng/ml, chronic extracorporal dialysis patients with 15.5 ng/ml, and renal cell carcinoma patients with 22.8 ng/ml. For active TGF-beta1 these findings are exactly recovered. For serum levels, only the renal carcinoma group presents with significantly elevated levels of TGF-beta1. Kidney transplantation seems to normalize TGF-beta1 levels, while in the kidney cancer patients surgery has an effect only in part of the group. We conclude that elevated plasma TGF-beta1 levels are common in at least two chronic renal disease conditions, and that it normalizes with restoration of renal function. It is tempting to speculate that chronic elevation of TGF-beta1 in these patients may be critically involved in these conditions predisposing to renal cancer.

The correlation of p53 protein overexpression and p53 antibodies in serum of patients with transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder

BACKGROUND

Mutations of p53 gene were demonstrated in many solid tumors with varying frequency. We analyzed the relationship between p53 protein expression in bladder cancer tissue, p53 autoantibodies in serum and the clinical course of 32 patients with and 10 patients without transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the 32 patients studied, bladder cancer was diagnosed as pTaG1-2 in 8 cases, pT1G2 in 6, pT1G3 in 7, pT2G2-3 in 7, pT3G2-3 in 3 and pT4 in 1 patient. Anti-p53 antibodies were detected by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a standardized alkaline phosphatase monoclonal anti-alkaline phosphatase method. To prove the statistical significance of tumor grading and staging, the Kruskal-Wallis test was applied (p < 0.01). The mean follow-up was 26 months.

RESULTS

We found 12.5% p53 autoantibody-positive sera without a statistically significant correlation with tumor grade (p = 0.0569) and category (p = 0.612). Three of 4 patients who had p53 autoantibody-positive sera died within 9 months. All of these sera-positive patients had p53 protein-positive tumor tissue. Control sera were all negative for p53 autoantibodies.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a strong relationship between p53 protein overexpression and the occurrence of p53 autoantibody in bladder cancer. The expression of p53 autoantibodies seems to be an event in cases of bladder cancer with an unfavorable tumor-specific outcome. Because of the small number of cases and the short follow-up time, further quantitative studies will hopefully demonstrate whether this might be of prognostic importance.

Multifocality in renal cell carcinoma: A bilateral event?

OBJECTIVES

The major disadvantage of nephron-sparing surgery for renal cell carcinoma is the risk of local recurrence. This is most likely a manifestation of undetected small additional tumors in the renal remnant. To define more clearly the incidence and nature of unilateral and bilateral multifocal tumors, an autopsy study was undertaken.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a series of 14,793 autopsies from 1985 to 1995, 260 renal cell carcinomas were found. In all cases of renal cell carcinoma a search for small renal lesions was performed in the apparently normal-appearing portion of the kidneys. Every kidney was serially and systematically cut (5 mm) to probe for intraparenchymal lesions.

RESULTS

Of the 260 renal cell carcinomas 36 cases (13.85%) had multifocal malignant and/or benign nodules. The number of the additional nodules ranged from 2 to 18. 12% of the malignant multifocal carcinomas were limited to the ipsilateral kidney and 88% were bilateral. The average size of the multifocal renal lesions was 8.7 x 9.0 x 9.5 (range 3-23) mm. Renal cell carcinomas with low stage and good grading have a higher incidence of multifocal nodules. No significant difference was found with regard to metastasized and nonmetastasized renal cell carcinomas. In 38.1% of all chromophilic renal cell carcinomas additional nodules were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Multifocality in renal cell carcinomas cannot be predicted reliably, although the papillary histological pattern, good grading and low staging seems to be associated with a higher incidence of multifocality. Nearly 90% of the multifocal nodules were bilateral.

Where are the limits of elective nephron- sparing surgery in renal cell carcinoma?

OBJECTIVES

The indication for elective nephron-sparing surgery (NSS) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is still controversial. The presented study was performed to determine limitations for NSS regarding to multifocality and to characterize the biological importance of these small tumor lesions.

METHODS

In 372 patients who underwent radical nephrectomy for RCC consecutively, nephrectomy specimens were investigated by using 3-mm parenchyma sections regarding to local tumor spread and multifocality. To characterize multifocal tumors, we performed cytogenetic and molecular genetic investigations.

RESULTS

Serial sections of 372 nephrectomy specimens revealed a total of 92 multifocal tumors in 61 specimens (16.4%). The correlation between tumor size and multifocality is shown as follows: tumor diameter 1-20 mm: 12.5%; 21-30 mm: 23.4%; 31-40 mm: 10.2%; >40 mm: 16.7%. The mean diameter of the multifocal tumors was 8.8x9.1x6.1 mm and the mean distance to the primary tumor was 26.4 mm (5-84 mm). Using cytogenetic and molecular genetic analysis, in nearly one third of all cases a concordance of chromosomal aberrations in primary and secondary tumors was found.

CONCLUSIONS

Multifocality of renal cell carcinoma occurs independently from primary tumor size. The evidence of structural and/or numeric aberrations, found in additional tumor foci, obviously is an argument for their malignant potential. This findings have to be considered in preparation of nephron-sparing surgery for patients with renal cell carcinoma.

Audit of early bladder management complications after spinal cord injury in first-treating hospitals

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of spinal cord injury is on the increase. It has been observed since World War II that proper initial management of the paralyzed bladder is a key factor in the prevention of complications of the urinary tract and renal function.

METHODS

All traumatic spinal cord-injured patients admitted to the Thuringian Spinal Cord Rehabilitation Center, Sülzhayn, Germany, between January 1994 and December 1995 were reviewed for the method of initial bladder management, and all complications and events related to the urinary tract during the period from the date of injury/initial treatment in community-based hospitals to the date of transfer to our center were analyzed.

RESULTS

The cohort included 170 spinal cord-injured patients (40 females, 130 males; mean age 35. 6 years). At the time of transfer to the rehabilitation center 48.8% of the patients still had an indwelling urethral catheter, 29.4% had a suprapubic catheter, and only 16.5% of the patients were on intermittent catheterization. The urine cultures were positive in 100, 44 and 28.6%, respectively. Severe complications due to an indwelling urethral catheter were seen in 15 patients.

CONCLUSION

In contrast to early intermittent catheterization, indwelling urethral catheters are associated with a high complication rate. At the end of this century, the results of this study are most disappointing. There seems to be a lack of knowledge regarding sufficient bladder management in many hospitals and departments initially treating acute spinal cord-injured patients.

A study of pelvic floor function pre- and postradical prostatectomy using clinical neurourological investigations, urodynamics and electromyography

OBJECTIVES

Incontinence after radical prostatectomy is addressed to sphincter damage and/or bladder dysfunction. Taking into account a high cure rate of incontinence by pelvic floor biofeedback treatment, the search for further mechanisms of a complex physiological concept seems feasible.

METHODS

To characterize pelvic floor function, 18 patients were prospectively evaluated before and after radical prostatectomy by clinical neurourological tests, urodynamics and needle/surface electromyography (EMG).

RESULTS

In all patients (mean age 62 years) investigations were completed successfully. The outcomes of neurourological investigations (sacral reflexes, voluntary pelvic floor contraction and relaxation) and needle EMG showed no significant changes in the pre-/postoperative comparison. Only by using surface EMG polygraphy change of activation patterns during pelvic floor contraction (decreased mean and medium frequency) could be found.

CONCLUSION

In patients without preexisting bladder dysfunction and with a basically normal operative and postoperative course, fine motoric changes of pelvic floor function are the main finding. This cannot be explained by a pure anatomical approach. Neurophysiological events, like a barrage of nociceptive information, caused by surgical dissection and an inflammatory reaction due to the healing process, contribute to altered processing within the central nervous system. The appreciation of these mechanisms, well studied in neuroscience and pain research, offers a better understanding of surgery-related short- and longterm morbidity after pelvic surgery, i.e., urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.