Immunohistochemical analysis of BCL-2 protein expression in renal cell carcinoma.

Purpose: To investigate the incidence, extent, and distribution of bcl-2 protein expression in human renal cell carcinomas.

Materials And Methods: Using immunohistochemical tissue staining techniques, bcl-2 protein expression was analyzed in archival nephrectomy specimens removed for renal cell carcinoma or trauma and in 3 renal cell carcinoma cell lines.

Results: Normal kidneys demonstrated bcl-2 immunopositivity primarily within the cytoplasm of distal tubule cells.

Localization of the prostatic apex for radiotherapy treatment planning using urethroscopy.

Purpose: To assess the ability of computed tomography (CT) scans and retrograde urethrograms to accurately define the prostatic apex in the craniocaudad dimension, using urethroscopy as a reference.

Methods And Materials: Plain film radiographs of the pelvis were obtained in 15 patients with early-stage adenocarcinoma of the prostate, with the tip of a urethroscope held in place at the external sphincter, which most closely approximates the prostatic apex. The scope was then withdrawn, and a retrograde urethrogram was performed.

Vaginal wall sling: long-term outcome analysis of factors contributing to patients satisfaction and surgical success.

Purpose: The clinical outcome of the vaginal wall sling was retrospectively evaluated to determine patient perception, satisfaction and factors contributing to postoperative success.

Material And Methods: An outcome based study was conducted of 51 patients undergoing construction of a vaginal wall sling for genuine stress incontinence or intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Preoperative symptoms, demographic parameters and video urodynamic studies were correlated with postoperative patient perception of symptoms to determine patient satisfaction and factors contributing to overall success.

Urodynamic findings in the tethered spinal cord syndrome: does surgical release improve bladder function?

Purpose: We retrospectively reviewed 39 patients with a tethered spinal cord to evaluate whether surgical release positively influenced urological symptoms or urodynamic findings.

Materials And Methods: The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1-11 with occult spinal dysraphism and group 2-28 with secondary spinal cord tethering after previous closure of a myelomeningocele or resection of a lipomyelomeningocele. Diagnosis was confirmed in all cases by magnetic resonance imaging or spinal ultrasound.

Post-prostatectomy incontinence and the artificial urinary sphincter: a long-term study of patient satisfaction and criteria for success.

Purpose: We investigated patient satisfaction with the artificial urinary sphincter and established criteria for a successful outcome by inquiring about patient perceived satisfaction, continence achieved and comparison with the surgeon office records.

Materials And Methods: During 9 years 65 patients with post-prostatectomy incontinence underwent placement of the AMS800 artificial urinary sphincter. Review of charts and a telephone questionnaire were conducted to determine patient perceived satisfaction.