[Epigenetics as a diagnostic and prognostic tool for pyeloureteral stenosis.].

Objective: In the last few years, numerous studies have focused on the genetics of the renal system. Betchel et al in 2010 demonstrated that methylation, as a epigenetic phenomenon, would be involved in the perpetuation of fibrosis. In our study, we want to demonstrate whether epigenetics is related to pyeloureteral stenosis and, if that is the case, if it could be used as prognostic and diagnostic biomarker.

Perineal groove in female infants: A case series and literature review.

Background: Perineal groove is a rare congenital malformation that is unknown to many clinicians and is often misdiagnosed. Although it may be self-resolving during childhood, this nonepithelized mucous membrane can pose the risk of local irritation and infection, particularly urinary tract infection.

Methods: A retrospective study of female infants diagnosed with a perineal groove was performed, demographic characteristics and clinical features were analyzed, and a photographic review was conducted.

A simple dressing for hypospadias surgery in children.

One of the most controversial aspects of hypospadias surgery is the election of an appropriate wound dressing. In fact, there may be as many different types of dressing as there are types of surgical repair. Here, we describe a new, simple method for hypospadias dressing in children that minimizes painful removal.

Prolapsed cecoureterocele presented as a prenatal genital mass: A urological challenge.

Prolapse of a cecoureterocele through the urethra presenting as a prenatal vulval mass is an extremely uncommon entity. We present a case of a newborn girl with a cecoureterocele extending through the urethra (diagnosed at 29 weeks' gestation) and we present its postnatal findings and outcomes.

Giant presacral tailgut cyst mimicking rectal duplication in a girl: report of a pediatric case.

Tailgut cyst, or retrorectal cystic hamartoma, is a rare congenital lesion found in the presacral space. The lession has been infrequently reported in medical literature. It is most common in middle-aged women and is rare in children.

Congenital absence of preputial foreskin: an extremely uncommon anomaly.

The part of the penile skin that covers the glans penis is named prepuce or foreskin. The embryologic development of the prepuce and urethra is related. Several congenital anomalies of the prepuce have been previously reported, but the absence of the prepuce with a normal development of the urethra is a very rare association.

Incomplete unilateral polyorchidism (bilobed testicle) mimicking testicular tumour.

Incomplete polyorchidism (also called bilobed testicle) is an extremely uncommon congenital anomaly. Only 3 cases of bilobed testicle were previously reported in the available literature. We describe a case of a 4-year-old boy who presented with a 6-month history of an asymptomatic scrotal mass located in the upper pole of the left testicle mimicking testicular tumour.

Midline congenital cervical cleft mimicking linear scleroderma.

Midline congenital cervical cleft is an extremely uncommon anomaly of the neck. Fewer than 100 cases have been reported. It is usually described as a cervical scar-like skin defect.

Bipolar electrothermal vessel sealing system and 5-mm 2 expandable trocar approach in pediatric laparoscopic varicocelectomy: a successful time-effective technical refinement.

Background: To present our initial experience with electrothermal bipolar vessel device and only 2 expandable ports for laparoscopic Palomo varicocele procedure in pediatric and adolescent population.

Methods: In a 3-year period between 2006 and 2009, sixty-three boys and adolescents diagnosed in our institution as having varicocele underwent Palomo laparoscopic surgery with a two 5-mm expandable-trocar laparoscopic approach using the LigaSure technology (Valleylab Inc., Covidien, Boulder, CO) for spermatic vessels sealing.

Reactive hydrocele after laparoscopic Palomo varicocele ligation in pediatrics.

Objectives: To evaluate the incidence of hydrocele following laparoscopic Palomo varicocele ligation in pediatric and adolescents in our institution.

Methods: Between 1997 and 2009, 180 boys diagnosed as having varicocele who underwent Palomo laparoscopic ligation were evaluated retrospectively. Outcome variables recorded for analysis were age at presentation, symptoms, varicocele grade (Dubin-Amelar classification), testicular atrophy, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications, recurrence and hydrocele formation after surgery.

Protective effect of new nitrosothiols on the early inflammatory response to kidney ischemia/reperfusion and transplantation in rats.

Renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is characterized by severe inflammatory damage. We assessed the effect of administrating recently developed nitrosothiol compounds acting as nitric oxide (NO) donors on the production of cytokines and other markers of acute inflammatory reaction in an experimental model of warm (I/R), and in a model of cold ischemia and transplant in rats. Warm ischemia was achieved by ligation of left renal pedicle for 60 min, followed by contralateral nephrectomy.