Countrywide insecticide resistance monitoring and first report of the presence of the L1014S knock down resistance in Niger, West Africa

BACKGROUND

Mass distribution of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is the principal malaria vector control strategy adopted by Niger. To better inform on the most appropriate ITN to distribute, the National Malaria Control Programme (NMCP) of Niger and its partners, conducted insecticide resistance monitoring in selected sites across the country.

METHODS

The susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) to chlorfenapyr and pyrethroid insecticides was investigated in a total of sixteen sites in 2019 and 2020, using 2-5-day-old adults reared from wild collected larvae per site. The susceptibility status, pyrethroid resistance intensity at 5 and 10 times the diagnostic concentrations, and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergism with diagnostic concentrations of deltamethrin, permethrin and alpha-cypermethrin were assessed using WHO bioassays. Two doses (100 and 200 µg/bottle) of chlorfenapyr were tested using the CDC bottle assay method. Species composition and allele frequencies for knock-down resistance (kdr-L1014F and L1014S) and acetylcholinesterase (ace-1 G119S) mutations were further characterized using polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

RESULTS

High resistance intensity to all pyrethroids tested was observed in all sites except for alpha-cypermethrin in Gaya and Tessaoua and permethrin in Gaya in 2019 recording moderate resistance intensity. Similarly, Balleyara, Keita and Tillabery yielded moderate resistance intensity for alpha-cypermethrin and deltamethrin, and Niamey V low resistance intensity against deltamethrin and permethrin in 2020. Pre-exposure to PBO substantially increased susceptibility with average increases in mortality between 0 and 70% for tested pyrethroids. Susceptibility to chlorfenapyr (100 µg/bottle) was recorded in all sites except in Tessaoua and Magaria where susceptibility was recorded at the dose of 200 µg/bottle. Anopheles coluzzii was the predominant malaria vector species in most of the sites followed by An. gambiae sensu stricto (s.s.) and Anopheles arabiensis. The kdr-L1014S allele, investigated for the first time, was detected in the country. Both kdr-L1014F (frequencies [0.46-0.81]) and L1014S (frequencies [0.41-0.87]) were present in all sites while the ace-1 G119S was between 0.08 and 0.20.

CONCLUSION

The data collected will guide the NMCP in making evidence-based decisions to better adapt vector control strategies and insecticide resistance management in Niger, starting with mass distribution of new generation ITNs such as interceptor G2 and PBO ITNs.

Surgical management of pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome in a resource-limited setting: case of Zinder National Hospital, Niger

Background

Pyelo-ureteral junction syndrome (PUJS) is a frequent congenital malformation. We report the surgical management of PUJS by pyeloplasty according to Anderson-Hyne-Kuss’s procedure at the Zinder National Hospital..

Methods

This was a retrospective study from January 2013 to December 2016 (4 years), including patients who have undergone surgery for PUJS.

Results

Twelve (12) cases of PUJS had a surgery among which 66.7% were men with an average age of 32.5 ± 7.6 years. The clinical symptomatology was lumbar pain or renal colic in 92.3% of cases. This pain had evolved for more than 2 years for 58.3% of the cases. Ultrasound coupled with intravenous urography or CT-scan was performed to confirm the diagnosis of PUJS in 58.3 and 41.7% of cases. The average serum creatinine level at admission was 181.25 ± 67.3 μmol/L [Lab reference range: 53–97 μmol/L]. The Anderson-Hynes non dismembered pyeloplasty is used for all the patients. The release of a crossing lower pole vessel was performed in 25%, pyelolithotomy in 16.7%. The average surgery time was 118.3 ± 20.7 min. The average hospital length of stay was 10.8 ± 3 days. Immediate postoperative complications were recorded in 33.3% (n = 4). Postoperative outcomes were considered good by disappearance of clinical, biological and radiological signs.

Conclusion

The Anderson-Hynes non dismembered pyeloplasty gives good results and provides a successful alternative in an environment where laparoscopy and robotic surgery are not developed.

[Prescription of antimalarial drugs in the pediatric ward of the National Hospital of Lamordé, in Niamey]

In Niger, malaria is a major public health problem, due to the high number of deaths that are attributable to it and because of its heavy weight and socioeconomic status. The objective of this study was to contribute to the inventory of medical practices to rationalize the use of medicines and minimize the resistance phenomenon. This is a prospective study, which took place from May 1 to July 31, 2009, in the pediatric ward of the National Hospital of Lamordé. It concerned children aged from 0 to 14 years hospitalized and having received one or more antimalarial drugs during at least 24 h. During the 3 months of the study, 1,248 children had been admitted in the department. Among them, 881 children received antimalarial treatment, i.e., 70.5% with prescriptions. Malaria was confirmed by microscopy in 410 children, i.e., 46.5% of the sick children received antimalarial treatment. Prescription control was deemed noncompliant in 258 patients, i.e., 29.3% of the total. Treatments based on microscopic diagnosis are one of the strategies that will help to streamline the use of antimalarial drugs to improve their effectiveness and efficiency and also to reduce the risk of emergence of resistance.

Ecology of urban malaria vectors in Niamey, Republic of Niger

Background

Urbanization in African cities has major impact on malaria risk. Niamey, the capital of the Republic of Niger, is situated in the West African Sahel zone. The short rainy season and human activities linked with the Niger River influence mosquito abundance. This study aimed at deciphering the factors of distribution of urban malaria vectors in Niamey.

Methods

The distribution of mosquito aquatic stages was investigated monthly from December 2002 to November 2003, at up to 84 breeding sites, throughout Niamey. An exploratory analysis of association between mosquito abundance and environmental factors was performed by a Principal Component Analysis and confirmed by Kruskall–Wallis non-parametric test. To assess the relative importance of significant factors, models were built for Anopheles and Culicinae. In a second capture session, adult mosquitoes were collected weekly with pyrethrum sprays and CDC light-traps from June 2008 to June 2009 in two differentiated urban areas chosen after the study’s first step. Members of the Anopheles gambiae complex were genotyped and Anopheles females were tested for the presence of Plasmodium falciparum circumsporozoite antigens using ELISA.

Results

In 2003, 29 % of 8420 mosquitoes collected as aquatic stages were Anopheles. They were significantly more likely to be found upstream, relatively close to the river and highly productive in ponds. These factors remained significant in regression and generalized linear models. The Culicinae were found significantly more likely close to the river, and in the main temporary affluent stream. In 2009, Anopheles specimens, including Anopheles gambiae s.l. (95 %), but also Anopheles funestus (0.6 %) accounted for 18 % of the adult mosquito fauna, with a large difference between the two sampled zones. Three members of the An. gambiae complex were found: Anopheles arabiensis, Anopheles coluzzii, and An. gambiae. Nineteen (1.3 %) out of 1467 females tested for P. falciparum antigen were found positive.

Conclusion

The study provides valuable update knowledge on malaria vector ecology and distribution in Niamey. The identification of spatial and environmental risk factors could pave the way to larval source management strategy and allow malaria vector control to focus on key zones for the benefit of the community.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12936-016-1352-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Tuberculosis in children: 29 cases in two hospitals of Niamey and at the national tuberculosis center]

In 2013, the WHO considered that worldwide, the annual incidence of the tuberculosis is of 9 million cases, and prevalence at 14 million. The diagnosis of tuberculosis in children is difficult and can be at the origin of a delay of care and an under estimation of the amount of cases. The purpose of this study was to analyze the epidemiological and diagnostic aspects of tuberculosis in children. It was a multicenter study taking place from October 1st, 2009 until June 1st, 2011. The average age of children was of 4.6 years, with a sex-ratio of 1.43. 65, 52% of patients were inoculated with BCG; 86, 21% arose from family from a low socio-economic level; 55% suffered from malnutrition. Extrapulmonary effects are more frequent than pulmonary (62.07% versus 37.93%). IDR was positive in 85.71% of the children; the sedimentation speed was high in 88.89% of them. The HIV serology tests were administered to 27.59% of the children, all were seronegative. The fight against tuberculosis has to intensify, through the combination of several strategies, such as vaccination, active screening, the adequate care of the cases, improvement of socioeconomic conditions of the populations and research for a new more effective vaccine, news methods of diagnostic and antituberculosis drugs successful.

[Intestinal parasitosis in children less than five years of age in Niamey, Niger]

According to the WHO, in 2002, 3.5 billion of people worldwide were infected with intestinal parasites. Every year, roundworms, hookworms and amoebae are the cause of 195,000 deaths around the world. Despite this high prevalence, these infections are said to be neglected and attract little interest. And yet, they are sometimes very grave especially when contracted by children where they can lead to malnutrition. This prospective study aims to clarify the overall prevalence of intestinal parasites in children.

METHODS

The study took place in the pediatric service of the Lamorde national Hospital and the two pediatric services of the Niamey national hospital. This descriptive and analytical study, took place from April to June 2011. Included were children aged 1 month to 59 months, having had a stool examination.

RESULTS

The search for parasites was positive in 66 children (33%). The prevalence is statistically higher (p = 0.02) among children 25-59 months (43.84%) than among those whose age is between 1-24 months (26.77%). Male children were more infected than female with respectively 38.7% and 28.04% infection rates.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal parasites are frequent in Niamey, despite numerous deworming campaigns. There's been more parasitic protozoa caused by a proportion of 81, 81%, against a proportion of 18, 18 % for metazoans. Conducting a study on the national scale is necessary to understand the general prevalence of intestinal parasites. This would enable a more adapted strategy to the fight against these illnesses.

[Urethrorectal fistula. Report of 11 cases]

The authors report a series of 11 urethrorectal fistulas observed over a 25-year period. The mean age of the patients was 37 years (range: 15 to 70 years). The aetiologies were surgical trauma (5 cases), fracture of the pelvis (2 cases), inflammatory lesions (3 cases), and one fistula was congenital. The clinical features were dominated by urine discharge from the anus (11 cases), urinary tract infection (8 cases), spurious diarrhoea (6 cases), faecaluria (4 cases), pneumaturia (2 cases). Digital rectal examination was normal in 7 patients. IVU demonstrated opacification of the rectum in 5 out of 8 cases. Cystourethrography, performed in 9 patients, demonstrated the communication in each case. Urethrocystoscopy visualized the fistula in each case in which it was performed. Treatment consisted of bladder drainage by urethral catheter in all patients, allowing closure of the fistula in 2 patients. Colostomy was performed in 2 patients, internal urethrotomy and urethral catheter was performed in 2 cases. Surgical closure of the fistula was performed in 7 patients, via an abdominoperineal (3 cases), perineal (2 cases), transperitoneal (1 case) or transanosphincteric incision (1 case).

[The Martius flap in the treatment of vesicovaginal fistulas. Report of 20 cases]

The authors report a series of 20 cases of vesicovaginal fistula (VVF) treated according to the Martius procedure. The mean age of the patients was 30 years (range: 20 to 37 years). All fistulas were secondary to obstetric trauma. The mean diameter of the fistula orifice was 4 cm. Fourteen fistulas were cervico-trigonal and 6 were urethro-cervico-trigonal. A rectovaginal fistula was associated with VVF in 2 patients. Five of the 20 patients had never been previously operated, while 15 patients had already been operated without success. Fifteen patients were cured immediately, while a second Martius procedure was necessary in 3 cases. Failure was considered to be definitive in 2 cases.

[Vesico-uterine fistulas. Report of 30 cases]

The authors report a series of 30 vesico-uterine fistulas (VUF) observed over a 25-year period. The mean age of the patients was 28 years (range: 18 to 40 years). VUF were secondary to caesarean section (23 cases), abnormal delivery (5 cases) and rupture of the bladder and uterus (2 cases). The presenting complaint was a permanent total and isolated urinary incontinence (22 cases), partial urinary incontinence associated with menstrual haematuria (4 cases), vesical menstrual bleeding associated with a oligomenorrhoea (3 cases) and menouria (1 case). The diagnosis was established on clinical findings in 14 patients. IVU, performed in 30 patients, visualized the uterine cavity in only 12 patients. Retrograde cystography, performed in 4 cases, demonstrated opacification of the uterine cavity. Hysterosalpingography, performed in 6 cases, confirmed the diagnosis of VUF in all 6 patients. Treatment was surgical, via a transperitoneovesical incision (22 cases) or a transvesical incision (8 cases) and consisted of isolation of the bladder and uterus and uterine and vesical suture. Urine drainage was performed by urethral catheter (28 cases) or cystostomy (2 cases). Urinary continence was perfectly restored in 24 patients, 6 patients presented residual fistulas another patient had a reduction of her bladder capacity. The objective of this study is to analyse the aetiological, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this disease.

[Traumatic rupture of the bladder. Report of 12 cases]

Over the previous 8 years, the authors have treated 12 patients (11 males and 1 female with a mean age of 32 years (26 to 54 years)) with traumatic rupture of the bladder. Rupture was secondary to direct trauma to the full bladder in one case and pelvic trauma in 11 cases. Associated lesions were pelvic trauma (11 cases), head injury (4 cases), chest trauma (2 cases), rupture of the spleen (1 case) and small bowel perforation (1 case). The clinical features were dominated by suprapubic pain (11 cases), haematuria (10 cases), haemorrhagic shock (4 cases) and peritoneal syndrome (3 cases). IVU confirmed the diagnosis in 6 out of 8 cases. Retrograde cystourethrography was conclusive whenever it was performed. The retroperitoneal rupture was treated by indwelling catheter for 15 days. Intraperitoneal ruptures were treated surgically. The breach was situated in the dôme in 10 cases and on the posterior surface in 1 case. The size of the wound ranged from 2 to 8 cm. Treatment consisted of suture of the rupture and indwelling catheter for an average of 12 days. Cure was always obtained without sequelae.

[Thyroid cancer metastasizing to the kidney. Report of a case]

The authors report a case of renal metastasis from a thyroid adenocarcinoma in a 56-year-old man, occurring 3 years after isthmolobectomy for papillary thyroid carcinoma. He predominant clinical symptoms were low back pain, haematuria and deterioration of the general state. Ultrasonography showed a hypoechoic left renal mass, 56 mm in diameter, with a thickened wall. Renal CT showed a homogeneous low-density formation with a thickened wall in the left kidney. Iodine 131 whole body scan showed increased uptake in the left kidney. The patient wes treated surgically via a subcostal incision. The surgical procedure consisted of radical nephrectomy. Macroscopic examination of the lesion showed a cystic mass. Histological examination of the mass revealed a renal metastasis from moderately differentiated thyroid adenocarcinoma.

[Adrenal gland pheochromocytoma. Report of 26 cases]

The authors analyse of a series of 26 patients (17 females and 9 males) with a mean age of 32 years (range: 18 to 55 years) operated for adrenal phaeochromocytoma. All patients were hypertensive. The laboratory assessment (assay of blood catecholamines and urinary catecholamine metabolites) performed in more than 2/3 of cases confirmed the diagnosis in more than 80% of cases. The topographic diagnosis was facilitated by computed tomography. Fifteen patients received preoperative treatment with alpha-blockers or calcium channel blockers. Various incisions were used, but a lumbar incision was the most frequent. Blood pressure was controlled postoperatively in 24 patients. Two patients died 1 and 2 postoperatively. New diagnostic modalities (CT, MRI) have facilitated the diagnosis and the site of localization of phaeochromocytomas, thereby improving the choice of incision. Patient-specific preoperative preparation and appropriate anaesthesia facilitate successful adrenal gland surgery.

[Hydatid cyst of the kidney. Report of 45 cases]

The kidney is a rare site of hydatid disease. It remains clinically silent for a long time and only presents at the stage of complications. The diagnosis is essentially radiological. Renal hydatid cyst (RHC) raises therapeutic problems due to its complications, which sometimes make kidney-preserving cyst resection surgery difficult. The authors report a series of 45 cases of RHC treated in their department during a 20-year period. This series consisted of 27 men and 18 women with a mean age of 47 years (26-80 years). The clinical features were dominated by pain (80%), flank mass (42%), hydaturia (22%), haematuria (13%), urinary tract infection (6%), hypertension (3%). IVU, performed in all patients, showed calcifications in 35% of cases, renal tumour syndrome in 71% of cases and silent kidney in 22% of cases. Surgery was usually performed via a lumbar incision (75%) or a BARAYA incision (15%). Treatment consisted of 18 cyst roof resections (40%), 6 pericystectomies (13%), partial nephrectomy in 2 cases (4%) and total nephrectomy in 18 cases (40%). The postoperative course was marked by urinary fistula in two patients and one death at the 2nd postoperative month related to associated renal sarcoma. The objective of this study is to analyse the epidemiological, pathological and therapeutic features of this disease, which still constitutes a public health problem in Morocco.

[Urethral diverticula in women. Apropos of 15 cases]

Urethral diverticulum is a rare disease, arising in the urethrovaginal septum and communicating with the urethra through an orifice. Characterised by clinical polymorphism, it is diagnosed by urethrocystography and transvaginal ultrasound. We report a series of 15 cases of urethral diverticulum over a 10-year period. The mean age of the patients was post-voiding was 36 years (range 24-50). The symptoms were recurrent urinary tract infections (66%), post-voiding urethral leakage (22%), vaginal pain (22%). Clinical examination found a vaginal mass in all patients. Retrograde urethrocystography showed the diverticulum in every cases, while IVP confirmed the diagnosis in only 62% of cases. Treatment is surgical and consists of removing the diverticulum via a vaginal approach. Short and long-term course is favourable. All patients were asymptomatic and the follow-up urethrocystography showed no diverticular recurrence.

[Spontaneous rupture of bladder diverticulum. Apropos of a case]

We report a case of spontaneous rupture of a bladder diverticulum. A 65-year-old man presented with urinary retention and serious infection. At clinical examination, the patient had a distended abdomen, tenderness of the left flank and left lumbar region and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urinary catheterisation yielded bloody and purulent urine. CT scan showed a paravesical collection extending to the left lumbar region. Blood count showed anaemia and leukocytosis. Emergency surgical exploration found a large infected bladder diverticulum with necrosis and perforation of the wall. Treatment consisted of resection of the necrotic tissue and suture of the diverticulum neck. Convalescence was uneventful.

[Inguinal hernia of the bladder. Report of 6 cases]

The authors report 6 cases of inguinal hernia of the bladder seen between 1976 and 1996. All patients were males with a mean age of 67 years (range: 53 to 80 years). The hernia was situated in the right groin in all patients. No patients presented any suggestive clinical features. In 5 patients, the diagnosis was established by IVU, indicated for another disease associated with the hernia and, in one patient, the hernia was discovered after an operative wound to the bladder. Treatment consisted of elimination of bladder neck obstruction in 3 patients and reintegration of the bladder and abdominal wall repair in 4 patients. The postoperative course was uneventful.

[Carcinosarcoma of the prostate. Case report]

We report one case of carcinosarcoma of the prostate in a patient of 43 years old. The clinical symptomatology was dominated by pollakiurie, dysuria digestive disorders, oedema of the lower limbs and the alteration of the general status. Digital rectal examination showed a big prostate, hard and irregular. The rate of PSA increased. Echography revealed a pelvic echogenic mass corresponding to a bulky prostate. CT scan of the abdomen and the pelvis showed a tissular, heterogeneous mass of 11 cm occupying the vesicoprostatic space and invading the basis of the bladder and the adjacent muscles (muscles obturateurs internes). Histology of a biopsy fragment of the mass revealed an adenocarcinoma and a mesenchymatous component calling up a prostatic carcinosarcoma. The treatment consisted in chemotherapy VAC. The evolution was deadly after 2 months.

[Bilateral adrenal pheochromocytoma. A case report]

The authors report a case of apparently isolated bilateral adrenal phaeochromocytoma in a 25-year-old man presenting with abdominal pain and neurosensory signs of HT, but ignored and complicated by heart failure. Ultrasonography and abdominal CT revealed a bilateral adrenal tumour. The hormonal assessment, particularly metanephrines and normetanephrines, was normal. The diagnosis of phaeochromocytoma was proposed despite the negative hormonal assessment and was supported by positive MIBG scintigraphy, compatible with bilateral adrenal phaeochromocytoma with no other sites. Treatment consisted of right adrenalectomy and left tumour excision. The postoperative course was uneventful, and 3-year follow-up showed regression of the functional symptoms and control of blood pressure without any other treatment.

[Uretero-vaginal fistulas. 45 cases]

The authors report a series of 45 cases of ureterovaginal fistula (UVF) observed over a 25-year period. The patients had a mean age of 34 years (20 to 50 years). 32 UVF (71%) were secondary to obstetric procedures and operations and 13 UVF (29%) were due to hysterectomy for gynaecological diseases. The clinical features were dominated by urine leak via the vagina with persistent micturition (68.8%) and low back pain (40%). UVF was associated with vesicovaginal fistula in 11 patients and acute renal failure was observed in 4 patients. IVU confirmed the diagnosis in 36 patients (87%) and revealed 23 cases of uretero-hydronephrosis and 4 silent kidneys. Retrograde ureteropyelography, performed in 4 cases, confirmed the diagnosis of UVF. The lesion was situated on the right side in 26 patients and was bilateral in the other 3 patients. The commonest lesion was section (48.8%). Treatment consisted of ureterovesical reimplantation (27 cases), Boari-Küss bladder flap of (3 cases), psoas bladder (5 cases), nephrectomy (2 cases), end-to-end anastomosis (2 cases), appendico-ureteroplasty (2 cases), double J stent (2 cases) and ileoureteroplasty (1 case). The course was favourable in 35 patients (77%).

[Rupture of the corpora cavernous. 50 cases]

The authors report a series of 50 cases of rupture of the corpora cavernosa observed over a 20-year period. The patients had a mean age of 27 years (16-55 years). The commonest mechanism was sudden and forced manipulation of the erect penis (31 cases). The diagnosis is simple in view of the stereotyped clinical features, dominated by penile pain (48 cases), penile haematoma (36 cases) and crackling (25 cases). All patients were treated surgically, with evacuation of the haematoma and suture of the tunica albuginea (48 cases), suture of the corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum (1 case), and fascia lata corporoplasty (1 case). A favourable course was observed in 30 cases, while 11 patients presented painful erection, and 9 patients developed induration and deviation of the penis.

[Pathological horseshoe kidney. 30 case reports]

The authors report a series of 30 horseshoe kidneys observed over a 20-year period. This series consisted of 20 men (66.6%) and 10 women (33.4%) with a mean age of 35 years (20-65 years). The clinical features were dominated by abdominolumbar pain (22 cases), haematuria (12 cases) and pyuria (2 cases). Horseshoe kidney was associated with renal stones (20 cases), ureteropelvic junction syndrome (8 cases), upper urinary tract tumour (1 case). Treatment was surgical depending on the aetiology. The objective of this study was to analyse the epidemiological and diagnostic features of this disease, as well as the therapeutic features specific to each uropathy associated with horseshoe kidney.

[Gangrene of the external genital organs. Apropos of 55 cases]

Gangrène of the male external genitalia (GMEG) is characterized by necrotizing cell evolving toward necrotizing of the soft tissues of the male genitalia and possibly death. The cause may be primary infection called Fournier's gangrene (5%) or secondary infection (95%) due to general or local factors. GMEG is a real urinary emergency because of its local and general complications which lead to death in 20% of cases. Precocious and massive antibiotherapy, a surgery to unbridle and possibly reanimation, oxygenotherapy, urinary diversion or colostomy, are required. We have treated 55 men with this affection from january 1988 to may 1996. Mean age was 58 years (range 20 to 85). The prodromial period was about 12 days. Toxi-infectious shock was noted in 8 patients (14%). Six patients (10%) developed renal acute insufficiency. Lesions were localized to the male external genitalia in 24 cases and stretched to the inguinalis, to the abdomen or to the thorax in 34 patients. The cause was a stricture of urethra in 23 cases (41%) diabetes in 18 cases (32%), anal abscess in 7 cases (13%). No etiology was found in 6 cases (10%). Emergency treatment involved three antibiotics, surgery to unbridle necrotizing tissue in all patients, reanimation in 20 patients (35%), oxygenotherapy in 4 patients (7%), colostomy in 2 cases and urinary drainage in 23 patients (42%). Free skins grafts were necessary in 6 patients (10%), 5 patients (9%) died due to septic shock. On the basis of these observations and a review of the literature, we analyzed the ethiopathogenic, bacteriological and therapeutic aspects of this affection marked by high mortality in spite of therapeutic progress.

[Retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Apropos of 2 cases]

We report two cases of retroperitoneal liposarcoma that required multiple surgical excisions for locoregional relapse diagnosed by surveillance based on CT-scan. One patient has had adjuvant radiotherapy. With the literature review, we discuss the pathologic and therapeutic aspects of these lesions.

[Cysts of the prostate. Apropos of 2 cases]

Two prostatic cysts have been diagnosed by us since 1993. The first patient presented with dysurial the second cyst was discovered incidentally. Transrectal ultrasound examination was useful for diagnosis. Treatment was a puncture--aspiration of the cyst in the first case, and abstention in the second one. A review, of the epidemiological, pathological and therapeutic aspects of the prostatic cysts is presented.

[Renal angiomyolipoma. Apropos of 11 cases]

The authors report their experience of 11 cases of renal angiomyolipoma over an interval of 20 years, observed in 10 women (90.9%) and one man (9.1%) with a mean age of 46 years (range: 21 to 63). Clinical symptoms were dominated by loin pain (100%), haematuria (45.4%), lumbar mass (72.7%), fever (18%). In one woman, AML was associated with "tuberous sclerosis". Preoperatively, the diagnosis was established by ultrasound and CT scan in 45.4% of patients. The size of the tumour varied from 7 to 14 cm in 10 patients and in one patient was only about 3.6 cm. Two women had bilateral tumours. Treatment consisted of total nephrectomy in 7 patients, partial nephrectomy in 3 patients and tumourectomy in one patient. The purpose of this study is to analyse the epidemiologic, diagnostic and therapeutic aspects of this disease.

[Cancer of the kidney in adults. Apropos of 60 cases]

The authors report a series of 60 cases of renal cancer observed over a 10-year period. Patients consisted of 35 women (58%) and 25 men (42%), with a mean age of 52 years (range: 21-72 years). The clinical features were polymorphic, dominated by loin pain (76%), haematuria (75%), a lumbar mass (46%), alteration of the general state (30%). The diagnosis was established by ultrasonography in 58 patients and CT scan in 38 patients. The mean tumour diameter was 11.5 cm (5-25 cm) and two cases presented bilateral tumours. The tumour was located in the upper pole in 40% of cases and was mid-renal in 30% of cases. The time to diagnosis ranged from 2 months to 3 years. Staging reflected the advanced stage of the cancer. Treatment was surgical for 53 patients (88%). A lumbar incision was generally performed (83%). The surgical procedure consisted of nephrectomy and regional or hilar lymph node dissection. Nephrectomy was simple for 27% of patients, radical for 69% of patients and partial for 4% of patients. The postoperative course was marked by one death due to pulmonary embolism, and a stercoral fistula in 2 patients. Histological examination of the specimen showed clear cell adenocarcinoma in 92% of cases. The tumour weight was often considerable, with a maximum of 3.750 kg. The lymph nodes removed were invaded in 50% of cases. The mean follow-up was 46 months (12 to 120 months). Follow-up was normal at 3 years for 23 patients (43%) and at 10 years for 4 patients (8%). Tumour recurrence in the renal compartment was observed in 3 patients after 3 years. Asynchronous metastases occurred in 10 patients (23%). The mean interval to metastases was 20 months (4 to 36 months).

[Paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma. A case report]

The authors report a case of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma in a 21-year-old patient. The clinical features were dominated by left loin pain, inguinoscrotal pain and scrotal swelling. Transillumination was negative. Laboratory markers (alpha-foetoprotein, beta HCG) were normal. Testicular ultrasound showed an enlarged testis, comprising heterogeneous nodules with infiltration of the spermatic cord. Abdominal ultrasonography and CT scan showed a latero-aortic retroperitoneal lymph node mass and a large left kidney. Chest x-ray was normal. Treatment consisted of radical orchidectomy. Histological examination of the operative specimen confirmed the diagnosis of paratesticular rhabdomyosarcoma. The patient was treated by chemotherapy and subsequently developed recurrence with metastases.

[Priapism in adults. 16 cases]

Priapism is a rare disease, characterized by prolonged, painful and irreducible erection, not resulting in ejaculation. It is an andrological emergency with a poor prognosis, as the risk of impotence is 50% despite appropriate management. Treatment is essentially surgical. The authors report their experience of 16 cases of priapism observed over a 15-year period. The mean age of the patients was 36 years (range: 21 to 56 years). The diagnosis was clinical. The mean time to consultation was 8 days (range: 1-28 days). Priapism was secondary to neuroleptics in 6 cases (37%), chronic myeloid leukaemia in 2 cases, sickle-cell anaemia in one case, radiotherapy in 1 case and the cause remained unknown in 6 cases (37%). Treatment was surgical in every case and consisted of spongiocavernous anastomosis in 11 patients (Winter's procedure in 1 case, Al-Ghorab's procedure in 6 cases and transperineal in 4 cases, with saphenocavernous anastomosis in 5 cases). The overall failure rate of surgical treatment was 37%. The success rate of spongiocavernous fistula was 70% and the authors preferred the Al-Ghorab type of spongiocavernous fistula.

[Ureterosigmoidostomies. 35 cases]

35 patients underwent ureterosigmoidostomy between 1986 and 1996, corresponding to 25 males (71%) and 10 females (29%) with a mean age of 48 years (range: 21 to 81 years). 25 (71%) of these patients had invasive bladder cancer, 4 (12%) had a vesicovaginal fistula, 3 (9%) had bladder exstrophy and 3 (9%) had urethral trauma. All patients had normal renal function. In 2 patients, the ureter was dilated and in 3 other patients, one kidney was silent. The postoperative course are marked by death in 2 cases (6%) due to myocardial infarction, mechanical obstruction in 2 cases (6%), anastomotic dehiscence in 2 cases (6%). The mean follow-up was 4 years (range: 2 to 10 years). Eight patients (22%) developed impaired renal function, isolated hyperchloraemic acidosis was observed in 10 cases (28%), hypokalaemia was observed in 2 cases (6%), and episodes of acute pyelonephritis were reported in 4 cases (11%). Radiological signs of upper urinary tract deterioration were observed in 6 cases (17%). A tumour of the sigmoid colon was observed in one case after a follow-up of 10 years. 25 patients (72%) remain dry throughout the night, while 8 (22%) need to empty their rectum during the night. The poorly tolerated Coffey diversion was replaced in 6 patients (17%). The objective of this study is to analyse the results of ureterosigmoidostomy and to emphasize the advantages and disadvantages of this urinary diversion technique.

[Urogenital tuberculosis. 80 cases]

Urogenital tuberculosis raises major diagnostic problems due to the frequently atypical and misleading clinical features. It is a serious disease as the lesions are often multifocal and extensive, requiring major surgical resection and urinary tract reconstruction. Prevention of this disease is based on generalization of BCG immunization and adequate treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis. Between 1985 and 1995, 80 patients with urogenital tuberculosis were treated in our department. These patients consisted of 50 males (62.5%) and 30 females (37.5%) with a mean age of 38 years (range: 20 to 50 years). IVU revealed silent kidney in 26% of cases, ureterohydronephrosis in 36% of cases, small bladder in 17% of cases, and was normal in only 5% of cases. Renal function was impaired in 32% of patients. The diagnosis was confirmed by a positive test for AFB in the urine in 64% of cases, bladder biopsy in 20% of cases and pathological examination of the operative specimen in 20% of cases. Treatment consisted of temporary urinary diversion (32%), antituberculous chemotherapy in all patients, and corticosteroid therapy in 8.7% of patients. Surgical treatment was required in 95% of patients: partial nephrectomy (2.5%), nephrectomy (50%), enterocystoplasty (18%), ileoureteroplasty (5%), ureteric reimplantation (12.5%), ureterocaliceal anastomosis (1.2%).

[Kidney injuries. Apropos of 30 cases]

Renal trauma remains a topical subject due to its high incidence and the fact that it still raises therapeutic problems. The features of this disease were reviewed by means of a retrospective study of 30 cases of renal trauma observed over a 10-year period. The patients consisted of 27 males (90%) and 3 females (10%), with a mean age of 27 years (range: 20 to 60 years). The aetiology was largely dominated by road accidents (53%), falls (26%) and assaults (16%). Trauma was unilateral, predominantly affecting the left side (60%). The clinical features were dominated by haematuria (93%) and low back pain (90%). Trauma was associated with skeletal or visceral lesions in 46.6% of patients. Assessment of the lesions was based on IVU, ultrasonography and CT. Eight patients (26.6%) presented with moderate or minimal trauma (Chatelain stage 1 and 2) and were treated medically. Twenty-two patients (73%) were operated: 6 of them underwent total nephrectomy and 16 were treated conservatively. Seven of the operated patients subsequently developed complications.

[Ureter injuries. Apropos of 42 cases]

Ureteric trauma constitutes a serious disease which can induce renal complications. Ureteric trauma is often iatrogenic, mainly due to gynaecological surgery. The authors report a series of 42 cases of ureteric trauma observed over a 20-year period. These patients consisted of 33 females (78%) and 9 males (21%) with a mean age of 38 years (range: 20 to 65 years). 24 ureteric lesions (57%) were secondary to obstetric procedures and operations, 9(21%) were due to gynaecological operations (hysterectomy), ureteroscopy was responsible in 3 cases, 2 lesions were due to lumbar sympathectomy, one case was secondary to resection of the rectum and 2 cases were secondary to abdominal trauma. The most frequent lesion was ureteric section (21 cases), usually affecting the pelvic ureter. Iatrogenic lesions were associated with iliac vessel ligation (1 case) and vesicovaginal fistulas (8 cases). The clinical features were dominated by vaginal urinary fistula (33 cases) and low back pain (15 cases). The diagnosis was essentially based on IVU, which showed ureterohydronephrosis in 18 cases and a silent kidney in 2 cases. Eight ureteric lesions were diagnosed at operation, 31 after an interval of 3 to 20 days and 2 after an interval of 3 months. Treatment consisted of ureterovesical reimplantation in 17 cases, Boari-Kuss bladder flap in 3 cases, psoas bladder in 6 cases, end-to-end ureterorraphy in 5 cases, ileoureteroplasty in 3 cases, nephrectomy in 2 cases, appendicoplasty in 1 case, double J stent in 2 cases. The course was marked by the development of hydronephrosis (4 cases), ureteric stenosis (2 cases), vesico-ureteric reflux (1 case), urinary fistula (2 case) and lengthening of the ileal graft (1 case).

[Internal urethrotomy in the treatment of urethral stenoses (longterm results)]

The authors report their experience of a series of 100 patients undergoing internal urethrotomy for urethral stricture, with a follow-up ranging from 12 months to 5 years. The morbidity was 16%. A satisfactory result was obtained in 54% of cases. The site and aetiology of the stricture did not influence the results. Better results were obtained in shorter, isolated strictures. Poor results were reported in cases with extensive stricture or in patients with a history of urethral surgery. These cases underwent repeated urethrotomy with less favourable results.

[Augmentation enterocystoplasty. 35 cases]

The authors report their experience of augmentation enterocystoplasty, performed in 35 patients over a 16-year period. This series consisted of 20 men (57%) and 15 women (23%) with a mean age of 45 years (18 to 69 years). The aetiologies of small bladder were urogenital tuberculosis (17 cases), vesicovaginal fistula (8 cases), urogenital schistosomiasis (4 cases), interstitial cystitis (4 cases), neurogenic bladder (2 cases). Augmentation enterocystoplasty used the ileum (26 cases), sigmoid colon (5 cases) and caecum-ileum (4 cases). Augmentation enterocystoplasty was associated with supratrigonal cystectomy (20 cases), hydraulic antireflux valve (1 case), ileoureteroplasty (2 cases) and ureterovesical reimplantation (3 cases). Three patients developed a urinary fistula. The marked mucus production was responsible for urinary retention in one patient. Three patients developed metabolic acidosis requiring alkalinization. Two patients developed ureterohydronephrosis secondary to stenosis of the ureteroneovesical junction and another two patients developed bladder stones. The objective of this study was to evaluate the results of augmentation enterocystoplasty in patients with a small bladder or neurogenic bladder.

[Herald's lesion with a localization in the bladder. Apropos of a case]

Herald's lesion located in the bladder is an non-specific extrinsic inflammatory lesion. This pseudotumoral neoformation often results from a pathologic process of the pelvis (95%). Recurrent cystitis is the main symptom. The diagnosis is difficult and cystoscopy and biopsy is the basic investigation. Surgical treatment must remove the original lesion with partial or total cystectomy. Epidemiologic, pathologic and therapeutic aspects of this disease are discussed.